Evander Holyfield's Rise And Fall: From Boxing Glory To Financial Ruin

Photo: Instagram/Evander Holyfield

Evander Holyfield made millions fighting legends like Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis, but ended up losing it all, even having to sell his 109-room mansion to rapper Rick Ross.

Holyfield's journey began in Alabama as the youngest of nine children. Inspired by a glimpse of a speed bag, he took up boxing and showed early talent, winning all his junior contests for three years. However, after losing twice to Cecil Collins, he wanted to quit. His mother pushed him to persevere, and eventually, he beat Collins and continued boxing with renewed determination.

Holyfield's amateur career soared, taking him to the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. He won three rounds with consecutive stoppage wins but lost controversially in the semi-final. Despite the setback, he turned professional and built an impressive legacy.

Photo: Instagram/Evander Holyfield 

Within 12 fights, Holyfield became the WBA cruiserweight champion and later the undisputed champion. He then moved to heavyweight, aiming to conquer boxing’s top two divisions. Holyfield dethroned James 'Buster' Douglas after Douglas had famously beaten Tyson, but many fans felt Holyfield hadn’t truly proven himself.

Holyfield and Tyson were set to fight, but Tyson's imprisonment delayed their showdown. Holyfield faced ups and downs, including losses and a brief retirement due to a heart condition. He later returned to the ring, proving doubters wrong by defeating Tyson in a shocking upset and securing his legacy.

Despite his success, Holyfield faced financial troubles. His extravagant spending on a massive mansion in Atlanta and costly divorces took a toll. In 2008, he sold the mansion to Rick Ross for $5.8 million.

In 2021, at age 58, Holyfield made a brief return to boxing but was quickly knocked out. Today, Holyfield is financially stable and dreams of reclaiming his old home. Reflecting on his career, he wishes to be remembered as "the guy that fought 'em all and did it the right way."

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Source: Talk Sports 

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