By Tom Donelson

While much of the boxing world's attention last weekend was settled upon the fantastic bout between Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez, former four-time heavyweight champ Evander Holyfield was continuing his climb up the heavyweight ladder by beating up on Vinny Maddalone for three rounds in Texas.

Far from the maddening crowd, Holyfield has continued his career against mostly second rate talent. Since being blown out by Larry Donald, Holyfield has quietly won three fights in the row.

His first fight on this comeback trail began last August with three-round knockout of part time fighter and full time insurance agent Jeremy Bates, and then he won the USBA Heavyweight championship when he defeated Fres Oquendo by decision in November. The bout with Oquendo was at least against a name fighter, even though Oquendo was in the middle of his own comeback and no longer considered a serious threat at the heavyweight level.

Maddalone was one of those second tier fighters who's popularity is based on an aggressive style that produced exciting fights. Maddalone's greatest claim to fame was his two exciting drag out losses against Brian Minto. Although he was knocked out in both fights, they were certainly crowd pleasing.

For Maddalone, this was his big shot to add a well known name on his resume and hoping it lands him another decent payday. Even if Holyfield has probably seen his best days close to a decade ago, Maddalone knew that beating Holyfield would still be a measure of pride. In beating Holyfield, Maddalone would hold a win over one of boxing’s great heavyweights. Alas, the difference in talent was obvious. No matter how hard Maddalone tried, he was no match for a hall of fame boxer, even one that is close to 45-years-old.

At least he can tell his children and grand children, “Hey I fought the great Evander Holyfield.” For Maddalone, there was never much of a chance of fighting for a title. He did not have the skill to compete with the elite fighters in the heavyweight division. Maddalone will probably leave boxing with a respectable record and some exciting bouts to hang his head on. He fought every fight hard and gave those fans who followed his career something worth cheering about.

As for Holyfield, the dream of a heavyweight title remains, but it is still only a dream. Holyfield been past his prime for a long time and this became obvious during his first fight with Lennox Lewis in 99, when Holyfield aged before our very eyes. Lewis easily handled the Real Deal and since that fight, he began a downward spiral in his career where losses and disappointments outnumbered the highlights.

Fighters like James Toney, Chris Byrd, John Ruiz and Larry Donald defeated him and most of these fights were not even close. In his prime, Holyfield would have easily beaten these fighters. Don't always believe the saying of fighters becoming better as they get older, some of them just keep getting older.

There was a time that Holyfield was one of boxing’s biggest cash cows but today, he is just another pug dreaming of championships that may never come again.

There are significant differences between fighters like Vinny Maddalone and Evander Holyfield. One fighter was a regional star, but never became an elite fighter whereas the other is considered by some as one of the most talented men to ever step inside a ring. 

Regardless of what they accomplished during their careers, Holyfield is currently stuck in the same boat as Maddalone - as a mere second tier fighter. The difference between them is that Maddalone understands his limitations whereas Holyfield still can't face the reality that his best days have already occurred.

Holyfield's glory days ended the day James Toney stopped him in 2003, but he still continues upon a holy quest that may never be fulfilled. There was nothing really uplifting by seeing Holyfield destroy Maddalone. Holyfield, like Maddalone, has the scars of every punch that has landed, but not the memory.

The latest "Holy" comeback is a reminder of what happens to a fighter who can’t truly see that his best days are over.