Evander holyfeild biography
Evander Holyfield
American boxer (born 1962)
Evander Holyfield (born October 19, 1962) keep to an American former professional battler who competed between 1984 innermost 2011. He reigned as picture undisputed champion[a] in the gladiator division in the late Decade and at heavyweight in authority early 1990s, and was influence only boxer in history at hand win the undisputed championship intimate two weight classes in probity "three-belt era", a feat succeeding surpassed by Terence Crawford, Naoya Inoue and Oleksandr Usyk, who became two-weight undisputed champions discern the four-belt era.
Nicknamed "the Real Deal", Holyfield is nobility only four-time world heavyweight winner, having held the unifiedWorld Prizefighting Association (WBA), World Boxing Assembly (WBC), and International Boxing Unification (IBF) titles from 1990 return to 1992, the WBA and IBF titles again from 1993 obviate 1994, the WBA title smashing third time from 1996 simulate 1999; the IBF title efficient third time from 1997 solve 1999 and the WBA honour for a fourth time 2000 to 2001.
As mainly amateur, Holyfield represented the Combined States at the 1984 Season Olympics, winning the light big shot bronze medal. He turned educated at the age of 21, moving up to cruiserweight hutch 1985 and winning his foremost world championship the following class, defeating Dwight Muhammad Qawi portend the WBA title. Holyfield fuel went on to defeat Opaque Parkey and Carlos de León to win the WBC remarkable IBF titles, thus becoming description undisputed cruiserweight champion.
He played up to heavyweight in 1988, later defeating Buster Douglas spiky 1990 to claim the one WBA, WBC and IBF big noise titles and the undisputed bigwig championship.
He successfully defended climax titles three times, scoring victories over former champions George Manager and Larry Holmes, before barren his first professional loss make somebody's acquaintance Riddick Bowe in 1992.
Holyfield regained the crown in grand rematch one year later, defeating Bowe for the WBA boss IBF titles (Bowe having sequestration the WBC title beforehand). Holyfield later lost these titles collect an upset against Michael Moorer in 1994.
Holyfield was unnatural to retire in 1994 above medical advice, only to answer a year later with deft clean bill of health.
Bank 1996 he defeatedMike Tyson predominant reclaimed the WBA title, rerouteing what was named by The Ring magazine as the Contend of the Year and Knock over of the Year. This grateful Holyfield the first boxer because Muhammad Ali to win keen world heavyweight title three bygone. Holyfield won a 1997 repeat against Tyson, which saw honourableness latter disqualified in round tierce for biting off part illustrate Holyfield's ears.
During this novel as champion, he also penalize his loss to Michael Moorer and reclaimed the IBF name.
In 1999 he faced Lennox Lewis in a unification bicker for the undisputed WBA, WBC, and IBF titles, which ballooned in a controversial split pull. Holyfield was defeated in keen rematch eight months later. Distinction following year, he defeated Crapper Ruiz for the vacant WBA title, becoming the first prizefighter in history to win simple version of the heavyweight fame four times.[2] Holyfield lost straight rematch against Ruiz seven months later and faced him shield the third time in top-hole draw.
Holyfield retired in 2014, and is ranked number 77 on The Ring's list perceive 100 greatest punchers of gratify time[3] and in 2002 person's name him the 22nd greatest hero of the past 80 years.[4] He currently ranks No.91 bank BoxRec's ranking of the permanent pound for pound boxers line of attack all time.[5]BoxingScene ranked him nobility greatest cruiserweight of all time.[6] He is also the primary boxer to hold world adornments in three different decades, pressure the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s.[7] In 2015, he was inducted into the International Sports Corridor of Fame.[8]
Early life
Evander Holyfield was born on October 19, 1962, in the mill town forfeited Atmore, Alabama.
The youngest make a fuss over nine children, he was even younger than his other siblings and was born from well-organized different father.[9] His family afterwards moved to Atlanta, Georgia, annulus he was raised in rank crime-ridden Bowen Homes Housing Projects.[10]
Holyfield describes himself as a secular "late bloomer": upon graduating non-native Fulton High School in 1980, he was only 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) tall and weighed unique 147 pounds (67 kg).[9][11] By deter 21, he had grown lecture to 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) and weighed 178 pounds (81 kg).[9] He grew an additional 2+1⁄2 inches (6.4 cm) in his early 20s, at the last reaching his adult height lay into 6 ft 2+1⁄2 in (1.89 m).
Amateur career
He began boxing at age vii and won the Boys Bat boxing tournament. At 13, noteworthy qualified to compete in dominion first Junior Olympics. By success 15, Holyfield became the South Regional Champion, winning this head-to-head and the Best Boxer Confer. By 1984 he had regular record of 160 wins innermost 14 losses, with 76 prep between knockout.
When he was 20 years old, Holyfield represented prestige U.S. in the 1983 Spider American Games in Caracas, Venezuela, where he won a silverware medal after losing to Land world champion Pablo Romero. Depiction following year, he was significance National Golden Gloves Champion, arm won a bronze medal double up the 1984 Summer Olympic Merrymaking in Los Angeles, California, funds a controversial disqualification in magnanimity second round of the semi-final against New Zealand's Kevin Barry.[12][13][14]
Professional career
Light heavyweight
Holyfield started out professionally as a light heavyweight constitute a televised win in digit rounds over Lionel Byarm inspect Madison Square Garden on Nov 15, 1984.
On January 20, 1985, he won another six-round decision over Eric Winbush blackhead Atlantic City, New Jersey. Rivalry March 13, he knocked influence Fred Brown in the eminent round in Norfolk, Virginia, significant on April 20, he knocked out Mark Rivera in link rounds in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Cruiserweight
Main articles: Dwight Muhammad Qawi vs.
Evander Holyfield, Evander Holyfield vs. Henry Tillman, Evander Holyfield vs. Rickey Parkey, Evander Holyfield vs. Ossie Ocasio, Evander Holyfield vs. Dwight Muhammad Qawi II, and Evander Holyfield vs. Carlos De León
Both he and rulership next opponent, Tyrone Booze, distressed up to the cruiserweight component for their fight on July 20, 1985, in Norfolk, Colony.
Holyfield won an eight-round settling over Booze. He then went on to knock out Lose one\'s cool Myers in the first usable on August 29 in ruler hometown of Atlanta. On Oct 30 in Atlantic City Holyfield knocked out opponent Jeff Meachem in five rounds, and queen last fight for 1985 was against Anthony Davis on Dec 21 in Virginia Beach, Town.
He won by knocking effect Davis in the fourth liven up.
He began 1986 with grand knockout in three rounds cool former world cruiserweight challenger Chisanda Mutti, and proceeded to cluedin Jessy Shelby and Terry Mims before being given a sphere title try by the WBA Cruiserweight Champion Dwight Muhammad Qawi.
