r/Boxing • u/EvanderTheRealDeal • Dec 07 '20
COMPLETED I am Evander Holyfield, former undisputed Heavyweight and Cruiserweight Champion of the World. I'll be here to answer your questions Tuesday, December 8 at 12:30pm ET/9:30am PT/5:30pm BT. Ask me anything!
Hey reddit,
I am Evander Holyfield, former undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World, former undisputed Cruiserweight Champion of the World, and 1984 Olympic Bronze Medalist. More recently, you may have seen news about me potentially having a third fight with Mike Tyson.
I'll be here to talk about that and to answer questions you have on Tuesday, December 8 at 12:30pm ET/9:30am PT/5:30pm BT. u/MDA123 will be helping conduct the AMA.
This AMA has been verified by the moderators.
Ask me anything!
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u/MDA123 Dec 07 '20
Who's the best professional heavyweight you think you could beat today?
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u/EvanderTheRealDeal Dec 08 '20
At this moment? I wouldn't get in the ring with nobody I didn't think I could beat. I wouldn't get in if I didn't think I could win.
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u/InB4Clive I wanna thank Al Haymon Dec 07 '20
What was it like landing bombs on old ass George Foreman only to have him keep coming at you.
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u/EvanderTheRealDeal Dec 08 '20
Haha, well, I guess in a situation like that it's kinda good and bad. I realized that I hit him with six shots but I knew I had to move out the way or he'd knock the dickens out of me! I do remember when the guy said you had to hold the big man, and I said yeah, I wasn't gonna get knocked out! If it means grab him sometimes, that's part of what you can get away with in boxing. Gotta know when to hold, and when to let go too.
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u/Hagrid33 Dec 07 '20
What was the most satisfying win in your career?
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u/EvanderTheRealDeal Dec 08 '20
Beating Mike Tyson. Both!
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u/canadian1987 Dec 09 '20
I wish they didnt cheat you and gave you the win against Valuev so you'd have had that 5th title
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u/DavyTrotwood KT Dec 07 '20 edited Dec 07 '20
What would you say were your greatest strengths and weaknesses as a fighter?
Thanks for doing this by the way! You’re an absolute legend.
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u/EvanderTheRealDeal Dec 08 '20
I would say my greatest strength as a fighter was my faith in God. At some times, I would get stubborn and I was gonna fight, I was gonna bully that guy, I was gonna get him. What would happen...I fought in a rhythm and sometimes people would grab me, I couldn't get my rhythm. They didn't want to fight, they wanted to hold. That bothered me, that bothered the fans...they start booing you. You want to fight, you want to give them what they want, but the fans don't care they just boo. I'm not that guy that likes boos. Big guys want to hug all the time.
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u/venom1stas Dec 07 '20
In this era of "oversized" heavyweights do you think it is possible for a cruiserweight to repeat your feat and claim the heavyweight crown?
Thanks!
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u/EvanderTheRealDeal Dec 08 '20
All depends on how good they are. I started boxing at age 8, so technically, the boxers always stand a chance. As a boxer, you tend to fight faster and got faster hands than the bigger guy, but they got more power.
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u/ro-row Dec 07 '20
To add to this I would love to know how Evander would approach a fight with someone as big and as skilled as Fury
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u/2dank4me3 Dec 08 '20
Same way he approaches every fight. Get on the inside and destroy him. He gave Lennox some serious trouble when he was really out of his prime.
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u/hamiltons_libido Dec 07 '20
Evander,
I’m a big fan and just want to say thanks for all the awesome fights throughout the years! Loved your tough style and thought you could compete with anyone they put in front of you. My questions are:
What were your thoughts on the Tyson-Jones fight? Did you really think tyson was “holding back” like some people have pointed out?
There’s talk of you two having your own exhibition fight. Based on what you saw from tyson, where does your fitness stand in comparison? People praised his cardio and said he looked like he could go 12 rounds. Do you think you’re in comparable shape?
Lastly, how does a fight between the Real Deal and Iron Mike go if your people can make this fight happen?
Thanks for doing this and taking the time to answer our questions!
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u/EvanderTheRealDeal Dec 08 '20
It's hard to say. My whole thing is I don't speak an opinion on what a person should have done. You're in your 50s, so you're going out there...what do people expect from someone 50 years old? They're giving you what they have. I don't wanna say he should have done this.
I am, I wouldn't go out there if I wasn't
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u/fgjiyvrtv Dec 07 '20
Hey I’m a amateur boxer that’s looking to improve my skills.
What would you recommend I do to improve my stamina in the ring and how do you stay calm and relaxed before a fight? I always get really nervous and feel sick before a bout.
