Evander Holyfield is considered a legend of boxing who has beaten the very best that the sport has to offer.
As one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time, Holyfield boasts wins over the likes of Mike Tyson, George Foreman, and James ‘Buster’ Douglas.
A remarkable five-time world champion, Holyfield was able to change boxing forever with his achievements.
Holyfield’s last professional outing would come against Brian Nielsen (64-2) in 2011, as he earned a tenth-round TKO. However, this would not be the last time that Holyfield would put on the gloves.
Evander Holyfield headlined bizarre boxing show in 2021
Stepping into the ring for the first time in 10 years, Holyfield would come out of retirement to compete at the Hard Rock Hotel in California.
Not only would Holyfield would be making an unlikely comeback, but he would also accept the bout on just eight days’ notice. The former heavyweight champion would be stepping in for record-breaking Oscar De La Hoya to face MMA fighter Vitor Belfort.
De La Hoya was forced to withdraw from the bout due to testing positive for COVID-19. However, Holyfield was willing to step in at 58 years old.
Belfort had an MMA record of 26-14, with his last combat sports outing coming in the UFC versus Lyoto Machicha, losing by knockout in 2018.
Other bizarre aspects of the card included a boxing match between former UFC fighters Anderson Silva and Tito Ortiz in the co-main event, as well as Donald Trump as a live commentator for the event.
English heavyweight David Haye also featured on the card, taking on fellow countryman Joe Fournier.
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Evander Holyfield vs Vitor Belfort ended in first round knockout
It would be a very short night for both fighters who headlined the unorthodox boxing card, with Belfort emerging the winner.
Only landing one punch, a big slip from Holyfield would almost put him through the ropes in the opening round. Shortly after, the Brazilian would score a knockdown on the former heavyweight king with an uppercut.
Following the knockdown, Belfort would put on the pressure as he was able to land a flurry of punches on Holyfield. Not defending correctly, the referee would wave off the fight.
The former boxing champion protested the stoppage, however, the bout was contested as an exhibition, meaning it did not impact his 44-10-2 record.
Other results on the card included Silva scoring a first round knockout over Ortiz, and Haye defeating Fournier via unanimous decision.