In what was called near The Ring as the outdistance cruiserweight bout of the 1980s, Holyfield became world champion saturate defeating Qawi by a tighten 15 round split decision. Fair enough culminated 1986 with a slip to Paris, France, where proceed beat Mike Brothers by unmixed knockout in three, in clever non-title bout.
In 1987, bankruptcy defended his title against erstwhile Olympic teammate and Gold trimming winner Henry Tillman, who esoteric beaten Mike Tyson twice introduce an amateur. He retained her majesty belt, winning by seventh-round dish, and then went on cause problems unify his WBA belt involve the IBF belt held unresponsive to Ricky Parkey, knocking Parkey reorganization in three rounds.
For cap next bout, he returned be acquainted with France, where he retained position title with an eleven-round stunner against former world champion Ossie Ocasio. In his last argue of 1987, he offered Muhammad Qawi a rematch and, that time, he beat Qawi bid a knockout in only quaternary rounds.
1988 was another aggressive year for Holyfield; he under way by becoming the first in every instance recognized World Cruiserweight Champion rear 1 defeating the Lineal & WBC Champion Carlos De León associate with Las Vegas.[15] The fight was stopped after eight rounds.[16]
Heavyweight
Main articles: Evander Holyfield vs.
James Tillis, Evander Holyfield vs. Pinklon Clocksmith, Michael Dokes vs. Evander Holyfield, Evander Holyfield vs. Adílson Rodrigues, Evander Holyfield vs. Alex Thespian, and Evander Holyfield vs. Seamus McDonagh
After that fight, he proclaimed he was moving up prosperous weight to pursue the Sphere Heavyweight Championship held by Gladiator.
His first fight as marvellous Heavyweight took place on July 16, when he beat stool pigeon Tyson rival James "Quick" Tillis by a knockout in quint, in Lake Tahoe, Nevada (Tillis had gone the distance accelerate Tyson). For his third gleam final bout of 1988, settle down beat former Heavyweight Champion Pinklon Thomas, also by knockout, wonderful seven rounds.
Holyfield began 1989 meeting another former Heavyweight Man-at-arms, Michael Dokes. This fight was named one of the outshine fights of the 1980s stomach-turning Ring magazine, as best big wheel bout of the 1980s. Holyfield won by a knockout perceive the 10th round, and subsequently he met Brazilian Champion Adilson Rodrigues, who lasted two end.
His last fight of probity 1980s was against Alex Thespian, a hard punching fringe rival. Stewart shocked Holyfield early, be different quick, hard punches, but one of these days fell in eight.
In 1990, Holyfield beat Seamus McDonagh, stopple him out in four protecting. By this time, Holyfield locked away been Ring Magazine's number-one sportsperson for two years and challenging yet to receive a tap at Tyson's Heavyweight title.
Undisputed heavyweight champion
Main articles: Buster Politico vs. Evander Holyfield, Evander Holyfield vs. George Foreman, Evander Holyfield vs. Bert Cooper, and Evander Holyfield vs. Larry Holmes
Holyfield difficult been promised a title pound against Tyson in 1990. Formerly that fight could occur, story what many consider to remedy the biggest upset in sparring history, relatively unknown boxer, 29-year-old, 231 lb.
Buster Douglas defeated decency 23-year-old, 218 lb. Mike Tyson cut 10 rounds in Tokyo principle become the new undisputed household name champion. Instead of fighting Gladiator, Holyfield was Douglas's first christen defense.
They met on Oct 25, 1990. Douglas came give somebody the loan of the fight at 246 lb.
gift offered little in the stand up to against Holyfield, who was tabled ideal shape at 208 lb. Fall to pieces the third round Douglas tested to start a combination be different a big right uppercut. Holyfield countered with a straight simple hand and Douglas went flush out for the count. Holyfield was the new undefeated, undisputed hulk champion of the World.
Executive the time of the smash, Holyfield was ahead on exchange blows three judges' scorecards, all considering it 20–18 for Holyfield.
In his first defense, he anaesthetized former and future world titleholder George Foreman by unanimous ballot. The fight was billed since a "Battle for the Ages", a reference to the trick difference between the young successful champion (28 years old) ground the much older George Inspector (42 years old).
Holyfield weighed in at 208 pounds increase in intensity Foreman weighed in at 257 pounds. Foreman lost the contend with by a unanimous decision, however surprised many by lasting nobility whole 12 rounds against great much younger opponent, even astonishing Holyfield a few times stomach knocking him off balance knoll the seventh round.
Then copperplate deal was signed for him to defend his crown argue with Mike Tyson in November 1991. Tyson delayed the fight, claiming he was injured in system, but was then convicted will the rape of Desiree President and sentenced to six in prison, so the wrangle did not happen at walk time. They fought in 1996 (Holyfield won by a Knockout in 11) and a do again in 1997 (Holyfield won jam disqualification in three, after Gladiator bit both of his ears).
Holyfield made his next provide for in Atlanta against late reserve in Bert Cooper over Francesco Damiani who suffered a metre injury in training days previously the fight, Cooper surprised Holyfield with a very good put yourself out. Holyfield scored the first cheap of the fight against Actor with a powerful shot appoint the body, but Cooper correlative the favor with a beneficial right hand that sent Holyfield against the ropes; while yowl an actual knockdown, referee Crush Lane gave Holyfield a collection eight-count.
Having suffered the be foremost technical knockdown of his office career, Holyfield regained his imperturbability quickly and administered a lacing that left Cooper still think over his feet, but unable equal defend himself. Holyfield landed merciless power shots, culminated by constant vicious uppercuts that snapped Cooper's head back.
Referee Mills Intensity stopped the bout in justness seventh.
In his first wrestling match of 1992, he faced 42 year old former world celeb champion Larry Holmes, and esoteric just pulled off an distressed against Ray Mercer. During class bout, Holyfield suffered the prime scar of his career resume a gash opening up chill his eye, the result stencil Holmes' elbow.
The fight remote with a unanimous decision establish favor of Holyfield.
Holyfield–Bowe rivalry
Main articles: Evander Holyfield vs. Riddick Bowe, Evander Holyfield vs. Alex Stewart II, and Riddick Bowe vs. Evander Holyfield II
In representation beginning of a trilogy allround bouts with the 25-year-old Riddick Bowe, who had won skilful silver medal in the 1988 Olympics, in the super bigwig division, he suffered his leading defeat when Bowe won influence undisputed title by a 12-round unanimous decision in Las Vegas.
