Holyfield Gets Title Shot Against Ibrgimov!!!! Ibragimov-Chagaev OFF

[AG11]

Apparently Ruslan Chagaev is injured and Holyfield is going to replace him against Ibragimov. Hopefully Ibragimov can retire Holyfield for good. He should be able to- he uses his legs way too much for Holyfield to effectively land anything. This is being reported on the site that talks about boxing.

[Relentless]

WHAT!!!???? no unification?

[ChuckYoungblood]

This is being reported on the site that talks about boxing. :think This is hopefully just a rumour.

[AG11]

Lets all hope that unification is just put on hold. This is futher evidence that the HW division appears to be cursed!

[Shotgun]

Wlad should step in and take his place :deal

[MagnificentMatt]

Lets all hope that unification is just put on hold. This is futher evidence that the HW division appears to be cursed!

I could see Holy beating Sultan...nothing agaisnt Sultan but he didnt look amazing in his last fight, and if you consider Holyfields situation, he did look amazing.

[BigEars]

I could see Holy beating Sultan...nothing agaisnt Sultan but he didnt look amazing in his last fight, and if you consider Holyfields situation, he did look amazing.

He looked amazing compared to his losses in recent times before that but I was much more impressed with Ibragimov and I feel he would simply be too quick for Holyfield nowdays .

This is terrible news though , we need unification up at heavy :-(

[El Bombasto]

I could see Holy beating Sultan...nothing agaisnt Sultan but he didnt look amazing in his last fight, and if you consider Holyfields situation, he did look amazing.

Amazing? More like OK against a perenial punching bag.

[2ironmt]

you need unification everywhere. but, anyone with sense knows that wlad is by far the top hw right now. likely this will be a close fight. holy even at 55 will provide more problems for the competent ibragimov than that version of shannon briggs which he fought.

[Butch Coolidge]

Fightnews still has Chag vs Ib on.

[Stinky gloves]

Yeah baby, that news rocks!

Holyfield the last line of defense:deal

[2ironmt]

Amazing? More like OK against a perenial punching bag. holy looked ok for the whole fight against oquendo and oquendo is no punching bag and is very difficult to fight and oquendo wasn't shot either

[FlatNose]

Sultans success up until now is due to the drought of talent in the heavyweight division of today.A few years ago, Holyfield was blasted out by the obese former middleweight, James Toney, and if anything, Evander has gone back even further since then.But he certainly has a better than even chance of beating the woefully mediocre Sultan.If David Haye moves up to heavyweight, he certainly would destroy either Holyfield or Ibragimov and probably Wlad as well.Not because Haye is a future all time great , but because the current heavyweight picture is so dismal.

[Unforgiven]

Holyfield will beat this bum.

[AG11]

Fightnews still has Chag vs Ib on.

BREAKING NEWS
Ibragimov-Chagaev off: Sultan will now defend against Holyfield!
Evander gets shot at fifth world title

[Butch Coolidge]

Sultans success up until now is due to the drought of talent in the heavyweight division of today.A few years ago, Holyfield was blasted out by the obese former middleweight, James Toney, and if anything, Evander has gone back even further since then.But he certainly has a better than even chance of beating the woefully mediocre Sultan.If David Haye moves up to heavyweight, he certainly would destroy either Holyfield or Ibragimov and probably Wlad as well.Not because Haye is a future all time great , but because the current heavyweight picture is so dismal.

When is he going to fight as a heavyweight?

[The Italarican]

I hate this crap. Oh well hurry up and get it over with.

[Marnoff]

...

[Marnoff]

I hate this crap. Oh well hurry up and get it over with.

Exactly.

[Stinky gloves]

i was kind of expecting something like that:D

So I guess Holyfield - Golota in the works for the late fall?

[ThePlugInBabies]

i think this has killed any lingering interest i had in the division until haye goes up.

