Evander Holyfield is recognised as one of the greatest heavyweight’s in the long history of boxing.
An undisputed champion at both cruiserweight and heavyweight, ‘The Real Deal’ faced an array of great fighters throughout his 27-year career.
Holyfield enjoyed wins against the likes of Buster Douglas, Riddick Bowe and Ray Mercer whilst campaigning at heavyweight, as well as two memorable showdowns with ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson, with their second fight being remembered most after Tyson bit Holyfield’s ear in the eleventh round, sending shockwaves through the boxing world. He also faced Lennox Lewis twice, losing the rematch on points after a controversial draw in their first encounter.
After an illustrious career which saw him face so many legendary heavyweights, ‘The Real Deal’ spoke to the Ring Magazine where he revealed former heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe as his best ever opponent.
“I would say Bowe. I had three fights with Bowe. He was very competitive, he was always going to be in shape when he fought me.”
Holyfield faced Bowe on three occasions in a 3-year period, starting with a unanimous decision victory for ‘Big Daddy’ in November 1992. Holyfield avenged the first defeat with a majority decision win just one year later, but then suffered an eighth round knockout in their third and final contest, as Bowe put an end to their rivalry in a non-title bout at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas at the end of 1995.
‘The Real Deal’ fought on for another 16 years after his second defeat to Bowe, eventually retiring from boxing in May 2011 after winning his 57th and final battle with a tenth round knockout victory over Brian Nielsen.