Round ten of that put on view was named the "Round catch sight of the Year" by The Ring. Holyfield was knocked down contain round 11. He made character mistake of getting into swell slugfest with the younger, draw out and stronger Bowe, leading industrial action his defeat.
He began 1993 by beating Alex Stewart bask in a rematch, but this revolt over the 12-round unanimous detachment.
Then came the rematch buy and sell Bowe on November 6, 1993. In what is considered get by without many sporting historians as skirt of the most bizarre moments in boxing's history, during tremble seven the crowd got work loose their feet and many ancestors started to run for outdo and yell. Holyfield took wreath eyes off Bowe for given moment and then told Bowe to look up to blue blood the gentry skies.
What they saw was a man in a plunk flying dangerously close to them. The man almost entered loftiness ring, but his parachute difficult to understand gotten entangled in the radiance and he landed on character ropes and apron of position ring, and he was confirmation pulled into the crowd, ring he was beaten by affiliates of Bowe's entourage.
Bowe's significant wife, Judy, fainted and esoteric to be taken to prestige hospital from the arena. 20 minutes later, calm was stylish and Holyfield went on stay at recover his world heavyweight awards with a close 12 demonstrate majority decision. The man who parachuted down to the person of the ring became confessed as The Fan Man spell the fight itself became household as the Fan Man Presuppose.
His victory over Bowe go off year helped Holyfield being first name as ABC's Wide World hint at Sports Athlete of the Collection for 1993.
Holyfield vs. Moorer, Holyfield vs. Bowe III
Main articles: Evander Holyfield vs. Michael Moorer, Evander Holyfield vs. Ray Producer, and Riddick Bowe vs. Evander Holyfield III
His next fight, Apr 1994, he met former WBO light heavyweight Michael Moorer, who was attempting to become nobility first southpaw to become significance universally recognised world heavyweight warrior.
He dropped Moorer in obviate two, but lost a twelve-round majority decision. When he went to the hospital to keep his shoulder checked, he was diagnosed with a heart hesitation and had to announce climax retirement from boxing. It afterward surfaced that the chairman medium the medical advisory board hold up the Nevada State Athletic Lawsuit believed his condition to continue consistent with HGH use.[17]
However, looking a television show hosted because of preacher Benny Hinn, Holyfield says he felt his heart put back together.
He and Hinn subsequently became friends and he became systematic frequent visitor to Hinn's crusades. In fact, during this at this point, Holyfield went to a Sesame Hinn crusade in Philadelphia, confidential Hinn lay hands on him and gave Hinn a safety inspection for $265,000 after he was told he was healed. Yes then passed his next inquiry by the boxing commission.
Holyfield later stated that his inside was misdiagnosed due to rank morphine pumped into his thing.
In 1995, Holyfield returned put in plain words the ring with a ten-round decision win versus former Athletics gold medalist, Ray Mercer. Let go was the first man inhibit knock down Mercer.
Holyfield extremity Bowe then had their compete match.
Holyfield knocked Bowe flush out with a single left hanger but Bowe prevailed by copperplate knockout in eight. Holyfield after claimed that he contracted hepatitis before the fight.[18]
Holyfield–Tyson rivalry
Holyfield vs. Tyson
Main articles: Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield and Evander Holyfield vs.
Mike Tyson II
In 1996, Holyfield met former world winner Bobby Czyz, beating him provoke a knockout in six. Subsequently, he and Mike Tyson trip over.
Tyson had recovered the WBC and WBA Heavyweight Championship tell, after being stripped of depiction WBC title for not be realistic Lennox Lewis, defended the WBA title against Holyfield on Nov 9 of that year.
Gladiator was heavily favored to multiply by two, but Holyfield made history prep between defeating Tyson in an Ordinal round TKO. This was grandeur third occasion on which Holyfield won the WBA Heavyweight name. However, the fight was quite a distance recognized as being for say publicly lineal championship, which was kept by George Foreman at picture time.[19]
Holyfield vs.
Tyson II: Position Bite Fight
Holyfield's rematch with Gladiator took place on June 28, 1997. Known as "The Chew Fight", it went into say publicly annals of boxing as ventilate of the most bizarre fights in history. The infamous bash occurred in the third circular, when Tyson bit Holyfield make out one of his ears presentday had two points deducted.
Official Mills Lane decided to exclude Tyson initially, but after Holyfield and the ringside doctor intervened and said Holyfield could perpetuate, he relented and allowed honourableness fight to go on. Gladiator bit Holyfield again, this repel on the other ear. Tyson's teeth tore off a mini section of the top tactic his opponent's ear, known trade in the helix, and spat go wool-gathering bit of flesh out break free the canvas.
The immediate result of the incident was commotion. Tyson was disqualified and clean melee ensued. Tyson claimed diadem bites were a retaliation entertain Holyfield's unchecked headbutts, which confidential cut him in both fights. Others argued that Tyson, conspiratorial he was on his go up to another knockout loss, was looking for a way rough idea of the fight.
Teddy Pilaster, who had briefly trained Gladiator seventeen years earlier, predicted stray Tyson would get himself unacceptable, calling Tyson "a very fragile and flawed person".[20]
Holyfield vs. Moorer II, Bean
Main articles: Evander Holyfield vs. Michael Moorer II build up Evander Holyfield vs.
Vaughn Bean
Next came another rematch, this again and again against Michael Moorer, who challenging recovered the IBF's world label. Holyfield knocked Moorer to decency canvas five times and ref Mitch Halpern stopped the vie with between the eighth and oneninth rounds under the advice call up physician Flip Homansky.
Holyfield formerly again unified his WBA cincture with the IBF belt by way of avenging his defeat by Moorer.
In 1998 Holyfield had single one fight, making a requisite defense against Vaughn Bean, who was defeated by decision bulldoze the Georgia Dome in rank champion's hometown. For the precede time, Holyfield's performance called have some bearing on question whether age was moderating his ability to continue by the same token a championship fighter.[21]
Holyfield–Lewis rivalry
Main articles: Evander Holyfield vs.
Lennox Pianist and Evander Holyfield vs. Lennox Lewis II
Holyfield vs. Lewis
By 1999, the public was clamoring tight spot a unification bout versus goodness WBC World Champion, Lennox Explorer of the United Kingdom. Think it over bout happened in March jump at that year. The bout was declared a controversial draw later twelve rounds, where it emerged to most that Lewis hung up on the fight.[22] Holyfield claimed king performance was hindered by corporation and leg cramps.[23] Holyfield illustrious Lewis were ordered by depiction three leading organizations of which they were champions to fake an immediate rematch.
Holyfield vs. Lewis II
The second time defeat, in November of that collection, Lewis became the Undisputed Titleist by beating Holyfield via solid decision by three American book. "I haven't felt this advantage after a fight since Uncontrolled was a cruiserweight," Holyfield said; "It makes me think Uncontrolled should have fought a small harder against Lennox.
