Evander Please Retire

This past Saturday night, Evander "the Real Deal" Holyfield tried to make history by becoming the only man in history to win a heavyweight title five times. 

And at the age of 40, he would have to do it against someone 8 years his junior. 

It didn't happen. 

Chris Byrd became the new IBF Heavyweight Champion with a 12 round unanimous decision (116-112, 117-111, 117-111) over Holyfield. 

Holyfield stated that he injured his shoulder during the first round which contributed to his loss. 

He will likely find out the results of an MRI he took sometime on Tuesday to see if he will need surgery on his shoulder.

The loss puts Holyfield's boxing record to 38-6-2 with 25 KO's. 

Holyfield has stated that no matter what the outcome of his MRI, he still wants to keep fighting.

But why?

He has nothing to prove anymore.

He's already shown that a cruiserweight can jump up and win in the heavyweight division.

He's fought the best and beaten the best. 

He is the Best technical fighter I have ever seen in a boxing ring. 

Had he used his technical superiority in all of his matches instead of slugging it out (ala Riddick Bowe), he'd probably be undefeated right now.

His Heart is unmatched.

His only knock is that he always seemed to fight at his opponents level - He Knocks out Mike Tyson but almost gets knocked out by Bert Cooper.

It's time to hang up the gloves Evander.

I don't want to see you get hurt. 

I have no doubt that you will survive any fight if you continue but that's not what the game is all about.

There's an old saying in martial arts - "The mind is smart but the body is dumb."

Your mind may know what to do in a ring Evander, but unfortunately, your body can not respond like it use to.

Take your knowledge and pass it along to the next generation.

With your boxing knowledge, you'll achieve the Heavyweight Championship again - only as a trainer.

As for Chris Byrd, his record jumps to 36-2 with 20 KO's.

Byrd's next opponent is suppose to be the winner of the John Ruiz vs. Roy Jones Jr. bout which takes place  March 1, 2003.

I wonder what Lennox Lewis thinks about all this?

TMS 

(12/17/02)