A blunder of epic proportions took place during US television's coverage of the Olympic Games on Tuesday, as they failed to spot former heavyweight world champion Evander Holyfield during an interview.

The 49-year-old American ring legend was interviewed during a section on NBC's Today show as they spoke to tourists in London for the Olympics.

The oblivious interviewer spoke to Holyfield, unaware that he was talking to a former undisputed world champion and Olympic bronze medalist.

The 'Real Deal' won bronze for the US in 1984 before going on to fight famous names such as Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis in a glittering career.

Holyfield took to twitter to share his bemusement, saying: "The today show did interview me and your right they didn't mention who I was."

The former two-weight world champion recently decided to auction off treasured items of memorabilia to raise funds.