KAMPALA, Uganda — Evander Holyfield's return to the ring against Francois Botha has been postponed to late February to give the fighters more time to prepare.

Pro Box Promotions manager Eddie Bazira said Monday that the fight will be held Feb. 20 in Uganda instead of the originally scheduled Jan. 16 date.

Organizers predict a crowd of about 80,000 at Kampala's Nambole Stadium and a potentially big pay-per-view payout for the cash-strapped Holyfield, a former four-time champion who has won only five of his last 12 contests.

The 47-year-old American has not fought since losing a points decision to Nikolai Valuev a year ago. Botha is coming off a draw with Pedro Carrion of Cuba in October.