A fund-raising event for Charity Vision was held, involving a boxing match between former presidential candidate Mitt Romney versus former world heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield.
CNet reported that the dream match happened on Friday night, May 15, 2015 in Salt Lake City. All proceeds will be forwarded to Charity Vision, an organization that helps blind individuals undergo important eye surgeries as well as provide medical supplies to poor families around the globe.
According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Mitt Romney expected the fight between him and Holyfield to end quickly. According to him, he will spar around with Holyfield for a bit, although fans should not expect much of a fight. Romney has been involved with Charity Vision for some time. He also confirmed that he will make a bid for the presidency for the third time this year.
Romney said about the charity, "It's an interesting model. It [Charity Vision] operates on about a $1 million annual budget," Romney said. But the foundation is able to oversee about 40,000 surgeries a year in developing countries around the world. That's about $25 per surgery."
Based on the same Salt Lake Tribune report, the fight between Romney and Holyfield was not the only one held on May 15. Romney revealed that there will also be fights between real and active professional boxers.
Romney's son, Josh, who is also actively supporting the charity, previously said that the fight will be a black-tie event, following a 1920s theme. Josh added that the fundraising event is focused on bringing in corporate sponsorships, costing between $25,000 and $250,000 depending on the level. Their corporate sponsors was also able to bring guests.
The Republican told the Salt Lake Tribune about his fight expectations, "It will either be a very short fight, or I will be knocked unconscious."
During the boxing bout, Romney looked physically fit even at 68 years old. He wore white gloves and had red and white trunks on. Holyfield, 52, wore black gloves and black trunks during the match.
Holyfield was surprised to find the aggressive Republican, who delivered the fight to him immediately. The former heavyweight champ got knocked down after Romney hit him with a light right hand. The two pretended to exchange light blows for several minutes. BBC reported that Romney finally gave up and threw in the towel in the second round. The two fighters hugged afterwards.
The event was dubbed as the first "CharityVision Fight Night", with the organizers hoping to raise $1 million.