Vitor Belfort vs. Evander Holyfield Takes Another Unexpected Twist

The Vitor Belfort vs. Evander Holyfield bout was forced to make another major change after encountering a roadblock.

Just when everybody thought that the appointment of Holyfield as Oscar De La Hoya’s replacement in the upcoming boxing match against Belfort would be the biggest shock in this saga, things got a bit more complicated as the entire event will now be shifted from California to Florida, Triller executive Ryan Kavanaugh confirmed.

According to Kavanaugh, the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) has refused to sanction Belfort vs. Holyfield in the state.

“Heavyweight fights are always the most exciting clashes, and this is a heavyweight fight between two true warriors,” Kavanaugh told ESPN of Belfort vs. Holyfield.

“We really wish Oscar [De La Hoya] a speedy recovery, he’s a champion and a warrior,” he added. “We know he’ll fight this and win. We look forward to seeing him in the ring on the anniversary of Fight Club’s launch, while also confirming the CSAC wouldn’t sanction Belfort vs. Holyfield, which meant the event had to be shifted to Florida.”

Triller is now eyeing to have Belfort vs. Holyfield take place at the Hard Rock Seminole in Hollywood, Florida.

As things stand, it wouldn’t be a surprise if more changes will happen soon as Holyfield filed a legal arbitration demand against Triller last week after the promotion failed to book the promised fights for “The Real Deal.”

Holyfield, who hasn’t fought since 2011, was expecting to face Kevin McBride and his former nemesis Mike Tyson when he signed with Triller. However, none of the aforementioned bouts progressed, and the former heavyweight boxing champ is now asking Triller to pay him the agreed $5 million.

Despite the ongoing issues with Triller, Holyfield insisted that nothing can stop him from entering the ring once again.

“I’ve been training hard for months and it looks like another cancellation,” Holyfield wrote on Instagram. “That doesn’t stop my determination or what God has planned for me.”

“No matter who I fight or who the promoter is in the future, I promise my fans I will step back in the ring at least one more time before I lay my gloves to rest for good. I thank my fans for always standing by me no matter what,” the 58-year-old continued.

Belfort, on the other hand, has not fought professionally since 2018. He was originally slated to take on De La Hoya in his return. However, the latter was forced to withdraw from the fight after contracting COVID-19 and was replaced by Holyfield.