FightHype.com had the priviledge of catching up with four-time heavyweight world champion Evander Holyfield shortly after it was announced that he would be replacing Ruslan Chagaev to face WBO heavyweight champion Sultan Ibragimov on October 13th in Moscow, Russia. You don't want to miss what he had to say as he talks about the importance of getting the title shot and becoming heavyweight champion of the world once again. Check it out!
PC: First off champ, congratulations on a great performance against Lou Savarese.
EH: Well, thank you!
PC: Ruslan Chagaev has pulled out of his title fight against Sultan Ibragimov and you will be replacing him for a shot at the WBO title. How do you feel about getting this shot at Ibragimov?
EH: I feel good. The most important thing is I thank God for the opportunity to let me display my talents and to let people know to be patient and it shows up.
PC: You've been telling everyone that would listen that you would be in title contention again and you had several doubters. How important is it to you that you prove to them that you belong in the mix?
EH: I feel it's not so much of me proving to them because I feel I belong anywaym whether they felt like I did or not. I'm a winner and I come to win and sports is a business where you have to win. It wouldn't be uncommon for me to tell you that I'm going to win, just like it wouldn't be uncommon for him to tell you that he's going to win, but on the 13th, everybody should see the best fighter that night.
PC: You've been healthy, which in turn has allowed you to be an active fighter. How does it feel to finally be healthy and do the things you feel like you're capable of doing in the ring?
EH: It was humbling to be the 4-time heavyweight champion of the world and wasn't able to perform properly and to have people talk about you and say you have an ego, you should just sit down and time has passed you by. That's a humbling experience. I was able to withstand the pressure and all of the things that was happening at that time to recuperate to be able to do it. It's exciting to go into this fight and show the people of the world that God is good. I'm going to go out there and put on a great performance.
PC: You're fighting a young undefeated heavyweight in Ibragimov. Winning the WBO title puts you right back into the mix of things. Are you putting any pressure on yourself or do you look at it as you've been there, done that?
EH: No, I'm not putting any pressure on myself because the most important thing for me to do is win. This is what I come to do. If I'm not going to win, ain't no sense in being patient, waiting and working as hard as I have been.
PC: Who gave you the call that you were getting this opportunity?
EH: My promoter, Kathy Duva, informed me of what had happened and they chose me.
PC: I'm not going to hold you long, I hear you're busy. Good luck in October. I'm really happy for you. Is there anything you want to say in closing?
EH: I appreciate it. Tell the people to go and get the PPV. I'm going to do it!
