The never-before-published narrative of Evander Holyfield's life reveals a man of character behind the larger-than-life public image. He rose from an impoverished background to become history's only four-time World Heavyweight Champion, commanding fees of up to $30 million a fight. Never the biggest, nor the meanest (Tyson), nor the prettiest (Ali), he is nevertheless among the most respected and beloved. BECOMING HOLYFIELDis a treasure-trove of behind-the-scenes stories of people who have become legend, including promoter Don King and boxers Lennox Lewis and, of course, Mike Tyson, whose two showdowns with Evander -- including the infamous 'Bite Fight' -- have gone down as all-time classic contests. It is also one legend's honest look back over his life and the many lessons he learned to become a fulfilled father, husband and simply a good man.
The infamous boxing match between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield on June 28, 1997, was like none other in the sport's history, and this insightful account of the anticipation, the gruesome fight itself, and the ongoing aftermath of that one night reveals just how much of an impact it really made. The rivals met for a rematch that would never be finished, as Tyson earned a disqualification and infamy that followed in the third round by biting off a portion of Holyfield's ear. Through nearly 100 interviews, including with the famed fighters themselves, and extensive research of past interviews, books, and transcripts, this exploration of the sensational events surrounding the fight provides a behind-the-scenes, past and present look at the bout.
In 1996 Evander Holyfield; the 34-year-old, undersized, overachieving, polite, humble, and religious former Heavyweight Champion of the World; symbolized all that is honorable and admirable in professional sports. At the other end of the spectrum was the reigning champion, "Iron Mike" Tyson, the vicious self-proclaimed "baddest man on the planet," who had emerged from a prison sentence for rape to recapture the heavyweight crown. Virtually every boxing expert in the world had declared Holyfield a "shot" fighter whose career was over. When the surprise announcement was made that Holyfield would fight Tyson in November 1996, there was universal agreement that Holyfield had no chance to win, and the odds were set at 24-1 against him. But on November 9, 1996, Holyfield emerged from his locker room with a euphoric smile on his face and walked to the ring to the sounds of the gospel hymn "The Spirit of David," as song inspired by the story of David and Goliath. An hour later, Holyfield shocked the world by knocking out Tyson, and, for one shining moment, good had triumphed over evil. Holyfield's victory over Tyson and his subsequent triumph over Tyson in a rematch in which Tyson savagely bit off a piece of Holyfield's ear in one of the most infamous events in sports history, marked an incredible comeback for a man whose career had been written off, but this was only one of many comebacks in his life and by no means the last. Holyfield is one of the most famous, popular, and financially successful athletes ever. He is the only man to have won the Heavyweight Championship of the World four times, and he has won more than $200 million in the ring, more than any other boxer and almost any otherathlete in history. Now at age 42, having lost his last three fights, Holyfield refuses to retire until he has recaptured all three of the major heavyweight championships one more time, no matter how long it takes. For 13 years, Jim Thomas was at Holyfield's side on a daily basis as his attorney, adviser, close friend, and confidant. The Holyfield Way is an eyewitness account, along with Holyfield's own personal reflections, of one of the most successful, relentless, and sometimes controversial athletes of his era. Experience life behind the scenes of boxing as a firsthand observer inside the Holyfield camp and watch the story of Holyfield's perseverance unfold as the "Humble Warrior" fights on.
The book takes its readers on an adventurous journey through a match of a novice boxer to a professional boxer lasting 12 rounds. Evan Holyfield will be your trainer coaching the reader through each round; which will build upon the previous round. preparing the youth for the next set of skills in boxing to be applied to their personal journey. The reader will quickly learn that the road to be a champion is not easy, but well worth it. This book is packed with valuable gems instilled in Evan by his father, Evander Holyfield, a four-time heavyweight champion of the world. Evan applies his father's knowledge to his life as he continues to grow as a boxer. There will also be history of some well-known matches to drive home the principles and enlighten readers about the sport of boxing. At the end of each round, the "contender's corner" advice will challenge the reader to reflect on their goals and obstacles to help them become a champion title holder. By the time the 12 rounds are completed, the reader will have the necessary tools to travel through life applying the principles of boxing to achieve any goals they set out to accomplish in life and be undefeated.
EBONY is the flagship magazine of Johnson Publishing. Founded in 1945 by John H. Johnson, it still maintains the highest global circulation of any African American-focused magazine.
Be sure to check out IRON AMBITION: My Life with Cus D’Amato by Mike Tyson “Raw, powerful and disturbing—a head-spinning take on Mr. Tyson's life.”—Wall Street Journal Philosopher, Broadway headliner, fighter, felon—Mike Tyson has defied stereotypes, expectations, and a lot of conventional wisdom during his three decades in the public eye. Bullied as a boy in the toughest, poorest neighborhood in Brooklyn, Tyson grew up to become one of the most ferocious boxers of all time—and the youngest heavyweight champion ever. But his brilliance in the ring was often compromised by reckless behavior. Yet—even after hitting rock bottom—the man who once admitted being addicted “to everything” fought his way back, achieving triumphant success as an actor and newfound happiness and stability as a father and husband. Brutal, honest, raw, and often hilarious, Undisputed Truth is the singular journey of an inspiring American original.
