Evander Holyfield retired in 2011 having had a huge impact on the sport of boxing, most specifically, the heavyweight division.
‘The Real Deal’ is considered to be one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time, as well as being a former cruiserweight champion.
Holyfield was an Olympic bronze medalist and made his debut in 1984. Winning 11 fights in less than two years, he was given his first world title opportunity.
Fighting in Georgia, Holyfield claimed his first world title at 23 years of age in 1986, winning the WBA World Cruiserweight title. Four years later, Holyfield would challenge a heavyweight champion.
Evander Holyfield took on Buster Douglas in 1990
Moving up to heavyweight, Holyfield would take on James ‘Buster’ Douglas in October 1990.
‘The Real Deal’ was originally meant to fight Mike Tyson. However, following Tyson’s shock and controversial loss to Douglas, Holyfield faced ‘Buster’ instead for the WBA, WBC, and IBF World Heavyweight titles.
The pair met in Las Vegas as Holyfield had a perfect 24-0 record. After winning the first two rounds of the bout, the challenger was able to close the show.
Just after a minute into the third round, Holyfield would counter Douglas’ uppercut with a right hand of his own, landing clean. The punch crushed the champion to the canvas, ending the fight.
Holyfield became the world heavyweight champion thanks to his third-round knockout, which set him on route to booming one of the best of all time.
Evander Holyfield made three title defenses before losing to Riddick Bowe
After his win over Douglas, Holyfield returned to the ring in April 1991. Taking on George Foreman, the champion retained his WBA, WBC, and IBF Heavyweight World titles.
Seven months later, Holyfield would defeat Bert Cooper via TKO in Georgia. Then, Larry Holmes would be the next to be defeated by the champion, in June 1992.
However, Holyfield would suffer a shock defeat as he aimed to defend his titles for the fourth time. Riddick Bowe would defeat the champion via unanimous decision, as the two fought in Las Vegas.
Rematching the following year, Holyfield got revenge over Bowe, despite a paraglider crashing into the ring. ‘The Real Deal’ defeated Bowe via majority decision, reclaiming the WBA and IBF titles.