Evander Holyfield Wins Over Francois Botha via 8th Round TKO
11/04/2010 12:56
The 47-years-old Evander Holyfield finished his South African opponent Francois Botha via TKO in the 8th round of their heavyweight boxing match at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada Saturday night.
Former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield won over Francois Botha via 8th round TKO Saturday at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Holyfield got Botha by the chin, knocking him down about 30 seconds earlier in the round.
Yahoo News reports: Botha (47-5-3) beat referee Russell Mora’s count, but Mora then stopped the fight with the South African backed into a corner, giving Holyfield the lightly regarded World Boxing Federation heavyweight title.
Two judges, Jerry Roth and Glenn Feldman, had Botha ahead 67-66 when the fight was stopped. The other judge, Herb Santee, had it 69-64 for Holyfield Holyfield said he was inspired by his fellow heavyweight champion George Foreman who got back on top as heavyweight champion at age 46.
"I'm happy Botha gave me an opportunity," Holyfield said. "When people talk about you, it's who I fought. I fought the best."
"(Holyfield has) got the skills. He's got the determination," Botha said. "He landed his shots. He's a true warrior. I didn't feel ashamed losing to a great champion like him."
In 1997 Holyfield beat former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in Las Vegas by disqualification when Tyson feasted on his ear. Six years later, he fought again in Las Vegas but lost to James Toney at the Mandalay Bay.
(original article appeared @ Digital Journal )