Boxing

Holyfield stops Maddalone

From correspondents in Corpus Christi, Texas
March 18, 2007

FORMER world heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield kept his comeback bid going today with a third-round stoppage of fellow American Vinny Maddalone.

The 44-year-old four-time ex-champ won for the third time in seven months, improving to 41-8 with two drawn with his 27th victory inside the distance.

Holyfield beat Jeremy Bates last August and Fres Oquendo last November.

Holyfield was idle for nearly two years after a 12-round loss to Larry Donald after a medical suspension but has fought three times in Texas since the ban was lifted and kept his dream alive by dumping Maddalone, who fell to 27-4.

Holyfield has denied a report linking him to a steroids investigation.

Federal agents told a New York newspaper that Holyfield used the name "Evan Fields" when ordering from an Alabama, pharmacy.

Holyfield will turn 45 in October, the same age as Foreman was when he stopped Michael Moorer to regain the heavyweight title.

Agence France-Presse