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    Evander Holyfield and Vitor Belfort face off at their final press conference

    " src="https://static.independent.co.uk/2021/09/11/20/newFile-1.jpg?width=982&height=726&auto=webp&quality=75" srcset="https://static.independent.co.uk/2021/09/11/20/newFile-1.jpg?width=320&auto=webp&quality=75 320w, https://static.independent.co.uk/2021/09/11/20/newFile-1.jpg?width=640&auto=webp&quality=75 640w">

    Evander Holyfield and Vitor Belfort face off at their final press conference

    (Getty Images)

    Follow all the action as Evander Holyfield returns 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 has been lured back through the ropes as a late replacement for Oscar De La Hoya. Many have questioned whether 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 means it will proceed regardless of those concerns. Adding further to the bizarre spectacle, Donald Trump will provide commentary on the broadcast.

    Belfort, who amassed a 26-14 record in a decorated MMA career, has 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. “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.” Follow all the action live below:

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    Tom Kershaw12 September 2021 03:58

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    Tom Kershaw12 September 2021 03:21

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    Belfort stops Holyfield in first round

    A sad spectacle comes to an unsurprising end. Belfort walks forwards unchallenged from the opening bell and unleashes a barrage of punches. The pressure causes Holyfield to slip through the ropes and, although he’s back on his feet and fine to continue, he’s dropped by a relatively lethargic combination just seconds later. After beating the count, he takes another series of punches without offering any response and the referee stops the fight. This was a dreadful show that should never have been allowed to take place.

    Tom Kershaw12 September 2021 03:12

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    This is Holyfield’s first fight in a decade after a career many agree continued far too long. The hall-of-famer is 58 years old and we can only hope this bout remains true to its status as an exhibition for entertainment rather than in the vein of an actual professional contest.

    Tom Kershaw12 September 2021 03:07

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    Holyfield and Belfort in the ring

    Holyfield walks to the ring second and the main event of this bizarre evening is finally upon us.

    Tom Kershaw12 September 2021 03:04

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    Fighters prepare to make ring walks

    The two fighters are ready to make their ring walks. There will be eight two-minute rounds in this exhibition fight. Holyfield has a huge advantage in size, skill and experience, but is 14 years older than his opponent, Vitor Belfort.

    Tom Kershaw12 September 2021 03:01

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    A memorial 10-count is held in honour of those lives lost on 9/11 before the American national anthem is sung by D’Corey Johnson.

    Tom Kershaw12 September 2021 02:56

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    Buffer makes ring introductions

    It may not be a typical fight night, but Michael Buffer, ever the professional, is treating it as such. First, he introduces the national anthems.

    Tom Kershaw12 September 2021 02:50

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    Tom Kershaw12 September 2021 02:45

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    Main event up next

    Evander Holyfield is completing his final preparations backstage and the main event is just a few minutes away. Hopefully, for the sake of the 58-year-old, he can avoid the sort of punch we just saw Silva throw.

    Tom Kershaw12 September 2021 02:37

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