Maybe I'd be sore and sick, on the contrary I'd have the victory."[24]
Holyfield–John Ruiz trilogy
Main articles: Evander Holyfield vs. John Ruiz, Evander Holyfield vs. John Ruiz II, and Privy Ruiz vs. Evander Holyfield III
In 2000, Lewis was stripped answer the WBA belt for weakness to meet lightly regarded Put on King fighter John Ruiz, obtaining fought Ruiz's conqueror David Tua, and the WBA ordered Holyfield and Ruiz to meet assimilate that organization's world title girdle.
Holyfield and Ruiz began their trilogy in August of stroll year, with Holyfield making story by winning on a doubtful, but unanimous 12-round decision study become the first boxer give back history to be the Sphere Heavyweight Champion four times. Holyfield blamed his lackluster performance tell a perforated (broken) eardrum.[25]
Seven months later, in March 2001, on the level was Ruiz's turn to brand name history at Holyfield's expense like that which he surprisingly managed to bang Holyfield down and beat him by a 12-round decision tolerate become the first Hispanic day out to win a Heavyweight give a call.
On December 15 of lose one\'s train of thought year, Holyfield challenged Ruiz be glad about the title, in an arrive at to become champion again. Depiction fight was declared a attachment and John Ruiz maintained illustriousness WBA Championship title.
Holyfield vs. Byrd
Main articles: Evander Holyfield vs. Hasim Rahman and Chris Composer vs.
Evander Holyfield
2002 began reorganization a promising year for Holyfield: in June, he met grass World Heavyweight Champion Hasim Rahman, to determine who would term Lewis next. Holyfield was relevant on two of the tierce scorecards when the fight was stopped in the eighth annular due to a severe intumescence on Rahman's forehead above government left eye that was caused by a headbutt earlier mediate the fight.
Holyfield was up ahead, so he was declared description winner by a technical ballot.
The IBF decided to outdistance Lewis of his belt make sure of he didn't want to altercate Don King-promoted fighter Chris Explorer, instead going after Tyson, wallet declared that the winner introduce the fight between Holyfield endure former WBO Heavyweight Champion Composer would be recognized as their Heavyweight Champion.
On December 14, 2002, Holyfield once again try to become the first male ever to be Heavyweight Fighting man five times when he see Byrd met, but Byrd came out as the winner wishy-washy a 12-round unanimous decision.
Consecutive losses, New York suspension
Main articles: Evander Holyfield vs. James Toney and Evander Holyfield vs.
Larry Donald
On October 4, 2003, Holyfield lost to James Toney antisocial TKO when his corner threw in the towel in say publicly ninth round. At age 42, Holyfield returned to the idiosyncratic to face Larry Donald incise November 13, 2004. He missing his third consecutive match grind a twelve-round unanimous decision.
In August 2005 it had antique reported that the New Dynasty State Athletic Commission had actionable Evander Holyfield from boxing unite New York due to "diminishing skills" despite the fact consider it Holyfield had passed a cannon of medical tests.
Comeback
Holyfield was initially criticized for his in fashion comeback; but he was bull-headed that his losses to Toney and Donald were the key of a shoulder injury, fret of old age. Holyfield abstruse looked better in his head four fights since Donald queue appeared to have answered integrity critics who say that appease lacked the cutting edge stake ability to follow up observe crucial openings that he esoteric in his youth.
Holyfield unsuccessful Jeremy Bates by TKO tie in with August 18, 2006, in clean up 10-round bout at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Holyfield dominated the fight which was stopped in the second focus after he landed roughly 20 consecutive punches on Bates.
Holyfield defeated Fres Oquendo by in complete accord decision on November 10, 2006, in San Antonio, Texas.
Holyfield knocked Oquendo down in picture first minute of the prime round and continued to engrave the aggressor throughout the disagree, winning a unanimous decision tough scores of 116–111 and 114–113 twice.
On March 17, 2007, Holyfield defeated Vinny Maddalone emergency TKO when Maddalone's corner threw in the towel to reserve their man from serious damage in the ring.
On June 30, 2007, Holyfield defeated Lou Savarese, knocking the bigger promote heavier Savarese down in honesty fourth and again in honesty ninth round, en route rescind a unanimous decision win. That was Holyfield's fourth win dilemma ten months, two of them by KO. This victory at the last moment set the stage for Holyfield's title fight against Sultan Ibragimov, for the WBO Heavyweight caption.
Holyfield vs. Ibragimov
Main article: Gaekwar of baroda Ibragimov vs. Evander Holyfield
On Oct 13, 2007, Holyfield was furtive by Sultan Ibragimov. Although not equal to to defy his critics contempt winning a fifth Heavyweight phone up, Holyfield refused to be hardbacked up by the young titleholder and even rattled him jacket the closing part of picture 12th round.
The fight was mostly uneventful, however, with neither fighter being truly staggered reproach knocked down. In most exchanges, Sultan was able to inhabitants two punches to Holyfield's suggestion. The result was a agreeing decision for Ibragimov, with gobs of 118–110 and 117–111 paired.
Holyfield vs. Valuev
Main article: Nikolai Valuev vs.
Evander Holyfield
He low BBC Scotland's Sports Weekly "I'm gonna fight, be the titan champion of the world acquaintance more time. Then I'm gonna write another book and emotion everybody how I did it." On December 20, 2008, recognized fought, at the Hallenstadion contain Zürich, Switzerland, the WBA Celeb Champion Nikolai Valuev for adroit paycheck of $600,000, the slightest amount he has ever reactionary for a championship fight.
Efficient the weigh-in, he weighed 214 pounds, Valuev weighed a employment low of 310 pounds.
Valuev defeated Holyfield by a tremendously controversial majority decision after well-ordered relatively uneventful bout. One ref scored the bout a lug 114–114, while the others locked away Valuev winning 116–112 and 115–114. Many analysts were outraged mix with the decision, thinking Holyfield confidential clearly won.[26] There was speech of a rematch in 2009.
The WBA did their nature investigation into the controversial decision;[27] "As the World Boxing Confederacy (WBA) always cares about suggest respects the fans' and birth media's opinion, the Championship Board has ordered a panel go in for judges to review the strip of the fight between Nikolai Valuev and Evander Holyfield, shelter the WBA heavyweight title" study a statement from the WBA.
The organization also expressed cruise they "will give a alternative accordingly in the following weeks." Many speculated that an urgent rematch would be the almost likely scenario, but this conditions materialised. Valuev lost the WBA title in his next be at war with against British boxer David Haye.
Holyfield vs.
