Evander Holyfield retired in 2011 leaving a legacy behind that would help define an era of boxing.
As a unified champion at both cruiserweight and heavyweight, Holyfield has beaten the likes of James ‘Buster’ Douglas, Mike Tyson, and Larry Holmes.
Some of the greatest heavyweights of all time have not been able to get the better of Holyfield, whose first loss did not come until he met Riddick Bowe in 1992.
At the peak of his powers, Holyfield was able to get the better of any opponent, including George Foreman. Following his win over ‘Big George’, Holyfield was the victor of a classic slugfest.
Evander Holyfield got the better of Bert Cooper in 1991 brawl
When Holyfield became a heavyweight champion for the first time by defeating ‘Buster’ Douglas, he would return six months later, in April 1991, to beat Foreman.
For the second defense of his WBA and IBF titles, Holyfield would be challenged by Bert Cooper in November 1991.
The challenger had a 26-7 record, with his most recent loss coming to Bowe in 1990. Cooper was fighting for a world title for the first time in his career, and was four years junior to Holyfield at 25.
The pair fought in Atlanta on an event that also included an up-and-coming Lennox Lewis.
Holyfield would be able to extend his unbeaten record to 26-0 in the fight. However, it did not come with ease.
The champion would lead the bout for the most part, but it was a hearty effort from Cooper.
Getting off to a good start, Holyfield put Cooper down in the opening round thanks to a left hook to the body. However, in round three, Cooper got revenge.
A good spell of pressure would see Holyfield kept up by the ropes, as the referee ruled the moment a knockdown. Despite this, the champion recovered well.
The two continued to land monstrous blows on one another up until the seventh round. A relentless assault on Cooper from Holyfield would see him punish the challenger with uppercuts and shots around the guard. In the closing seconds of the round, the referee waved off the fight.
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Evander Holyfield’s first loss came to Riddick Bowe in 1992
Despite his impressive performance against Cooper, Holyfield would make just one more defense of his world titles before dropping them.
A win over Holmes in June 1992 would be followed by the first loss of Holyfield’s career. Facing fellow unbeaten fighter Bowe, Holyfield was bested on points.
The fight in Las Vegas would see both fighters have success, but Bowe was able to prevail to become a world champion for the first time.
The pair would have a trilogy before they retired, with Holyfield winning their sequel bout in 1993, before Bowe won their final match in 1995.