Holyfield-Botha fight in Uganda confirmed

KAMPALA, Uganda -- Former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield will challenge Francois Botha for the lightly regarded WBF title in Uganda on Jan. 16.

Organizers of the fight in Kampala's Nambole Stadium said on Thursday that both fighters had signed contracts. A turnout of about 80,000 fans was predicted.

"I am very much looking forward to going to Uganda and I expect a tough fight against Francois Botha," Holyfield said. "I am going to win and I will cherish the WBF world title."

Holyfield (42-10-2) has not fought since losing a points decision to Nikolai Valuev a year ago. The 47-year-old American, also a former cruiserweight champion, believes a victory could give him a shot at a more prestigious title.

The same applies to Botha (47-4-3). The South African has lost to Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Wladimir Klitschko and Michael Moorer and retained his WBF title by drawing with Pedro Carrion of Cuba in Germany in October.

"I have always been my own harshest critic. My performance against Carrion, without making any excuses, was arguably the worst of my career," Botha said.

"Expect the fittest, toughest and best ever -- and extremely serious -- Francois Botha in Uganda in January. I owe my fans and members of Team Botha the performance of my life. I intend to make good on that."