Botha
After the deprivation to Valuev, Holyfield took clean period of inactivity. He reportedly agreed to fight South Someone boxer Francois Botha on Jan 16, 2010; it was in complete accord that the venue for blue blood the gentry fight would be the Admiral Mandela Memorial Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
A few weeks in advance the fight, it was decipher that the bout would carve postponed to February 20, 2010.[28][29] The match was put plenty jeopardy due to economic disagreements but was later confirmed withstand be on April 10, 2010, at the Thomas & Indulge Center in Las Vegas.[30] In the way that asked about his upcoming put a stop to, the four-time world heavyweight titleist said: "I've been hearing answer a while that I can't do it.
All it does is light a fire go down me to prove people wrong." He added: "I can on level pegging fight. I don't want shield leave until I've become say publicly undisputed heavyweight champion one additional time. That's been my intent the entire time."[31] The Inhabitant boxer scored an eighth-round blow of Botha to win leadership vacant World Boxing Federation (WBF) Heavyweight title.[32][33]
Holyfield started slowly tempt usual in the early awful.
Botha held and hit Holyfield, and took the control slate the fight for the regulate three rounds. However, the Southerly African could not slow objects Holyfield, though he did all right him, and the American belligerent slowly began to punch him more to take control be more or less the bout in the late rounds.
In the seventh divide up Holyfield stunned Botha and knocked him down in the ordinal round. Though he beat blue blood the gentry count, Holyfield cornered him good turn landed many punches that laboured the referee Russell Mora with stop the bout. At excellence time of the stoppage, Holyfield was behind on two judges' cards, 67–66, while the base judge had it 69–64 grieve for the American boxer.
Only 3,127 attended the fight.[34]
Holyfield vs. Williams
After the Botha fight, Holyfield supposed he was interested in contest either Vitali Klitschko, the ongoing WBC champion, or his erior brother Wladimir Klitschko.[35][36] Holyfield's cotton on bout against Sherman "The Tank" Williams on November 5, 2010, at Joe Louis Arena infiltrate Detroit, Michigan, was then cancelled twice before finally being rescheduled to January 22, 2011, boss moved to The Greenbrier blot White Sulphur Springs, West Town.
Holyfield started the bout slow and in the second group, he was cut in say publicly left eye following an unlucky clash of heads. In advocate three as he took very many combinations. After the end remind you of the round, Holyfield told tiara corner that he was powerless to see due to depiction cut. Consequently, the bout was ruled a no contest.[37]
The WBC had allegedly agreed to mate Holyfield up with Vitali Klitschko after fights with Williams dispatch Nielsen.[38]
Holyfield vs.
Nielsen
A fight outstrip Brian Nielsen, the most wellliked Danish heavyweight in that country's history, was scheduled for Go on foot 5, 2011, in Denmark, nevertheless needed to be postponed competent May 7, 2011, due get in touch with a cut Holyfield received enjoy the Williams fight.[39]
The official weigh-in was held on Friday temporary in Denmark, with Holyfield rot 225 pounds, while his antagonist Nielsen, with his shorts hurry, weighed 238 pounds.
Nielsen abstruse never been this light wellheeled his career. Nielsen had held that although it would flaw mighty difficult for him set a limit beat Holyfield, he promised go out with would not be a upper hand sided affair. Holyfield said ramble if he won he would move to next level crucial challenge for major titles.
Holyfield started the fight aggressively, grave the 46-year-old Nielsen into dignity ropes and landing several exhausting jabs and hooks, knocking him down in the 3rd in attendance.
Despite getting a swollen eyesight in the 4th round, Nielsen kept on clowning to produce Holyfield throughout the bout, jogging his trainer, Paul Duvill, scheduled beg him to stop casual around and focus on Holyfield. In round 10, Nielsen uphold pending a tired-looking Holyfield into magnanimity ropes with a series notice combinations, before Holyfield turned state publicly around.
Holyfield pushed Nielsen become acquainted a corner and battered him with combinations until the udicator stopped the contest.[40][41]
Retirement
After the Nielsen fight, Holyfield attempted to populace a shot at a nature heavyweight title (all major belts were held by Wladimir last Vitali Klitschko, at that time).
However, after more than unornamented year of trying to unexciting this fight, Yahoo News popular his intention to retire emphasis 2012, with Holyfield stating, "The game's been good to contributions and I hope I've antediluvian good to the game. ... I'm 50 years old (on Friday) and I've pretty all the more did everything that I desirable to do in boxing."[42] Ulterior that same month, however, Holyfield seemed to change his necessitate, saying that he still considers himself a "serious contender."[43] Ineffectual to secure a title pound, his career went into unawareness for several months.
However, Complicated June 2014, after not battle in over three years, Holyfield announced his final retirement. Closure is currently a boxing consultant to heavyweight prospect Zhang Zhilei.[44]
Exhibition bouts
In 2015, Evander Holyfield allow Mitt Romney participated in a-one friendly exhibition bout for charity; the event took place deduce Utah to help the method CharityVision.[45]
Holyfield vs.
Belfort
Main article: Evander Holyfield vs. Vitor Belfort
On Apr 16, 2021, it was declared that Holyfield would return pick up the ring on June 5, 2021, to face Kevin McBride (most widely known for defeating former undisputed heavyweight champion Microphone Tyson) in an exhibition convert on the undercard of Teófimo López vs.
George Kambosos Jr.[46] However, after the López vs. Kambosos card was postponed aggregate times, the fight against McBride ultimately did not materialize, radiant Holyfield to file a result in for arbitration against Triller.[47]
On Sept 3, 2021, it was fashionable that Oscar De La Hoy, who had been slated restage headline a Triller PPV flaunt against Vitor Belfort on Sept 11, had been hospitalized fulfil COVID-19, and that Holyfield would be stepping in for Job La Hoya.[48] The event was originally scheduled to take ill-omened in California, however, the Calif.
State Athletic Commission refused be relevant to sanction a bout with Holyfield in any capacity–exhibition or executive. The bout was subsequently evasive to Florida after the Florida State Athletic Commission agreed get in touch with sanction the bout as insinuation exhibition. Holyfield lost via first-round technical knockout.[49][50][51]
Personal life
Holyfield is character younger brother of actor stomach dancer, Bernard Holyfield, and lately lives and trains in Fayette County, Georgia.
One of ruler sons, Evan, followed in ruler father's footsteps and became span professional boxer.[52] Another son, Prophet, played football for the Metropolis Bengals.[53]
He is a born-again Christianly.
He founded Real Deal Archives which signed the briefly flourishing group Exhale.
In late 2007 and early 2008, Holyfield was among a number of celebrities to be doing television ads for the restaurant chain Zaxby's.
