Holyfield takes on Valuev trying to make history

Dec 20, 2008 - 1:42 PM ZURICH, Switzerland (Ticker) - Nikolay Valuev is hoping that he will not become a victim of history.

Valuev puts his WBA title on the line against Evander Holyfield, who will try and become the oldest heavyweight champion in boxing history on Saturday at Hallenstadion.

At age 46, Holyfield (42-9-2, 27 KOs) is trying to win the heavyweight crown for the fifth time in his 24-year career. George Foreman captured the title at age 45 with a 10th-round knockout of Michael Moorer in 1994.

However, "The Real Deal" is 4-4 in his last eight fights and has not been in the ring since a unanimous decision defeat to Sultan Ibragimov on October 13, 2007.

Making the challenge even taller will be that Holyfield is up against the 7-foot Valuev (49-1, 34 KOs), who will have a 9 1/2-inch height advantage.

Valuev also has a weight advantage of nearly 100 pounds. He weighed in at 310 3/4 pounds to Holyfield's 214 1/4 at Friday's weigh-in.

"Boxing is not about size or age," Holyfield said. "It is about what you do inside the ring. I know what to do inside the ring. My experience will be the key. I am very experienced and I know what to do against Valuev.

"He certainly is the biggest champion I have ever fought, but his head is right where I need it to be to hit it. I'm in great shape and will put on a performance that will surprise many people."

Since suffering the first loss of his career, Valuev has won three straight fights. The 35-year-old defeated John Ruiz with a unanimous decision in Berlin on August 30.

"It is something very special to fight an accomplished champion such as Evander Holyfield," Valuev said. "He is a living legend and I am full of respect for him. However, once you are inside the ring, neither names nor titles matter any more.

"I will not underestimate him and I am fully aware that I need to perform very well to beat him."