Knockout Nation

(KNOCKOUT NATION – DECEMBER 21, 2008)

On Saturday in Zurich, Switzerland, Evander Holyfield was absolutely robbed of a decision against Heavyweight titlist, Nikolay Valuev. Although many had hoped for Holyfield’s retirement no matter what the decision, Holyfield put on a spirited performance for a 46 year old and simply didn’t deserve the treatment he received.

The fight was for the WBA heavyweight title and Holyfield would have become the oldest heavyweight champion had he been awarded the decision.  To be clear, the fight definitely lacked action and any sustained momentum. However, the story of the night was how the elder fighter in the ring displayed great stamina and lateral movement in going the distance and remaining elusive to Valuev’s offense.

Although Holyfield was not overly offensive, Valuev did much less than Holyfield and simply gave a lethargic performance. Again, although there was not much action. Holyfield was landing at a higher rate and doing much more to win the rounds. At points during the fight, the attending crowd began chants of “HOLYFIELD” and rallied behind the future hall of famer. Even commentator Al Bernstein noted the one sided nature of the fight and obviously viewed what many watching the fight saw as well – Holyfield was winning easily.

Although no one would deny the fight being boring, Holyfield used a good game plan to get off first and stay out of Valuev’s range. Valuev may have possibly won a round in the middle of the fight and one of the championship rounds, but at the end, the fight appeared to be a clear decision for Holyfield.

However the vision impaired judges scored the fight 114-114, 116-112, and 115-114 for Valuev. As Valuev attempted to pose for the crowd as the winner, he handedly received the “boos” that he rightfully deserved. Put simply, this was one of the worst decisions in boxing in recent years.

The prideful Holyfield took the robbery in stride without getting overly emotional. Speaking after the fight, Holyfield stated, “I can’t be disappointed in what I did in the ring. I felt that I did what was necessary, but the judges score the fight.”

Holyfield did not state if he would officially retire, but I would be curious to see if an immediate rematch will be called for. Although this fight was a dreadful affair, I for one wouldn’t mind seeing a rematch if only to see Holyfield get his just due. Who knows why this horrible decision was handed out, but perhaps the judges scoring the fight were trying to send a message to Holyfield – “Leave the sport”. However, the boxing legend and future Hall of Famer certainly deserves better than the unjust robbery that took place in Switzerland.

MERRY CHRISTMAS NIKOLAY VALUEV – ENJOY YOUR GIFT.

BROWN

Brownkn1@gmail.com