Holyfield wins with second-round knockout

NEW YORK, Aug 19 (Reuters) Former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield scored a second-round knockout over journeyman Jeremy Bates in Dallas.

Holyfield, 43, rocked Bates at the end of the opening round and had his 32-year-old opponent in deep trouble before the bell sounded to save a dazed Bates yesterday.

Late in the second round, an overhand right hurt Bates and a flurry by Holyfield pinned his oppnent against the ropes. The fight was stopped at 2:56 of the round with Bates unable to withstand the barrage.

Holyfield, who had not fought since Nov. 13, 2004 when he lost a unanimous decision to Larry Donald at Madison Square Garden, improved his record to 39-8-2 with 26 knockouts.

The victory was Holyfield's first since June 1, 2002 when he beat Hasim Rahman.

Bates, an insurance salesman, fell to 21-12-1.

REUTERS PM RAI1117