Evander Holyfield, known as “The Real Deal,” is a legendary figure in the world of boxing, celebrated for his tenacity, skill, and remarkable achievements in the ring.
Here’s a detailed look into his life, career, and legacy.
Evander Holyfield’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Evander Holyfield |
| Nickname | The Real Deal |
| Born | October 19, 1962 |
| Age | 62 |
| College | Unknown |
| Religion | Born-again Christian |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’2″ (189 cm) |
| Turned Pro | November 15, 1984 |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $1 million |
| Salary | Varies per fight, with significant earnings from title fights |
| Spouse | Currently single |
| Relationship Status | Single, previously married 4 times |
| Instagram Profile | @evanderholyfield |
Early Career
Evander Holyfield’s journey in boxing began at the age of seven when he joined the Boys & Girls Club in Atlanta.
His talent was evident early on, winning the club’s boxing tournament and qualifying for the Junior Olympics at age 11. By 16, he had won the Southeastern Regional Championship and was recognized as the best boxer in the tournament.
His amateur career culminated with a bronze medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, despite a controversial disqualification in the semifinals.
Professional Career
Holyfield turned professional shortly after the Olympics, making his debut against Lionel Byarm in New York City.
His early professional fights showcased his potential, leading to his first world title in 1986 when he defeated Dwight Muhammad Qawi for the WBA Cruiserweight Championship.
Holyfield’s dominance in the cruiserweight division was undisputed, unifying the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles. Transitioning to heavyweight in 1988, he captured the undisputed heavyweight championship by defeating Buster Douglas in 1990.
His career was marked by victories over boxing greats like George Foreman, Larry Holmes, and Mike Tyson, whom he famously defeated twice, including the infamous “Bite Fight” in 1997.
Holyfield’s resilience was evident when he regained titles multiple times, becoming the first boxer to win the heavyweight championship four times.
Wife
Holyfield has been married 4 times and has 11 children. His current relationship status is single, focusing on his post-boxing life and motivational speaking.
Evander Holyfield’s Net Worth Details
Evander Holyfield’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million as of 2025. His financial difficulties led to the foreclosure of his $10 million Atlanta estate in 2008, which was later acquired by rapper Rick Ross.
Fight Purses
| Opponent | Purse |
|---|---|
| Mike Tyson (1996) | $35 million |
| Mike Tyson (1997) | $30 million |
| Lennox Lewis (1999) | $15 million |
| John Ruiz (2000) | $10 million |
| Francois Botha (2010) | $500,000 |
Endorsements
- Coca-Cola: Holyfield endorsed Coca-Cola and Diet Coke in the early 1990s.
- Real Deal Grill: Launched his own cooking appliance in 2007.
- Zaxby’s: Featured in TV ads for the restaurant chain in 2007-2008.
- Video Games: Had a video game released for Genesis and Game Gear titled Evander Holyfield’s Real Deal Boxing.
Career Stats
| Opponent | Result | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Mike Tyson | Win (TKO) | November 9, 1996 |
| Mike Tyson | Win (DQ) | June 28, 1997 |
| Lennox Lewis | Draw (SD) | March 13, 1999 |
| Lennox Lewis | Loss (UD) | November 13, 1999 |
| John Ruiz | Win (UD) | August 12, 2000 |
| John Ruiz | Loss (UD) | March 3, 2001 |
| John Ruiz | Draw (SD) | December 15, 2001 |
FAQs
1. Who is Evander Holyfield?
Evander Holyfield is an American former professional boxer born on October 19, 1962, in Atmore, Alabama. He is known for his remarkable career, becoming the undisputed champion in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions.
2. What are some of Evander Holyfield’s major achievements in boxing?
Holyfield is the only boxer to win a version of the heavyweight championship four separate times. He won the undisputed cruiserweight title in 1988 and the undisputed heavyweight title in 1990. He also defeated notable boxers like Mike Tyson, George Foreman, and Larry Holmes.
3. What is Evander Holyfield’s professional boxing record?
Holyfield retired with a record of 44 wins, 10 losses, and 2 draws. Out of his 44 wins, 29 were by knockout.
4. How did Evander Holyfield start his boxing career?
Holyfield began boxing at the age of eight when he joined the Boys & Girls Club in Atlanta, Georgia. He turned professional at 21 after winning the National Golden Gloves Championship in 1984 and earning a bronze medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics.
5. What titles did Evander Holyfield win in his professional career?
Holyfield won the WBA, WBC, and IBF cruiserweight titles, becoming the undisputed cruiserweight champion. He later won the unified WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight titles, and the WBA heavyweight title four times.
6. What was the outcome of Evander Holyfield’s fights with Mike Tyson?
Holyfield defeated Mike Tyson twice. In their first fight in 1996, Holyfield won by TKO in the 11th round. In the infamous rematch in 1997, Tyson was disqualified for biting Holyfield’s ear.
7. How many times did Evander Holyfield win the heavyweight championship?
Holyfield won the heavyweight championship four times, making him the only boxer to achieve this feat.
8. What is Evander Holyfield’s nickname and why was he called that?
Holyfield was nicknamed “The Real Deal” due to his genuine talent and his ability to deliver in the ring, living up to the hype surrounding his career.
9. What was the most controversial moment in Evander Holyfield’s career?
The most controversial moment was during his second fight with Mike Tyson in 1997, where Tyson bit off part of Holyfield’s ear, leading to his disqualification.
10. When did Evander Holyfield retire from professional boxing?
Holyfield retired from professional boxing in 2014 after a career spanning over 26 years.
