Evander Holyfield keeps title dreams alive with unanimous decision over Fres Oquendo

Former four-time heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield (40-8-2) continued his quest towards recapturing the title. The twelve-round decision was scored 116-111, 114-113, and 114-113, all in favor for the 44-year-old Holyfield.

The “Real Deal” Holyfield electrified the 10,133 fans in the Alamodome in Texas early in the first round. Evander sent Fres Oquendo (26-4) to the canvas with a big right hand to the temple. Before Oquendo knew it he was given a standing eight count by the referee.

While the fight slowed through the next three rounds, often due to Oquendo’s willingness to tie up Holyfield, the fifth round brought some excitement.  After backing Oquendo into the ropes and looking for a solid opening Holyfield got caught with two quick rights. By the end of the round Oquendo had snapped Holyfields head back with a solid left.

Holyfield took control of the fight in the seventh with several blows that seemed to rock Oquendo. Despite the heavy assault Holyfield couldn’t get his man down.

In the 10th round Holyfield again sent Oquendo into the ropes with a bruising right hand.

While both fighters landed solid blows, Holyfield presented himself as the aggressor throughout the fight. By the time the 12th round ended each man felt he had done enough to earn the decision.

When the decision was announced, it was Holyfield's first round knock down that earned him the right to raise his arms in victory.