The Black American Glossary

Boxer Evander Holyfield fought in the Olympics and reigned as the world heavyweight champion from 1990 to 1992, and again from 1993 to 1994. In an infamous bout in 1996, Holyfield's ear was bitten by Mike Tyson.

Intro to Boxing

Evander Holyfield was born on October 19, 1962 in Atmore, Alabama. Often referred to as “the Real Deal,” Holyfield is known for being a four-time world heavyweight champion. Growing up in Atlanta, Georgia, he took boxing lessons as a child. He competed as amateur in the Golden Gloves competitions in the early 1980s.

After winning a national Golden Gloves Championship in 1984, Holyfield made the U.S. Olympic team. Proud to represent his country at the 1984 Olympics held in Los Angeles, he experienced a great disappointment in the ring. He was disqualified during a semifinal match against Kevin Barry of New Zealand for hitting his opponent after a break. Many who witnessed the fight have disputed the referee's call. Despite this personal setback, Holyfield did receive the bronze medal.

Boxing as a Professional

After the Olympics, Holyfield turned professional and first fought in the junior heavyweight and cruiserweight classes. He won the World Boxing Association's (WBA) World Cruiserweight title in 1986 by defeating the reigning champion Dwight Qwai. Holyfield trained hard to become big enough and strong enough to compete as a heavyweight fighter.

In 1990, he became the world heavyweight champion, defeating James “Buster” Douglas, the holder of the WBA, International Boxing Federation (IBF), and World Boxing Council (WBC) championship titles. Holyfield took out Douglas in only seven minutes.

Holyfield's intense rivalry with boxer Riddick Bowe began in the early 1990s: He suffered a big defeat to Bowe in 1992, losing his title. It was his first loss in 29 professional fights. After briefly contemplating retirement, Holyfield was back in the ring and anxious to reclaim his title. He did just that when he got his rematch with Bowe in 1993, winning by decision. Holyfield didn't hold on to his title for too long. The next year, Michael Moorer defeated him by decision.

Fight with Tyson

Health problems sidelined the famous boxer for a time, but he returned to the ring and eventually fought one of the most notorious boxers in history, Mike Tyson. Holyfield beat Tyson in their first encounter in 1996, winning the WBA championship. No one could have imagined what happened in their next fight, however. During the bout, Tyson twice bit Holyfield's ear ‐ the second time taking a piece out of Holyfield's ear.

Tyson was disqualified, and his odd behavior in the ring became international news. Holyfield, a deeply religious man, forgave his opponent. Several months after this incident, Holyfield took back his IBF title from Michael Moore by knocking him out in the eight round, making it his third separate title victory.

In 1999, Holyfield took on another legendary fighter Lennox Lewis, the holder of the WBC heavyweight title. The first match between these two heavy hitters ended in a draw, but Lewis emerged victorious in a rematch later that same year. Holyfield went on to win his fourth championship in 2000, unseating the WBA champion John Ruiz. This victory was short-lived, however. Ruiz beat Holyfield in a rematch the next year.

Life Outside the Ring

Holyfield continues to box. Proving that he is still a contender, he beat Jeremy Bates by a knockout in August 2006 ‐ his first fight in nearly two years. With his boxing career slowing down, Holyfield has been exploring other business opportunities. He attracted a lot of attention for his footwork, not his punches, appearing as a contestant in 2005 on Dancing with the Stars, the television competition that teams up celebrities with professional dancers. His memoir, Becoming Holyfield: A Fighter's Journey, was released in 2008. Holyfield was inducted in the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in August 2014. Mike Tyson presented him with his trophy.

Off stage and out the ring, Holyfield devotes some of his time to helping young people. The Holyfield Foundation supports numerous programs for inner-city children. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Quick Facts

Birth Date:
October 19, 1962

He held the undisputed world championship in both cruiserweight and heavyweight division. He is called fondly as “The Real Deal” and “The Warrior.”
He developed his height and physique late in his life. He was only 5 ft 8 in and 147 pounds after his graduation and by the age of 21 years, he grew to 6 ft and weighed 178 pounds. He added another 2½ in, later in twenties.
He turned professional in the Light Heavyweight division on November 15, 1984 and won his first fight against Lionel Byarm in six rounds. Before turning professional, he had won 160 bouts, 76 of these by knockout.
On October 25, 1990, Holyfield challenged a new heavyweight champion Buster Douglas, who had defeated Tyson. He was in great shape and Douglas was no match to him. In the third round Holyfield landed a lightning straight punch to sent Douglas for the count. He was the new World Heavyweight Champion.
He regained his title from Riddick Bowe on November 06, 1993 with close 12 round majority decision. He was named as ABC’s Wide World of Sports’ Athlete of the Year 1993.
Lewis being stripped of the WBA title, Holyfield fought John Ruiz for the title on August 12, 2000. He won the unanimous 12 round bout, to become World Heavyweight Champion for the fourth time. He is the first boxer to do so.