Holyfield faces Valuev, hopes to become oldest to regain heavyweight title

"He is not a great fighter," said Maloney, adding that the young Holyfield would have beaten him with his speed and heart.

Holyfield has consistently downplayed his age and size disadvantages, and plans to rely on mobility to neutralize Valuev's long reach and huge fists, which have knocked out 34 opponents.

"If he has to take one step, then I can come at him. You can't do this when your front foot is up," he said, mimicking Valuev's jab and a planned counter. "If I catch him with a good shot and he doesn't see it coming, I know I'll knock him down.

"He doesn't even try to move at all. He's going to take your best shot, and I'm punching in combinations."

While Valuev has great power, he has benefited from a number of close decisions and has yet to gain the recognition that has been given to the Klitschko brothers, who hold the other major belts. This would be the biggest win of the Russian's career.

Holyfield can look to the example set last year by the similarly sized Ruslan Chagaev, who beat Valuev by majority decision to take the WBA crown. Valuev regained the title by beating John Ruiz after Chagaev had to relinquish it because of injury.

Holyfield, 42-9-2 in his career with 27 knockouts, is 0-3-1 in his last four title bouts and hasn't fought since losing a one-sided decision to then-WBO champion Sultan Ibragimov over a year ago.

"It's been a tough seven years," said Holyfield, who has lost five of 11 fights in that span.

His dismal run prompted New York state to revoke his license three years ago.

Holyfield underwent five hours of medical tests in Germany last month to show he was fit to fight. He is expected to earn between $750,000 and $1 million for the fight.

But a loss or even a draw could finally end his storied career.

"I have to answer that question when the fight is over," Holyfield said.

Copyright 2012 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.