Evander "The Real Deal" Holyfield: A Warrior and a Dreamer

Just when you thought it wasn't safe to fight as old as 40, Evander Holyfield has proven us all wrong. Holyfield, 44, is a former 4-time heavyweight champion. Over the course of his career he has been decorated among memorable world title fights and successful reigns. Evander (40-8-2 26KOs) looks to restore his longtime alias, "The real deal" back into the equation.

"I won't stop at nothing," he stubbornly admitted at a roundtable discussion. "I have to be 5-time heavyweight champion." It wasn't until recent that Holyfield begin to make believers out of many of us. Before his two impressive victories, many of us dreaded the thought of seeing him in the ring again.

In December of 2002, Holyfield was sliced and diced in his matchup with Chris Byrd for the vacant IBF title. Byrd, a gifted technician, brilliantly carved Holyfield a new one with his awkward southpaw stance. The matchup was literally embarrassing to watch. In September of 2003, Holyfield signed to face James "Lights Out" Toney. In the beginning of the matchup we saw flashes of the old Evander. However, it wasn't to be as in the 9th round Toney chopped Holyfield down. Once again, in November of 2004, Larry Donald embarrassed Holyfield en route to a 12 round decision. After his 3rd consecutive loss in two years, the Nevada State Athletic Commission decided to suspend his license.

For two years Holyfield sat in the dark, still dreaming of reemerging with one more title on his mind… He must've thought about his wins over the likes of George Foreman, Riddick Bowe, Mike Tyson and several others as motivation to do it again.
Certainly remembered as a great, Holyfield decided his stature wasn't enough. In two years he reentered the scene on a new agenda.

On August 18, 2006, Evander Holyfield faced Jeremy Bates in Dallas, Texas. Bates, was no match for the more experienced veteran. Holyfield road Bates on the ropes like a bull. He shredded with him blistering combinations, which ultimately led to the 2nd round stoppage. Many were devastated that at 44 he still had the skill, but many still weren't convinced. On November 10th, 2006, Holyfield set out to prove his critics wrong again. In San Antonio, Texas, he flooded Fres Oquendo throughout a 12 round decision. The fight was close, but close wasn't enough for Oquendo to slip away the victor.

With his greatest days in the rear view mirror, Holyfield still believes in his dream to capture heavyweight glory. Without a doubt, that dream is possible. Nobody complained when "Big" George Foreman upset Michael Moore for the title in 1994.
Without question, the media didn't complain when Bernard Hopkins easily defeated Antonio Tarver for the Light Heavyweight championship in June 2006. The truth is, dreams can be accomplished. All we can hope is that Holyfield finds his stature in this sport before its too late.