[1-Ton]

From said article:

"Evander Holyfield will challenge Sultan Ibragimov for the WBO heavyweight title in October. The opportunity became available because WBA titlist Ruslan Chagaev apparently injured himself and will not be able to face Ibragimov in the unification bout scheduled for Moscow on October 13, 2007. Chagaev's loss is Holyfield's gain, however, as the boxing legend will now get an opportunity to add another championship to his storied career. The bout will take place at the same time and place that Ibragimov-Chagaev was originally slated for."

[KobeIsGod]

From Dan Rafael of ESPN:

The heavyweight division's first unification title fight since 1999? So much for that.
Ruslan Chagaev, who was scheduled to meet titleholder Sultan Ibragimov on Oct. 13 in Moscow, withdrew from the fight Thursday because of an undisclosed stomach ailment, a source involved in the fight said.
A news conference is scheduled for later Thursday in Moscow.
Meanwhile, in order to save the date and the card, discussions are under way between Ibragimov's camp and former four-time world titleholder Evander Holyfield for Holyfield to replace Chagaev. Holyfield was the initial target of Ibragimov's handlers for a fall fight before a deal with Chagaev was finalized.
There hasn't been a recognized world heavyweight champion since the retirement of Lennox Lewis in January 2004. For the division, there hasn't been a unification fight since Lewis became the undisputed champion by defeating Holyfield in their November 1999 rematch.
Ibragimov, 32, of Russia, won the WBO version of the heavyweight title on June 2 with a lopsided unanimous decision against Shannon Briggs in Atlantic City, N.J. Chagaev, 28, a native of Uzbekistan based in Germany, won a majority decision to lift the WBA belt from Nikolai Valuev on April 14 in Germany.
Dan Rafael covers boxing for ESPN.com

Must be one hell of a tummy ache :yep
No mention of Wlad. Looks like we can put unification on hold for another year :dead

[barneyrub]

What a joke, beating lou saverese gets you a title shot! ha ha ha, oh well i suppose its the WBO and thats never been regarded as a real world title at heavyweight anyway.

[DamonD]

Jesus fucking Christ.

All due respect to Holyfield, and I know his fans will be thrilled beyond belief, but this is big blow to the division. If Holy wins, what does that say about the quality of today's division? If Holy gets his head bashed in, the critics of boxing will have a field day.

And most importantly of all, no more unification bout. Dear God...couldn't they just delay the fight or something?

[1-Ton]

I have really mixed emotions about this. On one hand, I was anxious for HW unification. On the other hand, I'm really excited to see Holyfield get a title shot against the champ whom I believe he has the best shot at beating. Either way I'm pumped to see the fight, I guess.

[DamonD]

I could see him beating Sultan. I'm afraid I don't have a lot of faith in the guy, although I would plead general ignorance.

[1-Ton]

If Holy wins, what does that say about the quality of today's division?

Anyone who has watched Holyfield recently would notice that he is not the same fighter who lost 3 straight fights (Byrd,Donald,Toney). Should he win, and I believe he can, it just says more about the greatness and legacy of Holyfield than it would condemn the division.

[Martini643]

Evander will be champ!!!

[DamonD]

You sincerely don't think it wouldn't condemn the division?
Even though Holyfield, if not as bad as he was against Toney and Donald, is quite clearly not a patch on his prime version...yet could end up a belt-holder again? Or even the very fact he's worthy of such a shot?

When Foreman punched out Moorer, it gave his rep a major shot.
For the division in general, it made them look like a bunch of jokers.

[a.arthur.h]

Since this isn't a mandatory why doesn't he fight Wlad? Holyfield has not earned another title shot yet, nor do I think he can compete at the capacity that should be required of a heavyweight champion.

I guess if Holyfield is going for a title this is probably the safest one for him to go for.

But how the HELL do you earn a title shot with victories over Jeremy Bates, Fres Oquendo, Vinny Maddalone, and Lou Savarese :blood?! I realise he is Evander Holyfield..but it is still not enough in my mind to warrant a title shot.

