Mayo Clinic Clears Holyfield To Box Again

ROCHESTER, Minn. - Evander Holyfield is healthy enough to fight again, just as he claimed.

The 32-year-old heavyweight, who was diagnosed as having a heart condition after his loss of the WBA and IBF titles to Michael Moorer last April, received medical clearance yesterday from the Mayo Clinic.

Holyfield is in "excellent health," said Mike O'Hara, a spokesman for the hospital.

"We have put no restrictions on his activities."

The former champion underwent extensive tests over three days last week and this week, O'Hara said.

After losing a majority decision to Moorer on April 22, Holyfield was diagnosed as having a "stiff heart," a non-compliant left ventricle that prevents sufficient oxygen from being pumped to muscles and tissues.

Holyfield, who was hospitalized for a few days after his loss to Moorer, announced his retirement April 26.

In June, Holyfield said he had been cured by a faith healer and was considering fighting again.

Later that month, doctors at Crawford Long Hospital at Atlanta said they found some improvement in Holyfield's heart condition.

On Oct. 13, Holyfield said he planned to fight again after he underwent tests by his internist, Dr. Christopher Vaughns, who diagnosed the condition as sarcoidosis.

Sarcoidosis causes the growth of small, fibrous tumors in the tissues it attacks. The American Lung Association said the cause is unknown, and the condition often goes untreated because the disease can spontaneously disappear.

Holyfield, a former undisputed cruiserweight champion, won the undisputed heavyweight championship with a third-round knockout of Buster Douglas in 1990 and lost it on points to Riddick Bowe in 1992.

He regained the WBA and IBF titles on a decision over Bowe on Nov. 6, 1993, then lost them to Moorer. He has a 30-2 record, with 22 knockouts.