A legendary boxer and actor, known for holding the undisputed championship in both cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, and starring in various films and TV shows.
Evander Holyfield, also known as "The Real Deal," is undoubtedly one of the most iconic figures in the world of boxing. With a career spanning over two decades, Holyfield etched his name in the history books as the only boxer to win the undisputed championship in two weight classes in the three-belt era.
Born on October 19, 1962, in Atmore, Alabama, Holyfield grew up in a family of nine children. He began boxing at the age of eight and went on to win the 1981 and 1982 National Golden Gloves championships. As an amateur, Holyfield represented the United States at the 1984 Summer Olympics, where he won a bronze medal in the light heavyweight division.
Turning professional at the age of 21, Holyfield moved up to cruiserweight in 1985 and won his first world championship the following year, defeating Dwight Muhammad Qawi for the WBA title. He then went on to defeat Ricky Parkey and Carlos de León to win the WBC and IBF titles, becoming the undisputed cruiserweight champion.
In 1988, Holyfield moved up to heavyweight, where he would achieve unprecedented success. He defeated Buster Douglas in 1990 to claim the unified WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight titles, becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
Holyfield's impressive career has left an indelible mark on the world of boxing. He is a four-time world heavyweight champion, having held the unified WBA, WBC, and IBF titles on multiple occasions. His accomplishments have inspired generations of boxers, including modern greats like Terence Crawford, Naoya Inoue, and Oleksandr Usyk, who have followed in his footsteps as multi-weight undisputed champions.
Off the ring, Holyfield is known for his charitable work, particularly in the area of youth development. He has been involved with various organizations, including the Holyfield Foundation, which provides support for underprivileged children.
"I'm not a morning person, I'm not a night person, I'm an anytime person."
Holyfield's inspiring story, both in and out of the ring, continues to captivate audiences worldwide. As "The Real Deal," he remains an icon in the world of boxing, leaving a lasting legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
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