Evander Holyfield, born on October 19, 1962, in the small town of Atmore, Alabama, had a humble upbringing. He was the youngest of nine children and learned the value of hard work and determination from an early age. Holyfield's passion for boxing was ignited at a young age when he watched his idol, Muhammad Ali, dominate in the ring.
As a young boxer, Holyfield quickly made a name for himself in the amateur circuit. He won the bronze medal at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, although many felt he was robbed of a gold medal due to a controversial referee decision. Despite this setback, Holyfield turned professional and began his journey to becoming one of the greatest boxers of all time.
His first major breakthrough came in 1990 when he faced off against Buster Douglas for the Heavyweight Championship titles. Holyfield shocked the world by knocking out Douglas in the third round, becoming The Ring, WBC, WBA, and IBF Heavyweight Champion all in one night. This victory solidified his place in boxing history and earned him the nickname "The Real Deal."
Outside of the ring, Holyfield's personal life has been just as eventful. He has been married three times, first to Paulette Bowen from 1985 to 1991, then to Janice Itson from 1996 to 2000, and finally to Candi Calvana Smith from 2003 to 2012. Holyfield is also a devoted father, with a total of 11 children, all of whom have names beginning with the letter "E."
Throughout his career, Holyfield compiled an impressive record of 44 wins, with 29 of those victories coming by way of knockout. His tenacity and skill in the ring have cemented his status as one of the all-time boxing greats. Holyfield's storied career includes memorable matches against legends such as Mike Tyson, which culminated in a controversial incident where Tyson infamously bit off a piece of Holyfield's ear during their 1997 bout.
Even in retirement, Holyfield's impact on the sport of boxing continues to be felt. His dedication to his craft and unwavering determination serve as an inspiration to aspiring fighters around the world. Evander Holyfield's legacy as a boxing icon is one that will endure for generations to come.