Former American heavyweight boxing champion Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield will take on the giant Russian WBA heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev in Zurich, Switzerland on December 20, 2008.
The fighters had the official weigh in and Holyfield weighed in at a trim 214.25 lbs, while the 7 foot champion Valuev weighed in at 310.75 lbs.
Despite his menacing look and giant stature, Valuev isn’t known as a devastating puncher, he is rather slow and methodical in his style.
Holyfield is known for fighting and beating much larger opponents such as Riddick Bowe but this will be the biggest foe to date for the former Cruiserweight and Heavyweight world champion.
Valuev recently beat John Ruiz for the WBA belt, this will be his first title defense, he formerly held the title but lost it to Ruslan Chagaev in April of 2007.
Holyfield hasn’t held a legitimate Heavyweight belt since he won the vacant WBA belt against John Ruiz in 2000. Last year he challenged WBO champion Sultan Ibragimov for his title but lost.
Evander Holyfield weight 214.25 lbs
Nikolai Valuev weight 310.75 lbs
After the official weigh in, Champion and Challenger exchanged pleasantries and posed with the WBA President Gilberto Mendoza.
