Boxing: Successful Comeback For Holyfield

Viggö

Former world heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield made a successful return to the ring on Friday night, stopping Jeremy Bates in the second round.

Holyfield, whose last fight ended in defeat to Larry Donald back in 2004, looked in good shape as he out-manoeuvred Bates before rocking him with a barrage of punches that forced referee Rafael Ramos to stop the fight.

The four-time world champion was briefly stunned by a swinging right from insurance salesman Bates, but he recovered quickly to claim a victory that took his career record to 39-8-2.

"I'm so glad to get the opportunity to get back in the ring and show the people that I wasn't not a boxing man because I'm old," Holyfield said.

"I was able to do the things that I haven't been able to do in five years.

"I was able to slip punches, I was able to use my foot speed, I was able to go in and out."

At 43 years of age Holyfield still clearly holds legendary status amongst the US crowd, who chanted his name throughout the fight.

Harder tests will undoubtedly lie ahead as he attempts to land another championship before he retires, but Friday's triumph over Bates (21-12-1) provided plenty of encouraging signs.

A swiftness of thought and movement marked Holyfield's performance - albeit over just two rounds, and his chin stood up to a good shot from Bates.

"I didn't get hurt," Holyfield added. "I saw the shot. It got in. I was glad I was able to recover."

Holyfield's next opponent is yet to be confirmed.

[Credit: SkySports]