Athletes

Evander Holyfield: The Only Boxer to Hold Two Belts in Multiple Weight Classes

Learn about Evander Holyfield, the only boxer in history to hold two belts in more than one weight class. Four-time heavyweight champion and Olympic bronze medalist.

Audrey Richardson

☰ Questions & Answers show

Evander Holyfield: The Real Deal

Evander Holyfield, the man, the myth, the legend. This American professional boxer retired in 2011, but his legacy lives on. Holyfield started his professional boxing career in 1984 and quickly became the undisputed champion at the cruiserweight division. By the early 1990s, he moved up to the heavyweight division and made history as the only boxer to hold two belts in more than one weight class. He’s also known for his catchy moniker, “The Real Deal.”

Holyfield is a four-time champion in the heavyweight division, holding the unified belt from the WBA, WBC, and IBF from 1990 to 1992. He regained the belt a few more times after that, with his latest win in 2001. But before he became a pro, he was an amateur boxer and represented the US during the 1984 Summer Olympics, winning the bronze medal in the light heavyweight division.

In 1994, Holyfield was forced to retire following medical advice from his doctors, but he couldn’t stay away for long. He made a comeback a year later and even reclaimed the WBA title in 1996 after beating Mike Tyson in what was named the Fight of the Year and Upset of the Year by The Ring magazine. Holyfield and Tyson had a rematch in 1997, but it ended in controversy when Tyson was disqualified in the third round after biting off a piece of Holyfield’s ear. Ouch.

Holyfield may have retired, but his legacy lives on as one of the greatest boxers of all time. So, if you ever find yourself in the ring with him, just remember, he’s The Real Deal.

How many kids does Evander Holyfield have?

He has 11 children. He has six sons and five daughters.

How old is Evander Holyfield?

Evander Holyfield is currently 61 years old. He was born on October 19, 1962. His date of birth makes him a Libra.

What nationality is Evander Holyfield?

Evander Holyfield is of American nationality.

How much does Evander Holyfield weigh?

Evander Holyfield weighs 102 kg.

What is Evander Holyfield’s net worth?

As of 2019, Evander Holyfield has an estimated net worth of $500,000.

What is Evander Holyfield most famous for?

Evander Holyfield is famous for being the first boxer since Muhammad Ali to have won the heavyweight belt thrice. He is also well-known for having a piece of his ear bitten off by Mike Tyson during their boxing rematch. This was a famous incident covered worldwide by the media in 1997. Mike Tyson actually bit Evander Holyfield twice, despite being given a chance by the referee to continue the match after the first bite. However, the second bite was the cut-off point and the referee ended the match. Instead of acting out, Holyfield held a group prayer for forgiveness in his locker room for the bewildered and shocked crew. So, to repeat – Holyfield got a large chunk of his ear bitten off, and the first thing he did in his locker room is – pray. Impressive, no?