W. Silva (photo) criticized the 'marriage' of the confrontation between V. Belfort and E. Holyfield. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @BellatorMMA
Brazilian MMA legend, Wanderlei Silva didn't like the super boxing challenge involving Vitor belfort and Evander Holyfield. After watching the former rival's attack on the 58-year-old former world champion in the 'noble art', the 'Mad Dog' opened up about his impressions of the commitment. In an interview with 'PVT', the PRIDE icon praised the moment of fights between the stars, but made reservations about the case of the 'Phenomenon'.
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“I find it very interesting (the superfights), because we have many athletes who are still in a position to fight big fights – which was not the case, unfortunately, with Belfort's opponent. We saw that he was not in the condition. It’s hard to judge, but what we saw wasn’t a very good thing”, said Wand.
Considered one of those responsible for boosting MMA in the world, Silva continued analyzing the dispute between Vitor and Evander, who returned to the ring after more than 10 years of inactivity. Wanderlei relied on the age difference to express his opinion.
“A 20-year-old guy fighting a 35-year-old guy already makes a difference, but from 20 to 30, it doesn't change that much. 14 years of difference after 45, I think this almost borders on cowardice. I was disappointed with this decision. Although the other person (Evander) accepted the fight. I don't know what led a big star like Holyfield to submit to an appearance like that. He has a whole history and he shouldn't tarnish his history for a few'cents'. I don't know what his condition is, if he needs money, but I think it's sad that an athlete has to subject himself to a situation like this. Everyone does what they want, but if you go in to fight, you have to have a minimum of conditions to put on a reasonable fight”, concluded Wanderlei.
Multi-time world boxing champion, Evander was hurriedly called up for the duel against Belfort. At the time, the almost sixty-year-old took on the challenge of replacing Oscar De La Hoya who left the event after contracting Covid-19.
In the confrontation itself, Holyfield showed little. Far from his best condition, the veteran was easy prey for a 'hungry' Vitor, who knocked the former champion down twice before the duel was interrupted by the referee, who declared a technical knockout in the first round.
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