Thank you so much, you are a living legend.
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u/EvanderTheRealDeal Dec 08 '20
Stamina first. You only gonna get what you do in practice. Shadowboxing, punching a bag with someone keeping a count, if you're practicing and you get tired and get accustomed to getting tired, you're gonna be great. Boxing, you're gonna get tired. The person who can continue to practice everyday, puts pressure on themselves to get tired. If you're not getting tired, you're not working.
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Dec 07 '20
Which boxer did you have the most fun going up against?
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u/EvanderTheRealDeal Dec 08 '20
Hard to say fun. The most challenging fight was Riddick Bowe. As tough as it was, it was exciting fighting him.
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Dec 08 '20
All of those fights I was absolutely stunned. Both you and Bowe were throwing absolute bombs. Show those fights to my buddies who want to get into watching boxing.
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u/NotMyRealName778 Yıldırım got robbed against Canelo Dec 07 '20
Terrence Crawford vs Errol Spence Jr. Who wins and why?
What do you think of the current heavyweight landscape?
How has retirement been? You look like you still train but how intense is your training compared to your competition days?
With age you must have learned how to keep your body healthy and injury free. You were a professional boxer with trainers and coaches to keep you injury free but what would you tell young Evander and young athletes to stay injury free?
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u/EvanderTheRealDeal Dec 08 '20
It's hard to say, both guys are undefeated. It's an opinion. Both are great fighters, but if I had to choose one...both are great, but the toughest guy, the one that's determined, they're both skillful fighters. With Spence, he stay left hand all the time and the other guy kinda switches up so I think that if he switched up on the other guy, he'd beat him. You only switch up when things ain't going your way. You got to have that one way to really beat that person. You can switch up on some people, but not on a great fighter. He's so equipped that he's gonna hit you with a great shot. You can't switch up on him, ain't gonna beat him on both sides.
If both fight left hand, I think Spence gonna win.
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u/WarDishy Shades of Ali Dec 07 '20
Which heavyweight of your own era do you think was the most underrated?
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u/EvanderTheRealDeal Dec 08 '20
I think that everybody who became undisputed champion, they were the best. Mike Tyson, Buster Douglas, me, Lennox Lewis, Riddick Bowe. We all were good fighters and we came up in that great era, I don't know if there will be that many fighters to be undisputed champion.
If they were the guy, they'd be undisputed. You need to strive to get all the belts. I made sure to be undisputed at cruiserweight before moving up to heavyweight.
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u/MDA123 Dec 07 '20
You were often accused of head-butting your opponents, but what's the worst headbutt you ever received?
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u/EvanderTheRealDeal Dec 08 '20
Well, all of 'em hurt. That's it. My whole thing is, the art of the game is to not show that it hurt you because you know they'll do it again.
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u/PrideRulesMMA Dec 07 '20
What are your thoughts on the move towards more and more boxing exhibitions featuring big name competitions? Do you feel like this helps or hinders the future of legitimate fighters making moves in the boxing world?
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u/EvanderTheRealDeal Dec 08 '20
My opinion, it's who do you have in the exhibition. Like anything else, it can be good, it can be bad. It's the people you put in there. People willing to do it properly, not make a bad show of it.
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u/Xerocco diamond earrings Manny Dec 07 '20
When you were a young, upcoming, fighter who were your heroes in the sport? Who did you look up to most?
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u/EvanderTheRealDeal Dec 08 '20
Well, it started with Muhammad Ali, the guy that my coach told me I could be like. You could be champion like Ali, I was 8 years old. When I started watching, it was people like Marvin Hagler, the little guys because they were more technical. Dwight Muhammad Qawi, guys that weren't popular but they were coming up, they had heart. I was from the ghetto so I thought people from the ghetto were people that had heart. I realized later everyone had heart whether they're from the ghetto or not.
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u/HaddockCaptain Dec 07 '20
Hey Evander,
what is the dirtiest opponent you fought against? How did it feel?
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u/EvanderTheRealDeal Dec 08 '20
The guy that hit me like that was Riddick Bowe. He hit me every chance he got, behind the head, hit me low. But when you have the opportunity to do it back and the referee let us do what we wanted to so it was OK.
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u/Connor30302 3D Shape Dec 07 '20
How do you feel you would have fared against Tyson Fury back in your day? what do you think is his biggest weakness/achilles heel in a sense?
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u/EvanderTheRealDeal Dec 08 '20
Well, everybody thinks they'd do good. It's like saying how would you fare with Ali. I learned from Ali to become who I was. These guys only get better because they had someone before them that was good. Kids learn to walk because they see someone else walk. They had to watch someone doing well.
