Evander Holyfield is unquestionably one of the greatest heavyweights of the last four decades.
Known more commonly as ‘The Real Deal’, Holyfield became the first fighter in boxing history to win the undisputed championship at both cruiserweight and heavyweight in 1990.
He also remains the only fighter in boxing history to win the world heavyweight championship on four separate occasions. He boasts impressive victories over an abundance of legendary heavyweights, including the likes of Larry Holmes, Riddick Bowe and George Foreman.
Another heavyweight icon who he got the better of during his tenure was the once ferocious ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson, who he defeated on two occasions during the late 90’s.
In a YouTube clip, ‘The Real Deal’ gave plaudits to his former rival as he admits he was ‘lucky’ to have fought him when he was past his formidable prime.
“Unpredictable. When you didn’t know what Tyson was gonna do, everybody was in trouble. He changed up and got into a rhythm that everybody knew and became beatable. I was fortunate enough to fight him when he was beatable.”
‘Iron’ Mike burst onto the scene back in 1985 when he was barely an adult. He was just 20-years-old when he defeated WBC heavyweight champion Trevor Berbick to become the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history.
The later stages of his career were somewhat controversial, but Tyson remains one of the greatest heavyweights of all time and one of boxing’s most influential figures. He made a sensational return to the ring last November when he faced Jake Paul in an 8-round heavyweight bout at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, but was beaten via unanimous decision by the former YouTuber.