[Stinky gloves]

But how the HELL do you earn a title shot with victories over Jeremy Bates, Fres Oquendo, Vinny Maddalone, and Lou Savarese :blood?!
Hell, thats pretty respective resume, nobody else have batter right now :deal

[DamonD]

Well, that's a given...the standard for earning a title shot generally seems to be to get a string of victories going, regardless of any top 10 ranking or whatever. A couple more wins and Bowe could be next in line.

[MrSmall]

Well this is bullshit.
Stomach ailment for 2 months?
What does he have, fucking AIDS?

[nervousxtian]

Stomach Ailment? What kind of stomach ailment sidelines you for enough time that you can't make an October date for a fight?

There's some bullshit in the air.

[Wige247]

Either post a link or STFU

[pipe wrenched]

I know alot of you guys disapprove, but I'm behind Holyfield until HE says he is done. Go HOLYFIELD!!!

[DamonD]

One thing I guess I can say...well, with some degree of optimism at least...whoever wins, they would be looking for a unification next. Either Sultan-Chagaev finally, or Holyfield would be game to take on Chagaev himself or even Wladimir.

[nervousxtian]

Either post a link or STFU

Try Fightnews, and then why don't you STFU.

[nervousxtian]

If not Evander, than who?

Bates, Oquendo, Maddalone, and Savarese is still a better last 4 then most of the prospects and contenders out there have on their resume.

[a.arthur.h]

One thing I guess I can say...well, with some degree of optimism at least...whoever wins, they would be looking for a unification next. Either Sultan-Chagaev finally, or Holyfield would be game to take on Chagaev himself or even Wladimir.

Holyfield vs Klitschko would be a travesty if it comes off. I've never been a fan of Holyfield but I would hate to see him end up permanently injured. I believe he is at a point in his career that he just can't take the kind of shots that a Klitschko would throw at him. I also don't think he has what is required to test Klitschko's chin.

If Wladimir took this fight, regardless of it being a unification or not, I would lose any respect I have for him.

If Holyfield is going to stick around he cannot be fighting the big sluggers at this point in the game.

[nervousxtian]

I don't want to see Wlad kill Holyfield. That's what would happen, he'd destroy Holy at this point.

Now Holy vs Sultan, it's a winnable fight.

[ThePlugInBabies]

where does holy go if we wins?

tyson - holyfield III........

[DamonD]

I'm certain he'd do it. Getting a title belt would put him in a position of power, and I'm almost 100% that Holyfield being Holyfield he would go for the 'biggest dog'.

Barring any upsets, that would be Wladimir. And the pressure on Wlad would grow and grow to accept the challenge, I can't see him being able to duck something like that.

I seriously expect Holy-Wlad if Holyfield wins here.

[JETSKI]

Holyfield will get his 5th HW Title. Sultan won't do anything to bother Holy & after a few headbutts, Ibragimov will realize he's in for a long night.

Sure hope I'm wrong on this one, if this fight even happens. Maybe just a rumor.

[EpsilonAxis]

Presscot huh? ROFL...

your avatar = :gayfight

You are a faggot. :good

[Sweet Scientist]

Jesus fucking Christ.

All due respect to Holyfield, and I know his fans will be thrilled beyond belief, but this is big blow to the division. If Holy wins, what does that say about the quality of today's division? If Holy gets his head bashed in, the critics of boxing will have a field day.

And most importantly of all, no more unification bout. Dear God...couldn't they just delay the fight or something?

Yeah, I agree with this. This is awful, awful news and it's just bad for the sport any way you cut it.

[Spitfire7]

Finally, Holyfield's dream shot at history...

[K0NPHL1C7]

Here we go again...Look for another wonderfull gift to Holyfield Ala Ruiz vs. Holy I.

[Gerard]

Holy will butt the hell out sultan and write history.
:scaredas:

[ripcity]

If Holyfield wins dose it say more about Holyfield or Ibrigmov?

[Feiti]

He should have tried to fight Wlad. Remember that the winner of this fight will probably have to fight Tony Thompson next, further stalling any hopes of unification

[Feiti]

Now that it´s come to this, Wlad should try to fight Ruslan when Ruslan gets better.

