Evander Holyfield will return to the ring later this year after accepting an offer to fight Nikolay Valuev, according to reports.

The four-time heavyweight champion, who turns 46 later this month, would become the oldest boxer to win the WBA heavyweight title if he defeats Valuev in December, but he hit back at suggestions that his age would be an issue.

“They said I was too old when I was 34 and was getting ready to fight Mike Tyson for the first time," Holyfield said. “There's nothing new with what people say. I have a desire and I am the one who got to train and I am willing to make the sacrifices necessary to be the best. Just imagine a 46-year-old guy being heavyweight champ of the world?"

ESPN claim the fight looks set to take place in Switzerland or Germany, subject to Holyfield’s lawyers checking the offer, and would be his first bout since October last year.

Valuev, his Russian opponent, has won his last three fights and at seven-foot tall will be the biggest opponent Holyfield has faced.

“Of course, he will be the biggest guy I have fought but it's something that could be very interesting,” Holyfield said. “I will have a big target. I have to do the things I believe he can't do.

"He can't move laterally. I got to get in quick, fight and don't stand still too long. I just have to be in tremendous shape to outmanoeuvre him,” he added.

Holyfield has been under financial scrutiny for alleged missed child support payments to the mother one of his children, but he says his return has nothing to do with the money on offer.

“Whatever it is [his pay for the fight], I'm honoured to get the opportunity,” he said. “It is the lowest amount I ever made for a championship fight, but I am just appreciative I got the opportunity.”

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