Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
WBN Editor
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| Holyfield unanimously defeats Mercer over ten rounds in 1995 |
Heavyweights set for Nelson Mandela exhibition
The Nelson Mandela Boxing Tribute night on February 2nd,
2013 will feature two heavyweight greats battling each other in a rematch
almost 18 years in the making as Evander Holyfield and Ray Mercer square up in
South Africa.
Damian Michael, CEO of Showpony Promotions and organiser of
the Cape Town bill, has told WBN that the two former champions have signed on
for a four-round exhibition contest and other big names have also been offered
places on the card.
“Holyfield has signed the contract and he will be up against
Ray mercer in a four rounder in honour of Mr. Mandela and I am currently waiting on
Roy Jones Jr to sign on the dotted line,” Michael told World Boxing News.
“I am also awaiting Steve Cunningham’s signature (at heavyweight) as we have spoken, but I still need to tie up some loose ends.
“I am also awaiting Steve Cunningham’s signature (at heavyweight) as we have spoken, but I still need to tie up some loose ends.
“We have invited George Foreman as well as my ambassador and
announcer Michael Buffer."
One fighter touted for the bill that looks unlikely though
is Rugby star-turned fighter Sonny Bill Williams as Michael stated that a TV
network commitment in his native New Zealand has prevented him from taking
part.
“Sonny Bill Williams has to finish his deal with Sky New
Zealand, but I am happy so far. This is more than a boxing event. This is about
Africa and the greatest of them all, Nelson Mandela,” he added.
.