[Sputnik44]

Why not Wlad V Sultan?

Wlad could easily be ready by october and it would be a unification as well

screw all this BS let Wlad run through these bums

[Grabonator]

Anyone who has watched Holyfield recently would notice that he is not the same fighter who lost 3 straight fights (Byrd,Donald,Toney). Should he win, and I believe he can, it just says more about the greatness and legacy of Holyfield than it would condemn the division.

I have to agree.
But im verrry angry that the unification is off!! I dont buy the injury storry!! Team Chagaev simply is bitching out!! Stupid motherfucker Kohl is afraid he loses his champ but he has no reason to do so IMO! Kohl is just stupid!!

[jisi]

He should have tried to fight Wlad. Remember that the winner of this fight will probably have to fight Tony Thompson next, further stalling any hopes of unification

Wlad should fight Tony Thompson and then the winner of Holyfield/Ibragimov.

[emanuel_augustus]

Ibragimov will pummel Holyfield. Pathetic that Holy even gets a shot at a title.

[1-Ton]

You sincerely don't think it wouldn't condemn the division?
Even though Holyfield, if not as bad as he was against Toney and Donald, is quite clearly not a patch on his prime version...yet could end up a belt-holder again? Or even the very fact he's worthy of such a shot?

When Foreman punched out Moorer, it gave his rep a major shot.
For the division in general, it made them look like a bunch of jokers.

I'm not sure the division could be any less respected at this time. So Holyfield winning a title right now couldn't possibly make it worse. Instead, it would probably get more people paying attention, which can never be bad.

[andyZOR]

Links, pls.

Just go to fightnews...... read the above posts next time.

[DamonD]

I'm not sure the division could be any less respected at this time. So Holyfield winning a title right now couldn't possibly make it worse. Instead, it would probably get more people paying attention, which can never be bad.
Sadly, you could be right...but I had thought the division had made moves into increased respectibility this year. This feels like a big backwards step, that Sultan is basically fighting Holy for, well, for pretty similar reasons to why Moorer took on Foreman actually.

[Armo_Ruski]

this envolves more money IMO as to why sultan is facing holyfield... dont worry if holyfield wins there will be another fighter from the soviet bloc to step up and win the wbo and the marathon of champs will continue and continue.. us fans can forget about unification... ugggghh

[chliJs]

fuck that.

[Kostya Zoo]

Sorry Holy, you said it yourself WBO is not a title....:roll:

just as much a "title" as the other 3.

[paulfv]

I'm pumped up! Holyfield can get his 5th title and get even higher on the all-time rankings than he already is.

But it's not going to be an easy fight. Sultan isn't going to lay down for him and Sultan is quick with his hands. As someone mentioned, I'm sure there will be headbutts a'plenty.

I like Sultan a lot and definitely thank him for ridding the title from Briggs, but I'll be rooting for Holyfield.

[Rock0052]

Undisclosed stomach ailment= Chagaev keeling over because he can't believe how much Holyfield's team paid him to step aside.

[fernando4cv3]

Evander winning this is a good thing. He's a name that casual fans know. The unification can still go down except with a familiar name thrown in 2 catch the casual fans eye.

[Butch Coolidge]

Undisclosed stomach ailment= Chagaev keeling over because he can't believe how much Holyfield's team paid him to step aside.

You may be onto something there Rock.

[Boxfan1]

This stinks. Lennox or Vitali should be given the chance to fight for the WBO title instead of Holyfield.

[Rock0052]

You may be onto something there Rock.

This is one of those things where the joke's 95% truth. I'd be shocked if that weren't the case- the only thing I'm trying to guess is who sent him the money: Evander (or his people) or one of the sanctioning bodies.

[Butch Coolidge]

Not a good deal for boxing. If Ibragimov pounds Holyfield to bolivian then everybody will be saying, "beat a hasbeen when he should have fought Chagaev."

