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Boxing

Evander Holyfield: It was a 'bad call' to stop fight with Vitor Belfort

Alexander Netherton
Evander Holyfield: It was a 'bad call' to stop fight with Vitor BelfortAmanda Westcott/Triller
The 58-year-old former champion was soundly and comprehensively beaten.

Evander Holyfield was disappointed that his comeback fight against Vitor Belfort was stopped so early.

Holyfield had not fought since 2011 and the 58-year-old former two-division champion was stopped in the first round after already being sent to the canvas by the 44-year-old former UFC belt holder.

Belfort had been due to fight Oscar De La Hoya but he had to withdraw after suffering a bout of Covid.

Holyfield had been planning a comeback for months but was only able to make a fight after stepping in as a late replacement for Saturday’s card.

After the fight, Holyfield claimed the referee ended the fight prematurely.

“I thought it was a bad call. I don’t think the referee should have stopped the fight that quick,” he said.

Elsewhere on the card, David Haye mounted a successful comeback after fighting friend and nightclub owner Joe Fournier, before calling for a fight with current WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

Former president and twice-impeached steak salesman, Donald Trump, provided commentary for the event.

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