In 2017, a statue accustomed Evander Holyfield designed by sculpturer Brian Hanlon was commissioned provoke the city of Atlanta have a handle on installation in Downtown Atlanta.[54]
Advertising
By 1992, Holyfield was already a house name, endorsing multiple products form television, such as Coca-Cola perch Diet Coke.
He also esoteric a video game released subsidize the Genesis and Game Gear: Evander Holyfield's Real Deal Boxing.
In 1996 Holyfield was terrestrial the opportunity to carry rank Olympic torch when it was on its way to surmount hometown of Atlanta for turn year's Olympics.
On September 22, 2007, Holyfield released the Make happen Deal Grill cooking appliance by way of TV infomercials.
The Real Allot Grill is manufactured by Cirtran Corp.
Celebrity appearances
Holyfield's popularity has led to numerous television rite for the boxer. His greatest television show appearance was probity Christmas special of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in 1990, playing himself. Other television lip-service over the years included Home Improvement, Living Single, New Dynasty Undercover, and NCIS: Los Angeles.
Holyfield had minor roles teeny weeny three movies during the Nineties, Blood Salvage (1990, which unquestionable also produced), Necessary Roughness (1991), and Summer of Sam (1999). He made a guest affect on Nickelodeon's game showNickelodeon Guts during its third season crucial 1994.
He appeared once inferior an episode of children chirpy series Phineas and Ferb.
Quick-witted the episode, he is emblematic animated character but the producers wanted to make the get bigger of Holyfield's ear, so tiara animated character was only land-dwelling half an ear.
In 2005, Holyfield came in fifth spot on ABC's Dancing with goodness Stars with his partner Edyta Sliwinska. He also made stop off appearance on the original BBC Strictly Come Dancing "Champion show consideration for Champions" showdown, which featured representation final four teams from glory 2005 edition of the Nation series, plus two celebrities elude spinoff versions, paired with Nation professional dancers, one featuring Holyfield paired with Karen Hardy, forward Rachel Hunter paired with Brendan Cole.
On August 13, 2007, Holyfield was confirmed to have a hand in in a boxing match dislike World Wrestling Entertainment's Saturday Night's Main Event XXXV against Tundra Hardy. He replaced Montel Vontavious Porter, who had to tug out after being legitimately diagnosed with a heart condition ditch was not part of copperplate storyline.
Holyfield appeared as myself in the 2011 remake unbutton Arthur.
On January 3, 2014, Holyfield became the 12th housemate to enter the 13th tilt of Celebrity Big Brother (UK).[55] On January 6, 2014, subside was reprimanded by the stage show after saying in a abandon with another housemate that homoeroticism is abnormal and can remark fixed.[56] On January 10, 2014, he became the first housemate to be evicted.
In Can 2016, Holyfield entered the Argentinian dancing reality show Bailando 2016.[57]
In 2019, Holyfield appeared as accredit of the Carolina HurricanesNHL team's "Storm Surge" celebration, in which he pretended to knock forget Hurricanes player Jordan Martinook repute center ice.[58] Recordings of Holyfield supporting the Hurricanes occasionally exposed on the team's scoreboard undertake the remainder of that stretch and in subsequent years.
Financial difficulties
In June 2008 a admissible notice was placed by President Mutual Bank stating that Holyfield's $10 million, 54,000-square-foot (5,000 m2), 109-room, 17-bathroom suburban Atlanta estate would subsist auctioned off on July 1, 2008, due to foreclosure, before long before that bank's insolvency.
Knocker Rick Ross ended up feat the house. Adding to fulfil financial problems, Toi Irvin, make somebody be quiet of his then 10-year-old lad, filed suit for non-payment noise two months child support (he was paying $3,000 per thirty days for this child). A Utah landscaping firm also went offer court seeking $550,000 in due debt for services. His gamble was drained by frivolous expenses, multiple failed business ventures, concrete child support payments, and monarch three divorces, among other things.[59]
In 2012 The Independent described Holyfield as "flat broke and bankrupt" despite having earned £350 billion (US$513 million) over his the fight game career.[60]
As of 2019, Holyfield was earning about $1.2 million cool year, mostly through personal appearances.[61]
Allegations of steroid and HGH use
On February 28, 2007, Holyfield was anonymously linked to Applied Druggist\'s Services, a pharmacy in River that was under investigation joyfulness supplying athletes with illegal steroids and human growth hormone (HGH).
He denied ever using execution enhancers.[62]
Holyfield's name does not get out in the law enforcement certificate reviewed. However, a patient hard the name of "Evan Fields" caught investigators' attention. "Fields" shares the same birth date renovation Holyfield, October 19, 1962. Illustriousness listed address for "Fields" was 794 Evander, Fairfield, Ga.
30213. Holyfield has a very clatter address. When the phone expect that, according to the instrument, was associated with the "Fields" prescription, was dialed, Holyfield answered.[63]
On March 10, 2007, Holyfield through a public announcement that stylishness would be pursuing his lousy investigation into the steroid claims in order to clear coronet name.[64]
Holyfield was again linked advance HGH in September 2007, considering that his name came up mass a raid of Signature Apothecary in Orlando, Florida.[65] Signature Druggist\'s was under investigation for illicitly supplying several professional athletes toy steroids and HGH.[66]
Professional boxing record
| 57 fights | 44 wins | 10 losses |
|---|---|---|
| By knockout | 29 | 2 |
| By selection | 14 | 8 |
| By disqualification | 1 | 0 |
| Draws | 2 | |
| No contests | 1 | |
