Holyfield is determined to prove he can still beat the best

The 40-year-old American, who has performed poorly in his recent fights, says his vast experience in the ring has given him an advantage.

"I'm a lot smarter now than I used to be. I think I'll be able to do it. Now let's see if I'm able to do it," he said.

Holyfield wanted to fight WBA heavyweight champion Roy Jones Junior, but the sides could not agree on money and meets countryman Toney in a non-title fight instead.

Who are the people you actually make a big payday fighting against? There are not too many people out there Evander Holyfield

Many believe Holyfield, who will earn $5m from this weekend's fight, has never regained the kind of form he showed when he knocked out Mike Tyson in 1996.

But the veteran says the current crop of heavyweights is not that impressive and is confident he has enough quality to win the title for what would be a fifth time.

He said: "Who are the people you actually make a big payday fighting against? There are not too many people out there. Most people refuse to fight people that are necessary."

But Holyfield's last fight, a 12-round defeat against IBF heavyweight champion Chris Byrd last December, exposed his shortcomings as an ageing fighter.