Evander Holyfield kept alive his slim hopes of another world title shot by beating fellow veteran Brian Nielsen in Copenhagen on Saturday.

The American heavyweight recorded the 44th victory of his long career when he stopped his Danish opponent in the 10th round of the contest.

Holyfield worked Nielsen into a corner before landing several combinations that forced the referee to step in and call a halt to proceedings.

The 48-year-old was full of praise for his brave foe afterwards before confirming his desire to carry on boxing at the very highest level.

"It was a tough fight, he kept coming back," he said afterwards. "He fought a very courageous fight.

"My goal still is to be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. This fight showed other champions what I am able to do, but it also taught me I got to be better.

"The most important thing is I didn't quit. I am not a quitter."

Nielsen was not impressed by the timing of the stoppage and suggested that the two experienced fighters should meet in a rematch. Holyfield, though, dismissed the idea of a second bout between the pair.

The 46-year-old, who was fighting for the first time since 2002, was left with a swollen eye after taking a barrage of blows in the fourth round.

However he threatened an almighty upset in the eighth, pushing a tiring Holyfield onto the back foot before landing a series of combinations.

However, 'The Real Deal' recovered from the brief onslaught to pick up a win that was much-needed after his no-contest against Sherman Williams back in January.