Evander Holyfield (born October 19, 1962) is a former American professional boxer who competed from 1984 to 2011. He was the only boxer to win the undisputed championship in two weight classes during the “three-belt era.” Holyfield was a four-time world heavyweight champion, holding titles from the WBA, WBC, and IBF.
He won a bronze medal at the 1984 Olympics, became the undisputed cruiserweight champion, and later claimed the undisputed heavyweight championship. Holyfield retired in 2014, inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame in 2015.
Table of Contents
Evander Holyfield Net Worth
Evander Holyfield has a net worth of $1 million. He founded Real Deal Records, which signed the group Exhale among others. By 1992, he was a household name, endorsing products like Coca-Cola and Diet Coke. Holyfield was also featured in the video game “Evander Holyfield’s Real Deal Boxing” for Sega Genesis.
He appeared in ads for Zaxby’s and carried the Olympic torch in 1996 as it made its way to his hometown, Atlanta. In 2007, Holyfield launched his own cooking product line, Real Deal Grill, through infomercials.
Early Life
Evander Holyfield was born on October 19, 1962, in Atmore, Alabama as the youngest of nine children. Raised in the Bowen Homes Housing Projects of Atlanta, Georgia, Holyfield describes himself as a “late bloomer.”
After graduating from Fulton High School in 1980, he stood at 5 ft 8 in and weighed 147 pounds. By age 21, he grew to 6 ft 0 in and weighed 178 pounds, eventually reaching a height of 6 ft 2.5 in in his early 20s.
Career
After winning a bronze medal in the Light Heavyweight division at the 1984 Summer Olympics, Evander Holyfield turned professional at 21, earning the nickname “The Real Deal.” He moved to the cruiserweight division in 1985 and won his first title in 1986 by defeating Dwight Muhammad Qawi for the WBA Cruiserweight belt.
Holyfield became the Undisputed Cruiserweight Champion before moving to heavyweight. In 1990, he defeated Buster Douglas to claim multiple heavyweight titles. Holyfield’s first loss came in 1992 to Riddick Bowe, but he regained the crown in a 1993 rematch.
Personal Life
Evander Holyfield was born on October 19, 1962, in Atmore, Alabama as the youngest of nine children. Raised in the Bowen Homes Housing Projects of Atlanta, Georgia, Holyfield describes himself as a “late bloomer.”
graduating from Fulton High School in 1980, he stood at 5 ft 8 in and weighed 147 pounds. By age 21, he grew to 6 ft 0 in and weighed 178 pounds, eventually reaching a height of 6 ft 2.5 in in his early 20s.
Who defeated Evander Holyfield?
After successful defenses against former champions George Foreman and Larry Holmes, Holyfield lost the title on November 13, 1992, dropping a 12-round decision to Riddick Bowe.
Conclusion
Evander Holyfield’s life story is a blend of extraordinary athletic achievement and complex financial decisions, making his legacy a multifaceted one in the world of sports.
FAQs about Evander Holyfield Net Worth
- How did Evander Holyfield lose his fortune?
- Holyfield faced numerous financial challenges, including foreclosures, unpaid child support, and debts, leading to the loss of most of his wealth.
- What is Evander Holyfield’s most memorable fight?
- His fights with Mike Tyson, especially the infamous 1997 match where Tyson bit off part of Holyfield’s ear, are among the most memorable.
- Has Evander Holyfield officially retired?
- Yes, Holyfield officially retired in 2014.
- What are some of Evander Holyfield’s business ventures?
- His ventures include Real Deal Records, endorsements, and the Real Deal Grill cooking line.
- Did Evander Holyfield face legal issues?
- Yes, he faced legal issues, particularly concerning unpaid child support and alleged connections to illegal steroids, though he denied using performance-enhancing drugs.