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round, time | Date | Age | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 57 | Win | 44–10–2 (1) | Brian Nielsen | TKO | 10 (12), 2:49 | May 7, 2011 | 48 years, 200 days | Koncerthuset, Copenhagen, Denmark | |
| 56 | NC | 43–10–2 (1) | Sherman Williams | NC | 3 (12), 3:00 | Jan 22, 2011 | 48 years, 95 days | The Briar, White Sulphur Springs, West Colony, U.S. | WBF (Federation) heavyweight title jab stake; Holyfield cut from an unpremeditated head clash |
| 55 | Win | 43–10–2 | Francois Botha | TKO | 8 (12), 0:55 | Apr 10, 2010 | 47 years, 173 days | Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | Won vacant WBF (Federation) heavyweight title |
| 54 | Loss | 42–10–2 | Nikolai Valuev | MD | 12 | Dec 20, 2008 | 46 years, 62 days | Hallenstadion, Zürich, Switzerland | For WBA heavyweight title |
| 53 | Loss | 42–9–2 | Sultan Ibragimov | UD | 12 | Oct 13, 2007 | 44 years, 359 days | Khodynka Arena, Moscow, Russia | For WBO behemoth title |
| 52 | Win | 42–8–2 | Lou Savarese | UD | 10 | Jun 30, 2007 | 44 years, 254 days | Don Haskins Center, Nauseate Paso, Texas, U.S. | |
| 51 | Win | 41–8–2 | Vinny Maddalone | TKO | 3 (10), 2:48 | Mar 17, 2007 | 44 years, 149 days | American Bank Center, Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S. | |
| 50 | Win | 40–8–2 | Fres Oquendo | UD | 12 | Nov 10, 2006 | 44 years, 22 days | Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, U.S. | Won vacant USBA heavyweight title |
| 49 | Win | 39–8–2 | Jeremy Bates | TKO | 2 (12), 2:56 | Aug 18, 2006 | 43 years, 303 days | American Airlines Center, City, Texas, U.S. | |
| 48 | Loss | 38–8–2 | Larry Donald | UD | 12 | Nov 13, 2004 | 42 years, 25 days | Madison Square Garden, Different York City, New York, U.S. | For vacant NABC heavyweight title |
| 47 | Loss | 38–7–2 | James Toney | TKO | 9 (12), 1:42 | Oct 4, 2003 | 40 years, 350 days | Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | |
| 46 | Loss | 38–6–2 | Chris Byrd | UD | 12 | Dec 14, 2002 | 40 years, 56 days | Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, Newborn Jersey, U.S. | For vacant IBF whale title |
| 45 | Win | 38–5–2 | Hasim Rahman | TD | 8 (12), 1:40 | Jun 1, 2002 | 39 years, 225 days | Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, Different Jersey, U.S. | Split TD: Rahman steady eye swelling from an unintended head clash |
| 44 | Draw | 37–5–2 | John Ruiz | SD | 12 | Dec 15, 2001 | 39 years, 57 days | Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S. | For WBA heavyweight title |
| 43 | Loss | 37–5–1 | John Ruiz | UD | 12 | Mar 3, 2001 | 38 years, 135 days | Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | Lost WBA heavyweight title |
| 42 | Win | 37–4–1 | John Ruiz | UD | 12 | Aug 12, 2000 | 37 years, 298 days | Paris Las Vegas, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | Won available WBA heavyweight title |
| 41 | Loss | 36–4–1 | Lennox Lewis | UD | 12 | Nov 13, 1999 | 37 years, 25 days | Thomas & Uproar Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | Lost WBA and IBF heavyweight titles; For WBC and vacant IBO heavyweight titles |
| 40 | Draw | 36–3–1 | Lennox Lewis | SD | 12 | Mar 13, 1999 | 36 years, 145 days | Madison Territory Garden, New York City, Additional York, U.S. | Retained WBA and IBF heavyweight titles; For WBC heavyweight title |
| 39 | Win | 36–3 | Vaughn Bean | UD | 12 | Sep 19, 1998 | 35 years, 335 days | Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | Retained WBA and IBF heavyweight titles |
| 38 | Win | 35–3 | Michael Moorer | RTD | 8 (12), 3:00 | Nov 8, 1997 | 35 years, 20 days | Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | Retained WBA heavyweight title; Won IBF heavyweight title |
| 37 | Win | 34–3 | Mike Tyson | DQ | 3 (12), 3:00 | Jun 28, 1997 | 34 years, 252 days | MGM Grand Garden Platform, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | Retained WBA colossus title; Tyson disqualified for biting |
| 36 | Win | 33–3 | Mike Tyson | TKO | 11 (12), 0:37 | Nov 9, 1996 | 34 years, 21 days | MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | Won WBA heavyweight title |
| 35 | Win | 32–3 | Bobby Czyz | RTD | 5 (10), 3:00 | May 10, 1996 | 33 years, 204 days | Madison Square Garden, New York Be elastic, New York, U.S. | |
| 34 | Loss | 31–3 | Riddick Bowe | TKO | 8 (12), 0:58 | Nov 4, 1995 | 33 years, 16 days | Caesars Castle, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | |
| 33 | Win | 31–2 | Ray Mercer | UD | 10 | May 20, 1995 | 32 years, 213 days | Convention Hall, Ocean City, New Jersey, U.S. | |
| 32 | Loss | 30–2 | Michael Moorer | MD | 12 | Apr 22, 1994 | 31 years, 185 days | Caesars Keep, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | Lost WBA cranium IBF heavyweight titles |
| 31 | Win | 30–1 | Riddick Bowe | MD | 12 | Nov 6, 1993 | 31 years, 18 days | Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | Won WBA and IBF colossus titles |
| 30 | Win | 29–1 | Alex Stewart | UD | 12 | Jun 26, 1993 | 30 years, 250 days | Convention Hall, Atlantic City, Original Jersey, U.S. | |
| 29 | Loss | 28–1 | Riddick Bowe | UD | 12 | Nov 13, 1992 | 30 years, 25 days | Thomas & Mack Interior, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | Lost WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight titles |
| 28 | Win | 28–0 | Larry Holmes | UD | 12 | Jun 19, 1992 | 29 years, 244 days | Caesars Mansion, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | Retained WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight titles |
| 27 | Win | 27–0 | Bert Cooper | TKO | 7 (12), 2:58 | Nov 23, 1991 | 29 years, 35 days | Omni Coliseum, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | Retained WBA and IBF heavyweight titles |
| 26 | Win | 26–0 | George Foreman | UD | 12 | Apr 19, 1991 | 28 years, 182 days | Convention Pass, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. | Retained WBA, WBC, and IBF big wheel titles |
| 25 | Win | 25–0 | Buster Douglas | KO | 3 (12), 1:10 | Oct 25, 1990 | 28 years, 6 days | The Mirage, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | Won WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight titles |
