Triller Fight Club’s headliner fight on Saturday featured two respected prizefighting legends. 58-year-old Evander Holyfield decided to come out of a ten-year layoff to fight 44-year-old Vitor Belfort.
“The Real Deal” stepped in on short notice to replace Oscar De La Hoya, who was hospitalized for COVID-19. Concerns arose because of Holyfield’s age, and it did show during his open workouts and the fight itself.
The former cruiserweight and heavyweight champion did throw a few punches, but his movements were labored. Belfort, meanwhile, was crisper with his punches and was able to hurt Holyfield with a left hand.
Holyfield slipped and caused a momentary lull in the action, but Belfort immediately got on him. “The Phenom” landed an uppercut that sent Holyfield to the canvas, then went in for the kill with combination punches. The referee had seen enough and stepped in to stop the action, much to Holyfield’s dismay.
Vitor Belfort def. Evander Holyfield via TKO (1:49 of round one)