He's earned $150 million over his twenty-year career and continues to be idolized around the globe for his past successes, but he hasn't won a battle in over two years. On Saturday, November 13th, those who love the energy, the competition and the tenacity of two boxers putting up their dukes will have their eyes on New York.

The only four-time Heavyweight Champion of The World, Evander Holyfield will take on 6'4" 36 year-old Larry "The Legend" Donald at New York's Madison Square Garden. He is hoping his forty-eighth visit to the Garden will be his last.

Holyfield, the forty-two year-old fighter, formerly known as the "Real Deal" who has nothing else to prove, thinks he still has the right punch. And the left, and the one-two, as the case may be. Holyfield also believes it is God's will that he delivers the last punch, tomorrow.

Holyfield's career has spanned twenty years in the boxing ring. Out of his last eight fights between March 1999 and October 2003, Holyfield has won only two.

In June 2002, he beat Hasim Rahman. And in August 2000, he took down John Ruiz.

Holyfield's Last Eight Fights

Oct 2003 James Toney (L)
Dec 2002 Chris Byrd (L)
Jun 2002 Hasim Rahman (W)
Dec 2001 John Ruiz (D)
Mar 2003 John Ruiz (L)
Aug 2000 John Ruiz (W)
Nov 1999 Lennox Lewis (L)
Mar 1999 Lennox Lewis (D)

Eight years ago, he beat Mike Tyson in one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.

Holyfield's overall professional record is 38 wins, 7 losses, and 2 draws with 25 wins by knockout.

He has earned nine Olympic Gold Medals and one Bronze.

His titles include: The WBA Cruiserweight, WBC Cruiserweight, IBF Cruiserweight, Undisputed World Cruiserweight, Undisputed Lineal WBA (four times), WBC (one time) and IBF (three times) Heavyweight Champion of the World.

In eleven years, Donald's professional boxing record is 41 wins, 3 losses and 2 no decision with 24 by knock-outs. His amateur career earned him 67 wins and 5 losses along with a trip to the 1992 U.S. Olympics. Donald has not yet added "Heavyweight Champion of The World" to his resume. However, he does hold the WBC Continental Americas, the WBA Fedelatin, the WBO & NABO heavyweight titles.

Donald considers Holyfield to still be a threat despite his age.

This morning, the BBC said:

When a once great footballer loses his lustre, his manager no longer picks him; when a once legendary golfer fails to keep pace with the kids, he joins the seniors tour.

But when a celebrated fighter can no longer defend himself, people line up to tell him he can still be the champ and arenas and television networks vie to stage his bouts.

This has obviously been the case with Evander Holyfield.

But why would a man who first won the undisputed title in 1990 continue to pursue the heavyweight crown once more?

Because he wants to retire as the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, he says.

It doesn't matter that he is no longer the headline.

Money is not the goal.

Exposing the Buster Douglas myth in in 1990, after Dougles upset Mike Tyson, is fourteen years behind him. (I've only gone to a stadium once in my life to watch a professional boxing match and that was the one.)

It doesn't matter now that long-term trainer Don Turner told Holyfield to give it up. His new trainer Ronnie Shields believes he can win which Holyfield says is going to make the difference.

Tomorrow night, his ability, skill, finesse, steps, focus, preparation, coaching, fearlessness, and endurance will all be put to the test.

Perhaps for the last time.

Can he out-think, out-fight, out-fox, out-punch his opponent?

Those in the world who care about Saturday's fight, save those on the Larry Donald team, will likely be cheering on Holyfield. I know I will.

Holyfield said, "You can only lose if you quit - so as long as I don't quit I'll reach my goal."

Let's pray he is able to hang up those gloves with pride and resolve on Saturday night.

If he doesn't win, we should all pray he doesn't end up like other former WBA champions, Muhammad Ali or Greg Page.

Ali's brain is scrambled and Greg Page is paralyzed down one side.

Much like George Foreman before him, Holyfield invokes the Lord: "I do believe in Jesus. I do believe that's my protection. I'm not going to lose one dead brain cell... Three generations from now I'll be doing well, and my remembers (sic) will be good."

Holyfield's web site states there is more to life than being in the ring. It says, "By giving back to his community, Evander Holyfield is inspiring generations of children and teaching us all that a Warrior doesn't forget where he comes from."

To hear his story and learn about his foundation, go to:

Hopefully, if Holyfield does lose, the experience will knock some sense into him, for his own sake and for those who aspire to be like him.

Sometimes, knowing when to stop is as significant, if not more so, than "not quitting."

Tomorrow's ten round Don King heavyweight extravaganza bout will be featured on PPV. Holyfield and Donald are the undercard of the Chris Byrd-Jameel McCline IBF heavyweight championship matchup.

November 15th, 1984 was the day Holyfield began his professional career in boxing. November 13, 2004 could very well be the day he ends it.

Inspire & Be Inspired (R).

Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful and "knowin' when to hold 'em, knowin' when to fold 'em" living!

~ Jennifer Carolyn King

P.S. Photo credits: Marty Rosengarten