The ultimate mis-match? Holyfield vs Romney

Former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, left, and five-time heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield face each other during an official weigh-in. Photo / AP.

He may have failed to beat Barack Obama in the 2012 presidential race, but former Republican nominee Mitt Romney will hope to prove he still has some fighting spirit left in him when he takes to the ring to face former world heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield.

The bout, taking place in Salt Lake City on Friday night, will see the 68-year-old Romney battling with Holyfield to raise money for CharityVision, which provides equipment to doctors in developing countries treating people with curable blindness..

52-year-old Holyfield, known as 'The Real Deal', weighed in at 215lbs before the fight, giving him 30lbs on his opponent.

Although Romney does possess the height advantage, standing at 6ft2 and a full inch taller than his more illustrious opponent.

Holyfield, arguably best-known for his two bouts against Mike Tyson, was first with the trash talk ahead of the fight.

'Does he even work out?' asked Holyfield. 'I'm too quick, too agile for him.'

While Romney responded in confident fashion.

'Well, it's true, I don't have much of a right hook,' responded the 2012 presidential nominee. 'But when I get somebody's ear, I can be pretty formidable.'

Holyfield is a former undisputed champion at both cruiserweight and heavyweight, with a record of 44 wins - 29 by knockout - in 57 fights.

He also won a bronze medal at the 1984 Olympic Games, and appeared in the UK version of Celebrity Big Brother last January.

- DAILY MAIL