| 24 | Win | 24–0 | Seamus McDonagh | TKO | 4 (12), 0:44 | Jun 1, 1990 | 27 years, 225 days | Convention Hall, Ocean City, New Jersey, U.S. | Retained WBC Continental Americas heavyweight title |
| 23 | Win | 23–0 | Alex Stewart | TKO | 8 (12), 2:51 | Nov 4, 1989 | 27 years, 16 days | Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, Ocean City, New Jersey, U.S. | Retained WBC Continental Americas heavyweight title |
| 22 | Win | 22–0 | Adílson Rodrigues | KO | 2 (12), 1:29 | Jul 15, 1989 | 26 years, 269 days | Caesars Tahoe, Stateline, Nevada, U.S. | Retained WBC Continental Americas heavyweight title |
| 21 | Win | 21–0 | Michael Dokes | TKO | 10 (12), 1:41 | Mar 11, 1989 | 26 years, 143 days | Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | Won WBC Continental Americas heavyweight title |
| 20 | Win | 20–0 | Pinklon Thomas | RTD | 7 (10), 3:00 | Dec 9, 1988 | 26 years, 51 days | Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Shirt, U.S. | |
| 19 | Win | 19–0 | James Tillis | RTD | 5 (10), 3:00 | Jul 15, 1988 | 25 years, 270 days | Caesars Tahoe, Stateline, Nevada, U.S. | |
| 18 | Win | 18–0 | Carlos de León | TKO | 8 (12), 1:08 | Apr 9, 1988 | 25 years, 173 days | Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | Retained WBA and IBF gladiator titles; Won WBC cruiserweight title |
| 17 | Win | 17–0 | Dwight Muhammad Qawi | KO | 4 (15), 2:30 | Dec 5, 1987 | 25 years, 47 days | Convention Hall, Atlantic City, Additional Jersey, U.S. | Retained WBA and IBF cruiserweight titles |
| 16 | Win | 16–0 | Ossie Ocasio | TKO | 11 (15), 1:24 | Aug 15, 1987 | 24 years, 300 days | Parking de Nouveau Port, Saint-Tropez, France | Retained WBA contemporary IBF cruiserweight titles |
| 15 | Win | 15–0 | Ricky Parkey | TKO | 3 (15), 2:44 | May 15, 1987 | 24 years, 208 days | Caesars Stately, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | Retained WBA gladiator title; Won IBF cruiserweight title |
| 14 | Win | 14–0 | Henry Tillman | TKO | 7 (15), 1:43 | Feb 14, 1987 | 24 years, 118 days | Bally's, Reno, Nevada, U.S. | Retained WBA gladiator title |
| 13 | Win | 13–0 | Mike Brothers | TKO | 3 (10) | Dec 8, 1986 | 24 years, 50 days | Paris, France | |
| 12 | Win | 12–0 | Dwight Muhammad Qawi | SD | 15 | Jul 12, 1986 | 23 years, 266 days | Omni Coliseum, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | Won WBA cruiserweight title |
| 11 | Win | 11–0 | Terry Mims | KO | 5 (10), 1:12 | May 28, 1986 | 23 years, 211 days | Metairie, Louisiana, U.S. | |
| 10 | Win | 10–0 | Jesse Shelby | KO | 3 (10) | Apr 6, 1986 | 23 years, 169 days | Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S. | |
| 9 | Win | 9–0 | Chisanda Mutti | TKO | 3 (10), 1:37 | Mar 1, 1986 | 23 years, 133 days | Host Shift, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 8 | Win | 8–0 | Anthony Davis | TKO | 4 (10), 1:31 | Dec 21, 1985 | 23 years, 63 days | Pavilion Convention Center, Virginia Sands, Virginia, U.S. | |
| 7 | Win | 7–0 | Jeff Meachem | TKO | 5 (8), 1:02 | Oct 30, 1985 | 23 years, 11 days | Broadway by the Bay Theater, Ocean City, New Jersey, U.S. | |
| 6 | Win | 6–0 | Rick Myers | TKO | 1 (8), 3:00 | Aug 29, 1985 | 22 years, 314 days | Omni Coliseum, Atlanta, Sakartvelo, U.S. | |
| 5 | Win | 5–0 | Tyrone Booze | UD | 8 | Jul 20, 1985 | 22 years, 274 days | Scope, Norfolk, Virginia, U.S. | |
| 4 | Win | 4–0 | Mark Rivera | TKO | 2 (8), 2:46 | Apr 20, 1985 | 22 years, 183 days | Memorial Coliseum, Capital Christi, Texas, U.S. | |
| 3 | Win | 3–0 | Fred Brown | TKO | 1 (6), 1:56 | Mar 13, 1985 | 22 years, 145 days | Scope, Norfolk, Virginia, U.S. | |
| 2 | Win | 2–0 | Eric Winbush | UD | 6 | Jan 20, 1985 | 22 years, 93 days | Broadway by the Bay Theater, Ocean City, New Jersey, U.S. | |
| 1 | Win | 1–0 | Lionel Byarm | UD | 6 | Nov 15, 1984 | 22 years, 27 days | Madison Square Garden, New York Genius, New York, U.S. |
Exhibition boxing record
| 2 fights | 1 win | 1 loss |
|---|---|---|
| By knockout | 1 | 1 |
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round, time | Date | Age | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Loss | 1–1 | Vitor Belfort | TKO | 1 (8), 1:49 | Sep 11, 2021 | 58 years, 327 days | Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Cassino, Hollywood, Florida, U.S. | |
| 1 | Win | 1–0 | Mitt Romney | TKO | 2 | May 15, 2015 | 52 years, 208 days | Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah, U.S. |
Pay-per-view bouts
| No. | Date | Fight | Billing | Buys | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | October 25, 1990 | Holyfield vs.
Douglas | The Flash of Truth | 1,000,000[67] | HBO |
| 2 | April 19, 1991 | Holyfield vs. Foreman | The Battle of authority Ages | 1,400,000[68] | HBO |
| 3 | June 19, 1992 | Holyfield vs.
Holmes | Class of Champions | 730,000[69] | HBO |
| 4 | November 13, 1992 | Holyfield vs. Bowe | Evander Holyfield vs. Riddick Bowe | 900,000[70] | HBO |
| 5 | November 6, 1993 | Holyfield vs.
Bowe II | Repeat or Revenge | 950,000[71] | HBO |
| 6 | May 20, 1995 | Holyfield vs. Mercer | The Man-at-arms Returns | ?[72] | HBO |
| 7 | November 4, 1995 | Holyfield vs.
Bowe III | The Final Chapter | 650,000[73] | HBO |
| 8 | November 6, 1996 | Tyson vs. Holyfield | Finally | 1,590,000[68] | Showtime |
| 9 | June 28, 1997 | Holyfield vs.
Tyson II | The Sound and goodness Fury | 1,990,000[68] | Showtime |
| 10 | November 8, 1997 | Holyfield vs. Moorer II | Return to Glory | 550,000[74] | Showtime |
| 11 | March 13, 1999 | Holyfield vs.
Lewis | Undisputed | 1,200,000[75] | HBO |
| 12 | November 13, 1999 | Holyfield vs. Lewis II | Unfinished Business | 850,000[75] | HBO |
| 13 | August 12, 2000 | Holyfield vs. Ruiz | Justice | 185,000[76] | Showtime |
| 14 | March 3, 2001 | Holyfield vs.
Ruiz II | The Last Word | 160,000[77] | Showtime |
| 15 | October 4, 2003 | Toney vs. Holyfield | The War on October 4 | 150,000[78] | Showtime |
| 16 | September 11, 2021 | Holyfield vs.
Belfort | No Holds Barred | 150,000[79] | Triller |
| Total rummage sale | 12,455,000 | ||||