FILE – In this Nov. 9, 1996, file photo, Evander Holyfield raises his fist after defeating Mike Tyson in their WBA heavyweight championship bout at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas. Former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield and three-division champion Marco Antonio Barrera of Mexico head a list of nine people selected for induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016. (AP Photo/ Mark J. Terrill, File)
Feb. 18, 2021 – 680 THE FAN, ATLANTA – When you think of boxing and Atlanta there is only one name that comes to mind and it’s Evander “the Real Deal” Holyfield!
Though born in Alabama, Evander’s family moved to Atlanta when he was just a toddler and he’s called Georgia home ever since. Holyfield actually started boxing at 7 years old and never looked back!
Before his retirement in 2014 at the age 52, Evander would win a Bronze Medal at the ’84 Summer Olympics, collect 44 professional wins, including victories over legends Larry Holmes, George Foreman & Mike Tyson…twice! From October 1990 to November 1992 Holyfield was the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the world and to this day Evander remains the only boxer in history to win the undisputed championship in two weight classes in the three belt era!
Holyfield’s fame garnered him major celebrity status that included appearances on the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Dancing with the Stars, and minor roles in three movies. Evander is still involved in boxing as a consultant.
