# Evander Holyfield

> American boxer

**Wikidata**: [Q313451](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q313451)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evander_Holyfield)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/evander-holyfield

## Summary
Evander Holyfield is an American boxer known for his dominance in heavyweight boxing during the 1980s and 1990s. He is celebrated for his record-breaking achievements, including winning the WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight titles, and later becoming the oldest heavyweight champion in history at age 45.

## Biography
- Born: October 19, 1962, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Nationality: American
- Education: Attended Atlanta Technical College
- Known for: Being a legendary heavyweight boxer and the oldest heavyweight champion in history
- Employer(s): Independent professional boxer
- Field(s): Professional boxing

## Contributions
Evander Holyfield is best known for his professional boxing career, during which he won multiple world heavyweight titles and set records for longevity in the division. He is recognized for his longevity in the sport, becoming the oldest heavyweight champion in history at age 45. His career spanned over two decades, during which he faced some of the greatest boxers of his era, including Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, and Riddick Bowe.

## FAQs
**What titles did Evander Holyfield win?**
Evander Holyfield won the WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight titles, becoming a three-division champion. He also held the lineal heavyweight championship at various points in his career.

**Who did Evander Holyfield defeat to become the oldest heavyweight champion?**
Evander Holyfield defeated Riddick Bowe in 2007 at the age of 45 to become the oldest heavyweight champion in history.

**What awards has Evander Holyfield received?**
Evander Holyfield has received awards such as the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, and the Sugar Ray Robinson Award.

**How many professional fights did Evander Holyfield have?**
Evander Holyfield had 59 professional fights, with a record of 44 wins (37 knockouts), 11 losses, and 4 draws.

## Why They Matter
Evander Holyfield's career revolutionized heavyweight boxing by demonstrating that age was not a barrier to success. His record as the oldest heavyweight champion inspired future generations of boxers and proved that longevity and skill could coexist. His fights against legends like Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis elevated the sport's popularity, and his ability to remain competitive well into his 40s challenged conventional wisdom about athletic decline. Holyfield's influence extends beyond the ring, as he became a cultural icon and a symbol of perseverance in the face of adversity.

## Notable For
- Three-division heavyweight champion (WBC, WBA, IBF)
- Oldest heavyweight champion in history (age 45)
- Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame
- Received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor
- Awarded the Sugar Ray Robinson Award
- Fought some of the greatest boxers of his era, including Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, and Riddick Bowe
- Known as "The Real Deal" for his authenticity and work ethic

## Body
### Early Life
Evander Holyfield was born on October 19, 1962, in Atlanta, Georgia. He attended Atlanta Technical College but dropped out to pursue a career in boxing. Holyfield began his professional career in 1984 and quickly rose through the ranks, earning a reputation as a skilled and powerful fighter.

### Professional Career
Holyfield's professional career spanned 17 years, during which he amassed a record of 44 wins (37 knockouts), 11 losses, and 4 draws. He won the WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight titles, becoming a three-division champion. His most notable victories include defeating Mike Tyson in 1997, Lennox Lewis in 2002, and Riddick Bowe in 2007, which cemented his legacy as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time.

### Longevity and Legacy
Holyfield's career is defined by his longevity, as he remained competitive well into his 40s. In 2007, he defeated Riddick Bowe at the age of 45 to become the oldest heavyweight champion in history. His ability to remain relevant and successful in the sport challenged the notion that age was a limiting factor for elite athletes.

### Awards and Recognition
Holyfield has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, and the Sugar Ray Robinson Award. He has also been recognized by *The Ring* magazine, which named him Fighter of the Year in 1986.

### Cultural Impact
Beyond his boxing achievements, Holyfield has had a significant cultural impact. He is known for his authenticity and work ethic, earning the nickname "The Real Deal." His fights have been broadcast widely, and he has become a household name in the United States and beyond. Holyfield's influence extends to the broader boxing community, where he is respected for his skill, resilience, and contributions to the sport.

### Later Career and Retirement
Holyfield retired from professional boxing in 2011 after a career that spanned nearly three decades. He has since remained active in the sport as a commentator and analyst, sharing his expertise with fans and aspiring boxers. His retirement marked the end of an era, but his legacy continues to inspire new generations of fighters.

## References

1. BoxRec
2. list of WBC world champions
3. list of IBF world champions
4. list of WBA world champions
5. [Source](https://www.bwaa.org/past-winners)
6. IMDb
7. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
8. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. Virtual International Authority File
11. Olympedia
12. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
13. [Evander Holyfield @ omdb](https://www.omdb.org/en/us/person/105922-evander-holyfield)
14. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Evander_Holyfield-E388M)
15. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/evander-holyfield-107a4UKxfN/appearances)
16. The Movie Database