Evander Holyfield

Evander Holyfield managed to become a sports legend during his lifetime. There are many bright and unforgettable fights in the biography of the famous American professional boxer. Excellent technique, well-honed strikes, the ability to anticipate the tactics of the opponent - this makes the athlete's performances exemplary. The man has impressive external data - height 189 cm, weight 102 kg.

Childhood and youth

The American boxing star was born on October 19, 1962 in Alabama. The family had many children, and the boy turned out to be the youngest of the children. Therefore, in childhood, the athlete was forgiven for tricks and pranks. Annie's mother Laura Holyfield raised the kids with their grandmother. Being religious, the woman taught the children to go to their goal, to be disciplined.At the age of 4, the boy and his family moved to Atlanta, Georgia. During these years, Evander was distinguished by a gentle, calm character. At the same time, his family felt great energy in him. At the age of 8, the child started playing sports at a local children's club. Holyfield tried himself in several sports directions at once, but the boxing section aroused particular interest in the child. The coach of the young boxers was Carter Morgan.

Morgan was able to discern in the fragile boy the future star of the world ring. From the coach in his youth, the athlete took over the experience, learned the secrets of skill. When the young boxer turned 16, Carter passed away. The event was a blow for the guy, he wanted to quit classes, but decided for himself that leaving would be an insult to the philosophy of his beloved coach, and continued training.

In the same year, the boxer wins the championship of the Southeastern region. After 3 years, he acts as a representative of the States in Caracas and takes 2nd place. But the cherished dream of the young man at that time was to participate in the Olympics. In 1984, the athlete managed to bring it to life. Then Holyfield got the bronze.

Sport

Professional career began for the boxer in the fall of 1984. Then Holyfield won the fight with Lionel Briams. During the following years, the athlete won world championships in the heavyweight category. In 1992, Evander lost to Riddick Bowe, but a year later regained his championship status in a rematch.The pinnacle of the boxer's career was a duel with Mike Tyson. The fight took place in 1996, although fans of athletes expected it back in 1991.The first time the meeting was postponed due to Tyson's injury, the second time the planned fight was also canceled - Mike was in prison at that time on charges of rape. The decisive match was held on November 9.

Holyfield won the ring and regained the WBA title. At the same time, the winner was offered a rematch. The boxers met again in the summer of 1997 — a huge audience watched the meeting.

The intense struggle reached its peak - beside himself with the realization of defeat, Tyson bit off his opponent's earlobe and was disqualified. Photos of the momentous moment quickly spread around the world.

In the 2000s, the boxer continued his sports career. Among those with whom the man fought were Lou Savarese, Sultan Ibragimov, Nikolai Valuev and others. In 2011, the last professional match of the athlete took place. In subsequent years, he enters the ring in show fights. According to experts, Holyfield managed to maintain a corporate, recognizable style during his career — honed skill and rejection of brute force. Out of 57 fights, Evander won 44 victories, 29 of them were knockouts.In 2019, Holyfield continues to follow the events in world boxing. The athlete gives interviews in which he gives ratings to young boxers.Evander also supports his son, who decided to follow in his father's footsteps and make a career in boxing.

Personal life

The athlete's first wife was Paulette Bowen. The couple's marriage lasted from 1985 to 1991. Paulette gave the boxer two sons.During the same period, the mother insisted that the world ring star meet his father. The men quickly found a common language, and, according to Holyfield, communication continued until the death of his relative.

Evander's second wife is Janice Itson. The marriage, like the first one, did not last long — from 1996 to 2000. The third wife at that time of the 40-year-old boxer was 24-year-old Candy Kalvana Smith. The couple lived together from 2003 to 2012. Evander has 6 children in total — 2 sons and 4 daughters.

Awards and achievements

July 12 , 1986 - July 1988 - WBA World Heavyweight Champion

May 15 , 1987 - July 1988 - IBF World Heavyweight Champion

April 9 , 1988 - July 1988 - WBC World Heavyweight Champion

October 25 , 1990 - November 13 , 1992 - WBA World Heavyweight Champion

November 6 , 1993 - April 22 , 1994 - WBA World Heavyweight champion

November 9 , 1996 - November 13 , 1999 - WBA World Heavyweight Champion

November 8 , 1997 - November 13 , 1999 - BF Heavyweight World Champion

August 12 , 2000 - March 3 , 2001 - WBA World Heavyweight Champion