Holyfield-Valuev likely kaput

NEW YORK -- Four-time heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield says he is ready to get in the ring with WBA heavyweight champion Nicolay Valuev. The problem is, Valuev and his camp doesn't seem all that interested in fighting him anymore.

In recently published reports, Holyfield has said that he has been offered the opportunity to fight Valuev, a 7-foot Russian who, in August, successfully defended his title against American John Ruiz. But according to Sauerland's managing director Chris Meyer, a potential Holyfield fight still needs the approval of Valuev and co-promoter Don King.

"Holyfield was not [smart] to announce something before the terms were finalized and the matter was discussed internally with King and Valuev," said Meyer. "Holyfield is one of the candidates."

Valuev's manager, Boris Dimitrov, told The Guardian in London that his fighter was not interested in fighting Holyfield.

"We have nothing but respect for Evander Holyfield and we revere his amazing accomplishments," Dimitrov told the newspaper. "I don't want to insult Mr. Holyfield, but he is nearly 46. Nikolai doesn't want to box him. That will be ridiculous."

Holyfield, who will turn 46 on Oct. 19, is looking to become the oldest heavyweight champion since George Foreman. In 1994, a 45-year-old Foreman knocked out Michael Moore to win the title in one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.