(From Copenhagen Post) - May 7, 2011

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Evander Holyfield proved too strong for Brian Nielsen in his comeback fight

Nielsen lands one of the blows during Saturday's bout that had his Danish fans hoping he mark his return to the ring with a win (Photo: Scanpix)

Boxer Brian Nielsen gave everything he had in Saturday’s bout of the veteran champions, but eventually he had to bow to Evander Holyfield in the tenth round.

Nielsen was on the ropes throughout most of the fight, while a superior Holyfield was heading for a points victory. The referee stopped the fight in the tenth round after a technical knockout by Holyfield.

Shortly after midnight on Saturday night the legendary ring-announcer Michael Buffer – the man famous for the phrase “let’s get ready to rumble” – stepped into the ring to announce the four-time world heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield, followed by an announcement saying it was ‘teddy bear time’ again after nine years, as Brian Nielsen approached the ring at public broadcaster DR’s concert hall to a standing ovation.

Nielsen took a blow in the first round, but shrugged it off with a gesture that seemed to signal “is that the best you’ve got?” While the 46-year-old Danish heavyweight lacked depth in his punches, he worked well with his blocks.

By the end of the third round, however, Holyfield took control of the fight, helped along with two quick left hooks which sent Nielsen to the canvas. Nielsen was back on his feet in no time, but it had become clear to the audience that it was only a matter of time before he ran out of breath, inviting his American opponent in for a decisive blow.

During round four and five Nielsen hit the ropes again several times while Holyfield was punching away. That didn’t stop Nielsen, though, as he made a comeback in rounds eight and nine, getting back to level terms with Holyfield, who was starting to look tired.

In round ten, however, Holyfield landed a big punch to Nielsen’s stomach, which sent him to the floor. After that Holyfield was in total control and after a short series of blows from the American legend, the referee stopped the fight and Nielsen lost on a technical knockout.