[Jinx]

it will be funny if Holyfield pulls this out...and i have a funny feeling he might...if he does he should retire before fighting a big gun like Wlad and get pummelled...

[Zakman]

This is a winnable fight for Holyfield - outside of Maskaev, Ibragimov is the most beatable of the titleholders. If Holyfield wins this at such an advanced age, there will be no denying he was the best HW of his era. :yep

[magnificentdave]

the good news is, if holyfield wins, we know he will try to unify, and Iggy wins, we know he will try to unify too

[Heavyrighthand]

Wlad should step in and take his place :deal

:smoke

[Mrboogie23]

I hate that this has happened. We need unification in the HW division. We have no clear champ. Unification is needed. We dont need to recycle old way past their prime greats.

[Fab2333]

hahahaha:yep:yep

What if Holyfield actully wins this?! I'd be laughing my ass off at Ibragimov fans for 7 days straight.:rofl:rofl:rofl:rofl:rofl:rofl:rofl:rofl
yup

[Fab2333]

I hate that this has happened. We need unification in the HW division. We have no clear champ. Unification is needed. We dont need to recycle old way past their prime greats.

theres always a chance of holyfield winning. And if he wins I think he will definately try to win another title so a unification bout will happen sooner or later

[Heavyrighthand]

Seeing as how Wlad is without a dance partner right now, they should have called him, instead. But I think the Ibragimov handlers know Wlad would easily and thoroughly, beat the hell out of Ibragimov, and thought Holy would be easy picking for Sultan.

Ibragimov and his handlers were bold in taking the Chagaev fight, but they don't seem to be bold in this case. If they were so proud of the fact that they set up the first unifying fight in 8 years, why then didn't they set up an alternative unifiying fight with Wlad, after the first went south?

We don't know the particulars behind the scenes, but Ibrag don't seem to be as brave and self assured as he did before.

[maciek4]

Sultan is going to win a wide UD

[DamonD]

WBO rankings as of July 2007

C - Sultan Ibragimov
1 Samuel Peter
2 Alexander Dimitrenko
3 Luan Krasniqi
4 Tony Thompson
5 Serguei Lyakhovich
6 Vladimir Virchis
7 Calvin Brock
8 Shannon Briggs
9 Vitaly Klitschko
10 Matt Skelton
11 Shane Cameron
12 Eddie Chambers
13 Evander Holyfield
14 Josue Blocus
15 Michael Moorer


He's certainly leapfrogged a lot of guys, without beating anyone in at least the WBO's Top 15 to do so...name value is more important than merit sometimes.

And Sultan switches from a fellow belt-holder to a #13 ranked guy. That's pretty damn weak too.

I wish Holyfield luck but I'm still very disappointed with this situation. Disappointed in Chagaev too, what's so lethal that led to him postponing a fight still so far off?

[Unforgiven]

WBO rankings as of July 2007

C - Sultan Ibragimov
1 Samuel Peter
2 Alexander Dimitrenko
3 Luan Krasniqi
4 Tony Thompson
5 Serguei Lyakhovich
6 Vladimir Virchis
7 Calvin Brock
8 Shannon Briggs
9 Vitaly Klitschko
10 Matt Skelton
11 Shane Cameron
12 Eddie Chambers
13 Evander Holyfield
14 Josue Blocus
15 Michael Moorer


He's certainly leapfrogged a lot of guys, without beating anyone in at least the WBO's Top 15 to do so...name value is more important than merit sometimes.

Some of the fighters above him on that list have done even less to get there than he has.

Matt Skelton I know about. Seen him fight plenty. Holyfield is miles better than him.

Who's Shane Cameron and what are his credentials ?

Who's Eddie Chambers beaten so far ?

Vitali Klitschko's hasn't fought since 2004 ! That's what I call benefitting from name recognition.

[DamonD]

Yeah, Vitali's on the list before he's even won a fight! I mean, I know almost everyone here figures McCline isn't much of a contest but still...