Next step for `Old' Holyfield is Lewis

Someday, people will look back at Evander Holyfield and wonder how he fought the fights of his life in the twilight of his career.

For now, they might as well just sit back and enjoy his remarkable ride into heavyweight greatness.The fighter who only a year ago was given no chance against Mike Tyson, showed Saturday night that his wins against Tyson were no fluke. He came back from Tyson's biting to give Michael Moorer a beating and add the IBF title to the WBA heavyweight crown he already owned.

Now, only Lennox Lewis and the undisputed heavyweight title stand between Holyfield and retirement from a sport he is suddenly and strangely dominating at the advanced fighting age of 35.

"They say, `Why are you still here, you have nothing to prove,"' Holyfield said. "But I do want it. I've fought every fighter in my era. Lennox Lewis is the only fighter I haven't fought. I look forward to a fight with Lennox Lewis."

Lewis was ringside Saturday to watch Holyfield knock Moorer down five times before the fight was finally stopped with Moorer sitting on his stool in the corner after barely surviving the eighth round.

In the most action-packed heavyweight title fight in years, Holyfield put on a masterful performance against a fighter who simply refused to quit. In doing so, he brought himself in line for the one fight he wants before calling it quits in a career that has earned him some $170 million.

With Lewis, the WBC champion, holding the last piece of the crown, Holyfield said unification of the title "is the only thing driving me in boxing now."

"If the fight can be made, I'll be there," Holyfield said.

Lewis said he was just as ready for a unification fight which could take place in the spring if various promoters can get together to make the match.

"I'm the best heavyweight in the world," Lewis said. "Evander Holyfield might want to say he is, but he hasn't fought Lennox Lewis so how can he say that? Finally, I will get my opportunity to prove to everyone what I have been saying for so long."

Lewis may claim to be the best heavyweight, but it has been Holyfield proving it in the ring. He did it by administering a few beatings and taking one biting.Holyfield stopped Tyson in their first fight and was on his way to doing it again when Tyson bit both his ears in their bizarre rematch. Then, against Moorer, a lefty who beat him three years ago, Holyfield turned the fight around with a fifth-round knockdown and kept putting Moorer down every time he got back up.