What would the year be without a fight card featuring Don King-promoted heavyweight has-beens?

In a November that will surely be remembered more for the return of Kostya Tszyu (November 6th) and the outcome of Barrera-Morales III (November 27th), King's heavyweight card this Saturday night in Madison Square Garden in New York is not exactly must-see-tv. Still, there are some interesting matchups.

Chris Byrd vs. Jameel McCline

It's the IBF champion Byrd's pitter-patter style against McCline's scaredy-cat defence. But the feather-fisted Byrd, 37-2-1 (20), will probably choose a more fan-pleasing style by being more aggressive, and McCline, 31-3-3 (19), will probably open up a little more on offence since Byrd doesn't exactly hit like Vladamir Klitschko. Both men are 34, and McCline boasts a 5-inch height advantage and an 8-inch reach advantage. Don't expect that to factor into the equation, though, as Byrd improves on his past performances against Fres Oquendo and Andrew Golota against someone tailor-made for him.

Prediction: Byrd by unanimous decision

John Ruiz vs. Andrew Golota

This matchup has disqualification written all over it. Ruiz, the "Methuen Mauler" against Golota, the "Foul Pole". Ring magazine's Joe Santoliquito put it best in describing Ruiz: "Ruiz is boxing's version of the fat uncle at a family picnic who can't take the hint he's not wanted there. The man keeps coming back for seconds and thirds. He fights ugly, everyone wants him to lose, yet he keeps winning in his Neanderathal way." Nevertheless, I see Golota, 38-4-1 (31), besting the "Quiet Man", 40-5-1 (28), that is, if he can resist hitting him in the balls. I wonder if Golota will enter the ring to the theme for the Nutcracker.

Prediction: Golota by split decision.

Evander Holyfield vs. Larry Donald

After taking a vicious beating by James "Lights Out" Toney, Evander Holyfield shouldn't be anywhere near a boxing ring. Still, at 42, 38-7 (25), the delusional former heavyweight champion refuses to go quietly into the night, and is obsessed with regaining the heavyweight title. Look for a similar situation as Tyson-Williams to unfold as Donald, 41-3 (24) who was once kayoed by Vitali Klitschko, knocks out the old man and confirms (again) that he's done.

Prediction: Donald KO 5

Hasim Rahman vs. Kali Meehan

I've always thought of Hasim Rahman, 39-5 (32) as an underachiever, a guy with a monster right hand and some good boxing skills, but who insists on blowing up in weight for his fights. He had the talent to win both fights against David Tua and John Ruiz, but ever since knocking out Lennox Lewis in South Africa he's looked, slow, uninspiring and lethargic. But he'll beat Meehan, 29-2 (23) because he has to.

Prediction: Rahman KO 5