Veteran Holyfield lands shot at title

Holyfield, who will face 7ft Russian Nikolai Valuev in Zurich on 20 December, was WBA champion until losing to John Ruiz in 2001. He has not fought since his defeat by WBO champion Sultan Ibragimov a year ago.

Known as the Real Deal, Holyfield has financial problems. Earlier this year he faced the threat of a jail sentence after failing to make three monthly child-support payments.