Report: Holyfield to get title shot

LONDON, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- U.S. boxer Evander Holyfield will try to become the oldest heavyweight champion in history with a fight in Switzerland in December, the BBC reported Thursday.

Holyfield, 46, has agreed to a bout with Russia's WBA champion Nikolai Valuev on Dec. 20 in Zurich, the BBC said.

Analysts say the American's chances against the 7-foot Valuev are slim to none because Valuev will have a seven-inch reach advantage and weighs at least 100 pounds more than Holyfield.

"I'm taking this fight very seriously," said the 35-year-old Valuev, a 1984 Olympic bronze medal winner. "Holyfield is a strong opponent, and 10 years ago I would not have dreamed of getting into the ring with this champion."

Holyfield has not fought since losing a unanimous decision on Oct. 13, 2007 to then-WBO champion Sultan Ibragimov.

His career record is 49-9-2, but since 2001, he has won only five of 11 fights.