Evander Holyfield is one of boxing’s best champions and was a part of one of sport’s craziest moments.
The four-time world champion first won the belt in 1990, and claimed it for the fourth time in 2010, making him one of the greatest heavyweights of time.
It was due to his many title reigns that Holyfield felt he was a better boxer than Muhammad Ali.
In 1992, Holyfield would face Riddick Bowe, aiming to defend his IBF and WBC World Heavyweight titles. Facing what was perhaps the toughest test of his career, it would be the first of three meetings between the pair.
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Evander Holyfield recalls the bizarre situation in his sequel fight with Riddick Bowe
Bowe went into the first fight with Holyfield holding a professional record of 31-0, and was one of the biggest tests of Holyfield’s career.
Their first meeting was an all-time classic, however, Holyfield would be handed his first loss. Losing via unanimous decision, Holyfield lost his titles for the first time.
The following year, Holyfield would get his chance for redemption, as he was set to met Bowe once again.
Just like their first meeting, their sequel fight would be a memorable one, for a very different reason however.
Their rematch was an intense affair, even resulting in the two fighting long beyond the bell at the end of round four.
It appeared as if Holyfield had much improved since their first meeting, dealing significant damage to Bowe.
However, in round 7, the most unlikely of circumstances would occur. A man attempted to fly into the ring using a parachute, and postponed the bout for 21 minutes.
The bout took place in Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, meaning the open air stadium allowed for ‘Fan-Man’ to swoop in.
Speaking on the Joe Rogan Experience about the fight, Holyfield felt the interruption prevented him getting a knockout victory.
“At that time [when the fight was interrupted], I had him [Bowe] hurt and it saved him.”
Podcast host Joe Rogan said he felt they should have cancelled the fight, but Holyfield explains they didn’t because it would mean the fighters would require further payment.
Despite the interruption, Holyfield would still come out on top, winning the fight via majority decision.
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‘Fan-Man’ was arrested and held for Evander Holyfield’s next fight
James Miller, better known as ‘Fan-Man’, had to be taken to the hospital after landing in Caesar’s Palace in 1993. Going unconscious from blows dealt by security, he required medical attention after his bizarre stunt.
Once discharged from hospital, he was taken to Clark County detention centre, where ‘Fan-Man’ was charged with dangerous flying. Miller would also plead guilty to charges of misdemeanour trespassing.
The charges would see Miller spend eight days in jail. However, these days were scheduled to ensure that ‘Fan-Man’ was held while Holyfield fought Michael Moorer in his next bout, to prevent him repeating his outlandish actions.
Miller never revealed his motives behind the incident, and claimed it was an accident that he landed in Caesar’s Palace.