Evander Holyfield shows his support for Pacquiao

8CN – What's the latest champ?

EH – I am training, and hopefully I will get a fight this summer.

8CN – You are coming off of an 8th round TKO over Frans Brotha. Talk about your performance, and what do you do with that win going forward?

EH – Well you know, I won the WBF title and that put me back into the light a little bit. I am looking forward to defending that belt in August. I am also looking forward to fighting one of the champions.

8CN – How do you get a crack at one of the three main heavyweight champions when there are so many younger guys out there trying to get their shot?

EH – Well hopefully next year sometime I can. All of the guys now have their mandatory fights this year. Next year we can probably shake it out. I am looking at fighting two more times this year.

8CN – Your motivation amazes me. How do you keep this motivated at this point of your career?

EH – Well the fact of the matter is that no one can really defeat themselves, but themselves, by how they think. I keep positive by doing positive things, and as long as I continue to win it just builds me more and more.

8CN – Is getting the 5th world title what motivates you, or is boxing so deep into your blood that you just want to keep on fighting?

EH – Well it's not so much it's in my blood, my goal is to be the undisputed champion of the world. The last fight that I fought was a world title fight, so I look at myself as the 5 time heavyweight champion. With that said, my goal is to be the undisputed, so I want the WBA, WBC, WBO, and IBF. I just want to add on and define what undisputed really is.

8CN – Has your training regiment changed over the years?

EH – I don't train like I used to. As you get older it takes longer for your body longer to recover. I do less but I do the proper things that I know works. I know that the fight will be 36 minutes, so I know I have to push hard for 36 minutes. When my body isn't feeling up to par on some days, I don't push and grind and grind like I did earlier in my career.

8CN – There is word that Valuev may get a shot at Vitali Klitschko. What are your thoughts on that?

EH – It would be fitting for him to get a shot at one of the Klitschko's. If he's not up to part that will probably be it for him. At some point everyone runs into something that allows them to have to step up or sit down.

8CN – How do you think you would match up against a David Haye?

EH – He is a quick fighter. He is very fast and has very good skills. But even being a good fighter, if you get caught, you can go too. I'm not upset or frustrated, it's just a lot of young and fresh blood in there. It is good for boxing, and people like Haye being from England, and Klitschko being from Russia, it defines what world champion is.

8CN – What are your thoughts on Audley Harrison getting a crack at David Haye?

EH – He's fighting David Haye?

8CN – Yes, it appears that way.

EH – Wow. The guy didn't really do much to get that opportunity. I don't know what to say, he won a gold medal but that's it.

8CN – What are your thoughts on this whole Manny Pacquiao Vs Floyd Mayweather Jr saga?

EH – I think the fight will happen. With that kind of payday it's impossible for this fight not to happen. After you become great in boxing, what is the next point? There is no other purpose after you become great in boxing other than to make money.

8CN – It appears that Floyd wants a 60/40 split... Holyfield cuts in

EH – I don't think that's going to work. It's not Floyd that will bring the crowd. What makes this fight bigger than life is the good and bad thing. When people see Pacquiao, they look at him as the good guy, they want to see him win morally. These are the people that don't like Mayweather, so what makes this fight big is the ultimate good and evil. It is surprising that two small guys like that can bring it out. It only happens once and awhile. Just like Tommy Hearns and Duran, and Sugar Ray Leonard did. Pacquiao has a big crowd of people that wants to see him win because of his good attitude. Whoever he fights, he gives it his all. He's not gong to go in there and just put on a show that's not productive. I don't think that 60/40 is going to work.

8CN – If the fight does happen, who do you think will win.

EH – Mayweather as far as skill wise may be the best out there. It doesn't always mean the guy with the most skills will win though. Pacquiao has skills, and he has heart. On paper you always give it to Mayweather, but on personal ability and in a guy that fights through and through, you would say Pacquiao. This is what makes this fight a toss up. Pacquiao has proved that he is different than any other fighter. Pacquiao is just as quick as Mayweather, and he throws a lot more punches than Mayweather.

8CN – The Mayweathers are convinced that Pacquiao is on steroids. I have personally witnessed how hard Manny trains, and I do not think he is on steroids. What are your thoughts on that? Do you think it's a fair accusation that the Mayweather's have made?

EH – Either you're going to fight him or not. Why bring that steroid thing up? Either sit on the pot, or get off of the pot. Whatever commission it is, if it's Dallas or Vegas, they make up the rules. The fighter shouldn't get in there and aggravate the situation by making up his own rules. If Manny is on something they will catch him, but Mayweather don't make up the rules. Either fight the guy, or don't.

8CN – Thanks for your time. Do you have any closing thoughts?

EH – I look forward to fighting in August, and then in December. I want to fight one of the Klitschko brothers next year.


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