Boxing: Victory for Holyfield could result in tilt at world title

Twenty years ago Evander Holyfield fought for his first world title over 15 rounds and tonight his unique career continues when he fights the fringe heavyweight contender Fres Oquendo at The Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

Holyfield, 44, has taken part in a total of 23 world title fights and many, like his two infamous encounters with Mike Tyson, have become significant events in modern boxing's history.

However, Holyfield has managed just two wins in his past seven fights and is so obviously past his best but amazingly all he has to do is beat Oquendo and he could find himself in line for yet another world heavyweight title fight.

"I've been through everything in the ring but it's hard to quit," Holyfield said. "And I should know because I've tried to walk away but it's just not that simple." Oquendo is 11 years younger and is still considered a decent fighter.

Meanwhile, Hartlepool's unbeaten Michael Hunter fights Canada's unbeaten Steve Molitor for the vacant International Boxing Federation super-bantamweight title in Hunter's home town tonight. It is the latest fight of genuine quality to take place in Britain in what has been a magnificent year for the sport.