Evander Holyfield is regarded one of the greatest fighters in the history of boxing.
Holyfield’s career spanned 27 years, where he became an undisputed champion at both cruiserweight and heavyweight, writing himself into boxing history as one of the few men to achieve undisputed status in more than one division.
‘The Real Deal’ shared the ring with some of the best fighters of his generation, including the likes of George Foreman, Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson.
Despite being matched up with such an array of great fighters throughout his glittering career, the 62-year-old has publicly revealed the one opponent he regretted facing.
Speaking on The Big Podcast With Shaq, ‘The Real Deal’ gives his explanation on why he should have never shared the ring with Riddick Bowe.
“Riddick Bowe is the first person that I didn’t listen to what my momma told me. My momma told me not to become friends with people you’re going to compete with. She said you’ll tell them too much.
“Riddick Bowe was that guy. I started sparring with him at the age of 18 when he was getting ready to go to the Olympics. I became good friends with him.”
Holyfield and Bowe met on three separate occasions within a three year period. It was ‘Big Daddy’ who won their first battle in November 1992, dethroning ‘The Real Deal’ of his WBA, WBC and IBF titles.
Exactly a year later, the former champion got his revenge over Bowe, regaining the WBA and IBF titles in the process. In the third and final instalment, which took place as a non-title bout in November 1995, it was ‘Big Daddy’ who put an end to their rivalry, knocking out Holyfield in the eighth round at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
