By Sean Crose
“Mitt Romney is getting in the boxing ring with Evander Holyfield,” the site claims “and no, this is not a joke.”
You read that right. Former presidential candidate (and boxing head) Mitt Romney will indeed be stepping into the ring with heavyweight legend Evander Holyfield on May 15th in Salt Lake City. Why? To earn money for a humanitarian cause.
“Holyfield agreed to participate in a fundraising event for Charity Vision,” the Tribune reports.
“It will either be a very short fight, or I will be knocked unconscious,” claimed former Bay State governor, Romney. “It won’t be much of a fight. We’ll both suit up and get in the ring and spar around a little bit.”
This is not the first time a famous American politician has gotten himself involved in the sport of boxing. President Teddy Roosevelt was a certified boxing nut, so much so that he sparred while in office.
What’s more, current politicians from both major parties are either outright boxing fans or have even boxed themselves at some point or other. Don’t believe it? Google the word “boxing” alongside the names Harry Reid and John McCain.
“Josh Romney (Mitt’s son) said a reception will begin at 6 p.m,” the Tribune reports. “And the fights start around 6:30. It is a black-tie event, and the fare will be heavy hors d’oeuvres.”
As far as Romeny’s concerned, it’s all in fun.
“We just thought it would be a lot better to provide this kind of entertainment,” he claimed, “rather than just have dinner and listen to speakers.”
Indeed.
As for Charity Vision, the organization focuses on “raising money and partnering with medical suppliers to donate state-of-the-art medical equipment for poor areas around the world.” Romney claims the charity has zeroed in over time on a specific ailment.
“Over the years the focus has been eye surgeries,” he states.
While Romney-Holyfield will undoubtedly be the highlight of the charity gala, professional bouts will be staged, as well (Holyfield finally, belated retired last summer). “Other fighters set to participate in the fundraising event,” the New York Daily News claims, “include Wes Capper, Steve Rolls, Leon Spinks III, and Jose Haro.”
No news on whether or not Romney will be trained by Freddie Roach.
