When he was 19 years old, Holyfield represented the United States in the Pan American Games in Caracas, Venezuela, where he won a silver medal. The following year, he was the National Golden Gloves Champion, and won a bronze medal representing the U.S. in the 1984 Olympic Games held in Los Angeles. Holyfield made his professional debut in November, 1984 defeating Lionel Bryams. He won his first Cruiserweight title in 1986 against Dwight M. Qwai (then WBA Junior Heavyweight), and became the first boxer of the 1984 Olympic Games to win a championship title. Over the next three years, Holyfield earned his place in the history books, by becoming the only boxer ever to become an undefeated, undisputed Cruiserweight Champion. Even today, all Cruiserweight championship belts bear his likeness as a lasting tribute to his legacy.

In 1989, Holyfield became the WBC Continental Heavyweight Champion by defeating Michael Dokes. He fulfilled a 20-year dream on October 25, 1990, when he became the undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World by defeating Buster Douglas, then IBF, WBC and WBA champion. Holyfield remained the undisputed world heavyweight champion until 1992, when he lost to Riddick Bowe. This defeat was short-lived as Evander Holyfield regained his championship title in a rematch with Riddick Bowe in 1993.

During 1994, Holyfield encountered several challenges but again, overcame these obstacles to return to boxing in May 1995 with a victory over Ray Mercer. On November 9, 1996, Mr. Holyfield joined Muhammad Ali, in the history books as the second man to become the three-time world heavyweight champion. He accomplished this remarkable achievement by defeating Mike Tyson and continued to hold that title after defeating him in a rematch. On November 8, 1997, Holyfield defeated Michael Moorer in the "Return to Glory" challenge to greatness bout and received the IBF Heavyweight Championship belt. On September 19, 1998, Holyfield's dream of fighting in front of his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia was fulfilled when he defended his Heavyweight Championship against Vaughn Bean. In a highly anticipated heavyweight unification bout on March 13, 1999, Holyfield retained his belts on a controversial 12-round draw against Lennox Lewis in New York. One judge had Holyfield winning by two points, one judge had Lewis by two points and the third judge called the bout even. There were no knockdowns.

Exactly eight months later, Holyfield and Lewis squared off in another controversial rematch in Las Vegas. The bigger, younger, stronger Lewis won a unanimous decision but many boxing writers felt that this fight was a lot closer than the scores indicated and the decision could have went either way. Afterward, Holyfield admitted he was surprised by the decision. "Of course, I was surprised," he said. "I was not judging the fight, I was just fighting, that is my job, and letting the judges decide. I was disappointed in the decision, but life goes on. When I hit Lewis with a couple of shots in the middle rounds, I thought it would catch up with him."

Many people expected Holyfield to retire after his defeat in a controversial rematch against Lennox Lewis. The general public felt that this would be the final chapter in one of the most illustrious careers in sports history. Holyfield's career highlights legendary bouts from his days as the first undefeated, undisputed crusierweight champion of the world till his record tying third heavyweight championship victory over Mike Tyson. All of these great accomplishments were enough for the public but not for Holyfield. On August 12, 2000, Holyfield defeated the WBA number 1 contender John "the Quiet Man" Ruiz and became the only man to win a share of the WBA Heavyweight Championship on four different occasions. Muhammad Ali held the record for over twenty years before Holyfield broke it. Holyfield carries this championship drive and vision in all facets of life, including the creation of The Holyfield Foundation, a not-for-profit organization whose focus is the family. The foundation supports the spiritual, educational and athletic advancement of inner city youth and encourages parental involvement to strengthen family values, respect and responsibility. The foundation also supports other charitable organizations and programs that promote these goals.

His underwhelming performance in March has many believing that age and time have finally caught up with this gallant warrior ... Claims leg cramps and getting over the flu prevented him from being more aggressive ... Never seemed to get in rhythm against Lewis ... Will not dispute judges decision, but was not pleased with his effort, and adds that Lewis didn't do enough to win, either. Was born October 19, 1962 ... Is 36-3-1 with 25 wins inside the distance ... Is the current IBF and WBA heavyweight champion ... Is 6-foot-2 and weighs approximately 215 pounds ... Lives in Atlanta ... Has earned approximately $200 million as a pro ... Is trained by Don Turner ... Was originally trained by Lou Duva and George Benton ... Has also been trained by Emanuel Steward, the current trainer of Lennox Lewis.

Began boxing at age 8 ... Excellent amateur career (160-14, 75 knockouts) capped with disappointing, and controversial bronze medal at 1984 Olympic games in Los Angeles. He knocked out his first three opponents ... In semifinal bout, Holyfield knocked out his opponent as the referee was ordering the fighters to break ... After a short debate, Olympic officials disqualified Holyfield. Along with Olympic teammates Pernell Whitaker, Meldrick Taylor and Mark Breland he signed with the promotional company, Main Events, Inc., run by Lou Duva and his son, Dan ... All four became world champions ... On July 12, 1986, Holyfield won first world title with a grueling and thrilling 15-round decision over WBA cruiserweight champion Dwight Qwai ... It was only his 12th fight as a pro ... Many boxing publications called bout, "Fight of the Year" ... Won IBF version of cruiserweight title with third-round knockout of champ Ricky Parkey ... Unified cruiserweiight division with an eighth-round stoppage of WBC champ Carlos DeLeon, April 9, 1988.

Began quest for heavyweight belt three months later with fifth-round knockout of James 'Quick' Tillis ... Weighed 208 for Tillis bout, 18 more than he did for DeLeon ... Earned a top 10 rating with wins over former champs Pinklon Thomas (KO 7) and Michael Dokes (KO 10) ... His exciting eighth-round knockout of Alex Stewart, Nov. 4, 1989, cemented his status as the top contender in line for a shot at the title, which at the time was held by Mike Tyson. Sat ringside in Tokyo when Buster Douglas upset Tyson ... Scored one-punch knockout over Douglas in Round 3 to win the undisputed heavyweight championship ... Undistinguished first reign featured three defenses (George Foreman W 12, Bert Cooper TKO 7, Larry Holmes W 12) ... Lost undisputed title in exciting bout to Riddick Bowe, Nov. 13, 1992 ... On Nov. 6, 1993, he beat Bowe in the rematch via 12-round, spilt decision ... Fight was marred by "Fan Man" who flew a glider into the outdoor ring ... Lost title in first defense to Michael Moorer (L 12), April 22, 1994.

Was knocked out by Bowe in rubber match (TKO 8), Nov. 4, 1995 ... No title was at stake ... Followed that with unimpressive fifth-round TKO over cruiserweight Bobby Czyz ... Was seen as easy pickings by Tyson management and Nov. 6, 1996 fight was set ... Shocked the sporting world by dominating WBA champ Tyson in every facet of the game before scoring a shocking 11th-round knockout ... Joined Muhammad Ali as the only three-time heavyweight champs. Won Tyson rematch via disqualification when challenger twice bit him on the ear in Round 3, June 28, 1997 ... Tyson was suspended for a year ... Closed out '97 by adding the IBF title with an eighth-round knockout of champ Michael Moorer. Was named 'Fighter of the Year' 1990, 1996-97, by the Boxing Writers Association of America, joining Muhammad Ali as the only three time winners in the 73-year history of the organization.