A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.
Has it been 10 years since Mitt Romney fought his biggest fight?
Romney, now 78, is retired from political life, leaving the U.S. Senate at the end of 2024. The one-time GOP nominee for president engaged in his share of high-profile battles during his political career, and on this day 10 years ago, entered the ring for his one boxing fight ... against a world heavyweight champion.
As in two-time world champion Evander Holyfield.
Per Deseret News accounts:
“On May 15, 2015, Romney walked into the Fullmer Brothers Boxing ring wearing a red robe over a suit, tie and boxing gloves. ‘I Will Survive’ blared as the former presidential candidate made his entrance. And he did survive.
“A day before the fight, Romney weighed in at 179 pounds. Evander Holyfield was 236. But the 50-pound difference didn’t ward off the politician.”
“Romney and Holyfield fought with the purpose of raising money for CharityVision, a Utah-based nonprofit organization that focuses on restoring curable sight impairment worldwide. Corporate sponsorships for the event ranged from $25,000 to $250,000,” as reported by the Deseret News.
Even the weigh-in the day before drew the usual media attention.
Romney only lasted two rounds before throwing in the towel. But he put up a good fight while it lasted. The Republican dodged Holyfield’s blows and even landed a few soft punches on the heavyweight champ. His rookie performance impressed Holyfield.
“For a man who’s never got in the ring to box, he can throw a jab,” Holyfield said following the match, according to reports. “He can move around. I was impressed.”
Here are some stories about the fight, other charity boxing matches in Utah and the Fullmer gym where Utah’s young boxers train:
"Fight (or farce?) of the century between Mitt Romney, Evander Holyfield is a big hit"
"It’s been nearly a decade since Mitt Romney and Evander Holyfield squared off in the boxing ring"
"Mitt Romney, Evander Holyfield to spar at charity fight in Salt Lake City"
"Mitt Romney expected to emcee, not compete in, CharityVision boxing match"
"Photo gallery: Evander Holyfield-Mitt Romney weigh in ahead of big fight"
"Sikahema knocks out Canseco in first round"
"From Tonga to the NFL: Vai Sikahema beating the odds"
"Fullmer family boxing legacy lives on in new gym. But it still needs your help"
"A politician and a two-time champion face off in charity boxing event"
"Stepping into the ring for charity was a terrifying and transformative experience"
