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Holyfield vs Belfort LIVE: Result and reaction as Donald Trump commentates on bizarre fights

Relive all the action from a strange night at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Tom Kershaw
Sunday 12 September 2021 04:08 BST
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Vitor Belfort punches Evander Holyfield
Vitor Belfort punches Evander Holyfield (Getty Images)

Relive all the action from a bizarre night of boxing as Evander Holyfield returned to the ring at 58 years old in a heavyweight exhibition bout against former UFC champion Vitor Belfort.

‘The Real Deal’, one of boxing’s all-time greats, retired a decade ago but was lured back through the ropes as a late replacement for Oscar De La Hoya. Many had questioned if the fight should be allowed to go ahead, with the California State Athletic Commission refusing to sanction the bout, however, a late change of venue to Florida meant it proceeded regardless of those concerns. Adding further to the strange spectacle, Donald Trump provided commentary on the broadcast.

Belfort, who amassed a 26-14 record in a decorated MMA career, had promised to savour the occasion. “Minute by minute, second by second. Just focus on what I control, that’s all I do. Be able to enjoy every moment,” he said ahead of the bout. “Boxing is a passion of mine for a long time and I’ve been applying it in a different field. Now I’ll be able to enjoy it against one of the greatest in the world so I couldn’t ask for a better opponent.” Relive all the action live below:

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Fournier tiring and failing to land

Haye has won every single round so far and, even at 40 years old, his reflexes are far too sharp for a crude and tiring opponent like Fournier. Occasionally, the entrepreneur turned boxer is able to back Haye onto the ropes, but he does not have the class or the cunning to make a dent. Haye is carrying the bout and cruising towards a lopsided decision.

Tom Kershaw12 September 2021 00:47
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Haye outclassing Fournier

Fournier is trying valiantly but he can’t do anything to truly trouble Haye, and that is hardly surprising considering the vast difference in their experience. Donald Trump is providing analysis of the bout... but there’s little to get excited about for those in attendance.

Tom Kershaw12 September 2021 00:44
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Haye fights Fournier

We’re underway in this strange fight between Haye and Fournier, with Donald Trump on commentary.

Fournier started aggressively in the first round but then got dropped in the final seconds by a strong jab.

Tom Kershaw12 September 2021 00:41
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Holyfield and Haye return to ring on bizarre fight night

Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of a bizarre night of boxing in Florida as Evander Holyfield returns to the ring at 58 years old in a heavyweight exhibition bout against former UFC champion Vitor Belfort.

Donald Trump is set to provide commentary on the main event, while David Haye features on the undercard, fighting his close friend Joe Fournier on what promises to be a strange spectacle.

Tom Kershaw12 September 2021 00:32

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