Boxers can experience some bizarre things as they near the end of their careers. Their bodies weaken, their skills diminish, and they seem to get stuck in the past. Once feeling invincible, they now find themselves repeatedly brought back to life by money-hungry promoters. They travel to exotic places, participating in gimmick matches for money and promises of glory, only to be defeated by younger competitors.
These are not the stories of boxers who retire at the right time, but of those who continue fighting long after their prime. These are tales of embarrassment and oddity, with no happy endings in sight.
EPISODE 1: EVANDER HOLYFIELD – TRUMPED ON 9/11
Evander Holyfield, a legendary warrior, is called back to perform in front of an audience, including the most powerful man on the planet. As he nears the end of his career, he faces defeats and injuries, but refuses to acknowledge his aging. He attempts several comebacks, winning some fights against questionable opponents and even becoming a “five-time” heavyweight champion.
In a final farcical twist in 2021, at 58 years old, Holyfield steps into the ring for an exhibition match but is quickly defeated. The event is presided over by Donald Trump, adding to the surreal nature of the spectacle.
EPISODE 2: ROY JONES – THE SUPERHERO WHO TOOK KRYPTONITE
Roy Jones, once hailed as ‘Superman’, faces a series of defeats and setbacks as he continues to fight past his prime. Despite winning some matches, including becoming the UBO Intercontinental champion, he struggles with losses and diminishing skill. His career takes a turn for the bizarre as he fights a fan, a bareknuckle brawler, and even Mike Tyson in an exhibition match.
Jones’ last official match results in a loss to a mixed martial artist, highlighting the struggles of a once-great fighter battling against time.
EPISODE 3: LARRY HOLMES – COCOON: THE RETURN
Larry Holmes, determined to fight for a world title, creates his own Legends of Boxing Championship for older fighters. He gathers a group of aging boxers to compete in this new championship, where he regains his status as a champion at 49 years old.
However, the venture proves to be a commercial failure, and Holmes eventually retires after a final victory in a ‘metaverse’ exhibition match at the age of 52.
EPISODE 4: LEON SPINKS – BOXING’S JEKYLL MEETS WRESTLING’S HYDE
Leon Spinks embarks on a bizarre comeback journey, balancing boxing with wrestling and winning titles in both sports. However, his demons and vices ultimately lead to his downfall, resulting in embarrassing losses and a tarnished legacy as a former world champion.
Spinks ends his career with a low winning percentage, showcasing the tragic downfall of a once-promising fighter.
EPISODE 5: DANNY WILLIAMS – THE GIFT AND THE CURSE
Danny Williams, known for knocking out Mike Tyson, struggles in the later stages of his career, facing defeats and diminishing opportunities. Despite some glimpses of success, including becoming a ‘world heavyweight champion’ in a gimmick match, Williams ultimately faces embarrassment with losses to journeyman fighters and debutants.
His career ends on a cliffhanger as he continues to fight at 50 years old, symbolizing the never-ending cycle of chasing past glory.
*IN SEASON 2: Will the man who knocked out Mike Tyson continue to fight? What bizarre events will unfold as boxing legends age and new challengers arise? Stay tuned for more!