Evander Holyfield will continue his bid to regain a world heavyweight title at the age of 46, when he faces giant Russian Nikolai Valuev for the WBA crown next month.

The seven-footer, now known as the 'Russian Giant', will face the ageing American on December 20 at the Hallenstadion in Zurich, Switzerland.

Atlanta's 'Real Deal' Holyfield is looking to match George Foreman's feat - as he last defended his IBF heavyweight title aged 46 back in 1995.

Holyfield has not been in the ring since losing his challenge to Sultan Ibragimov when he was the WBO champion last year, but has vowed to keep fighting until he regains a title.

The WBA crown is the one up for grabs next month, with the huge Valuev defending the strap he won by beating John Ruiz on points in August.

Valuev says Holyfield now holds considerably less fear than he would have done in his prime, and the Russian is confident of retaining his title and improving his 49-1 record.

"I'm taking this fight very seriously," Valuev told Zurich tabloid Blick.

"Holyfield is a strong opponent. Ten years ago I would not have dreamed of getting into the ring with this champion."

Holyfield keeps stepping back into the ring amid big financial struggles which have seen threats of legal proceedings, and resulted in him missing consecutive child support payments.

Veteran Holyfield beat Ruiz for the same WBA title in 2000, the last time he held a heavyweight belt, but he then lost and drew with the same opponent a year later.

Losing by unanimous decision against Chris Byrd for the vacant IBF belt in 2002, Holyfield is still determined to try and become a world heavyweight champion again.

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