He was at one time an excellent fighter. But he is obviously having trouble knowing when it's time to bow out. I don't think anyone wants to see him with the same problems Ali has.

Holyfield suspended by New York commission after latest loss

November 16, 2004
NEW YORK (AP) -- Evander Holyfield was suspended indefinitely by New York boxing officials in the wake of his loss Saturday night to journeyman Larry Donald.

The suspension means the 42-year-old former four-time heavyweight champion will have to seek medical clearance if he wants to fight again.

After losing a lopsided decision to Donald, Holyfield said he still plans to fight. Holyfield won only one round on one scorecard and two on the other two in the 12-round fight.

Holyfield has won only two of his last nine fights, and took a beating a year ago from James Toney. Donald didn't hurt him, but Holyfield landed only 78 punches of his own over 12 rounds, according to ringside statistics compiled by Compubox.

Holyfield told the New York Daily News on Monday that the New York State Athletic Commission was involved in a ``conspiracy'' to get him out of boxing and that he would contest the ban.

It is sad. Always thought he was classy and smarter than most pugilists, but its tough to move on for many of these guys. The NY Commssion is doing him a favor. Seems only Foreman fought and aged well, but he was inactive for a number of years and missed a lot of pounding. Saw Smoking Joe Frazier on TV not long ago, and he was pretty sad with the slurred speach and all. Jerry Quarry died of alzheimers-like "dementia pugilistica" in 1999. He did not know his name at age 53. I also saw "When We Were Kings" not too long ago, and the world lost a lot when Ali lost his power to talk like he did. I hope someone close to Evander talks some sense into him.

Back when he fought Riddick Bowe (94 or 95?), Holyfield was out of gas by the first few rounds. He had a dazed looked in his face for much of the fight, and did nothing but take punches. Everyone thought he was way over the hill then and should have retired after that fight.

This time, I don't think he will be surprising anyone.

Boxing is one of those sports that can kill you if you hang on too long. At least there are coaches around to bench you in other major sports.

Could you imagine a RB or a LB trying to stay in the NFL at age 42?

Interesting you should mention that. Former Cleveland Browns LB Clay Matthews retired around the age of 40. Former HOF Oakland Raider QB George Blanda retired at age 48. But of course these are rare exceptions.