Mitt Romney To Fight Evander Holyfield

Mitt Romney may have bowed out of the 2016 presidential race back in January, but that does not mean he isn’t up for a fight.

Romney, who ran for president in 2012, and Evander Holyfield, five-time heavyweight boxing champion, are set to face off at a charity fight night event in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Friday night.

The event is raising money for the Utah-based organization, CharityVision, which helps doctors in developing countries conduct surgeries to restore sight for those with curable blindness.

Corporate sponsorships from the event range from $25,000 to $250,000. The fight is expected to raise over a million dollars according to the organizers, enough for about 40,000 surgeries, equipment, screenings, and training for doctors in areas with high poverty rates worldwide.

Romney’s son, Josh, serves as a volunteer president of CharityVision.

Romney is the most-high profile Mormon in America, making him very popular in Utah, where more than 60 percent of the residents are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Romney has recently built a home in the state and has registered as a Utah voter.

Romney, who said his sons have nicknamed him “the Glove,” told the New York Times he’ll wear classic boxing attire, a red silk robe, and red silk shorts.” Romney has said that boxing is similar to the political hits he has taken during his two runs for president.

Romney and Holyfield will both be wearing full protective gear. They will spar in the ring for a playful bout before the night’s three professional fights.

At the weigh-in last night, Romney, 68, came in at 179 pounds and Holyfield, 52, at 236.

“Mitt, you can’t run, you can’t hide. Come and get your whuppin,'” Holyfield said before the fight according to ABC News.

“It’s true, I don’t have much of a right hook, but when I get somebody’s ear, I can be pretty formidable,” Romney told Fox News.

“I’m staying far away from his ears. I don’t for a moment want for him to confuse me with anyone from his past.” Mitt Romney added before the fight, referring to Holyfield’s ear being bitten by Mike Tyson during a fight.

“If I’m successful in the bout with Evander, then my next bout is going to be with Harry [Reid,]” Romney added, Reid was a boxer before becoming a politician and the Democratic Majority Leader.

Romney’s entrance music will be I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor. He doesn’t expect to be victorious.

[Image Source: Rick Bowmer/AP Photo]