The former UFC superstar, who meets Hasim Rahman Jr later this month, was originally set to face Oscar De La Hoya in 2021 but when ‘The Golden Boy’ withdrew from the fight, another boxing legend, Holyfield, stepped up at short notice to take on Belfort in an exhibition bout. 

Belfort made light work of Holyfield who was competing in his first contest in over a decade.  

Approaching 60 years of age at the time, Holyfield had no business being in the ring with Belfort, but his superior experience inside the ring was seen to be an advantage by some within the boxing industry.  

Instead, Belfort made a mockery of those predictions as he destroyed Holyfield in seconds. The fight received widespread criticism, but Belfort, ever the fighter, insists he was just doing his job. 

“When you step in that ring and people are throwing punches at you as hard as they can, it’s your job to do the same,” said Belfort when speaking exclusively to DAZN.  

“It’s just a competition and it’s just your job. That’s what I do. I’m there to compete and bring the best.  

“I was the underdog the day before and no one thought I could beat him. Everyone has an opinion [on the fight] but their opinion doesn’t become my reality.”