Evander Holyfield is a former professional boxer who competed from 1984 to 2011. Born on October 19, 1962, in Atmore, Alabama, Holyfield is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most accomplished boxers in the history of the sport. Holyfield had a successful amateur career before turning professional. He won a bronze medal in the light heavyweight division at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
In his professional career, Holyfield achieved greatness in multiple weight classes, primarily as a heavyweight. He became the undisputed cruiserweight champion in 1988 by defeating Carlos De León. Holyfield then moved up to the heavyweight division and captured the WBC (World Boxing Council) title in 1990 by defeating James “Buster” Douglas.
One of Holyfield’s most memorable moments came in 1992 when he fought against the heavily favored Mike Tyson. In what was dubbed “The Bite Fight” or “The Bite Heard ‘Round the World,” Tyson infamously bit a piece of Holyfield’s ear in their rematch, leading to a disqualification. Holyfield later regained the heavyweight title in 1993 by defeating Riddick Bowe and had successful defenses against fighters such as George Foreman and Michael Moorer.
In 1996, Holyfield became the undisputed heavyweight champion by defeating Tyson in their rematch, solidifying his status as one of the best heavyweight boxers of his era. He continued to compete at a high level, engaging in notable fights with fighters like Lennox Lewis and John Ruiz. Throughout his career, Holyfield was admired for his incredible heart, determination, and resilience inside the ring. His boxing style emphasized a combination of power, speed, and excellent counter-punching skills.
Beyond his achievements in the ring, Holyfield is also known for his philanthropic endeavors. He established the Holyfield Foundation, which focuses on empowering underprivileged youth and providing support to individuals in need. Evander Holyfield’s remarkable career and numerous accomplishments have cemented his legacy as one of the boxing greats. His achievements in multiple weight classes, his memorable fights, and his contributions to the sport have earned him a place among the most respected and revered boxers of all time.