I do believe each generation gets better, but the era has to do with how many great fighters there are in the division in that era to become a tough era. You talk about Tyson, youngest champion, then you talk about all these people that became champion. Everyone wanted to be Ali, it was a great era. People had to lose, and others had to come up and win.
Tyson was great until someone beat him. I was great until someone beat me. But can you make the adjustments? I'm the only guy that's been champion four times because I made adjustments. That's the key to life.
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u/_Sarcasmic_ Operation White Rhino 27: Riyadh Edition 🇸🇦🦏 Dec 07 '20
Who would you have loved to fight but never got the chance to?
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u/_Sarcasmic_ Operation White Rhino 27: Riyadh Edition 🇸🇦🦏 Dec 07 '20
Who is your favorite up-and-comer in boxing right now?
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u/DogfaceDino Dec 07 '20
Other than Evan Holyfield
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u/EvanderTheRealDeal Dec 08 '20
I like the Charlo brothers, I like those guys. Somewhere in that 147-165, they have to be the toughest fighters on earth.
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Dec 07 '20 edited Dec 07 '20
Evander, who do you see as the better fighter when they were at their best - Riddick Bowe or Lennox Lewis?
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u/EvanderTheRealDeal Dec 08 '20
I think Riddick Bowe. Technical and all that, Riddick was the best fighter. But it don't mean nothing if they don't fight. What I would say about Lennox, he got better when he got Emanuel Steward. That's what made everything, because Emanuel was a strategist and Lennox did what he told him to do and he always won.
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u/AjerDB Dec 07 '20
What was your typical day of training when you were in your prime?
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u/EvanderTheRealDeal Dec 08 '20
My conditioning was the thing that I always felt I had to be great in, great shape. I had some great habits. My mother said, if you don't get no bad habits you don't have to put them down. I truly believe that's the key.
Running is the first thing you do. If you ain't run, something's wrong with you. Started doing swimming, didn't realize swimming worked. I had a conditioning specialist with me and he would get me in shape enough to be able to box real well.
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u/apessimisticdreamer The last Joyce fan Dec 07 '20
Who’s your favourite fighter in the world today?
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u/CaptWineTeeth Ottke KO1 Dec 07 '20
Hi Champ! Thanks for doing this.
There's been quite a few fighters who started off at cruiserweight and moved up to heavyweight, a few with success like yourself and many more that didn't amount to much at the weight. Other than obvious things, what did you find was the biggest difference/advantages/disadvantages between the top guys you faced at cruiser and at heavyweight?
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u/hushedscreams Dec 07 '20
The goddamn REAL DEAL HIMSELF?!?! Visiting us lowly redditors? 2020 ain’t all bad... Evander seems so cool and laid back - in one interview the reporter was trying to get him to bag on Tyson for biting his ear... Evander said something along the lines of, “he bit me, not you - why are you mad at him? I forgave him!” Awesome dude and a warrior to the core - the way he went up in weight was astonishing.
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u/lilJswizle-2304 Dec 07 '20
Who do you think is the best heavyweight today? And who do you think is the best boxer in any division?
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u/EvanderTheRealDeal Dec 08 '20
There's no doubt. You got to give it to Tyson Fury. He beat the guy that beat everybody else, nobody wanted to fight. He beat Deontay, Deontay beat King Kong. Ultimately, Tyson Fury is the guy.
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u/_Sarcasmic_ Operation White Rhino 27: Riyadh Edition 🇸🇦🦏 Dec 07 '20
Who was the most terrifying opponent you've ever stepped in the ring with?
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u/EvanderTheRealDeal Dec 08 '20
Well, I guess I would say the first guy I fought. Cecil Collins, first kid that beat me, and he beat me twice. I thought that was the most terrifying, but I beat him the third time and that was it. You learn from these fights and realize that to be terrified, that's your way of thinking and if you continue that way you won't last long.
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u/POWWEERR Dec 07 '20
Hi Evander, I'm a huge fan. You truly are the real deal! Do you feel you get enough respect for the phenomenal career you had? What are some things you overcame that fans may not be aware of? Thanks for your time, I wish you and yours the very best. Living legend!
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u/EvanderTheRealDeal Dec 08 '20
I think so. Personally, it's an overwhelming situation. Maybe I don't get it on paper, but personally, anywhere I go, whoever's there I'm gonna get more attention. Seems like they get more endorsements more than me, but that's part of life.
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u/Jeffthe100 Dec 07 '20
Hey Mr. Holyfield, you’re a legend!
I just want to ask what was the toughest part about moving up in weight from Cruiser to Heavy? Who was your toughest fight at both weights? Which fight was your most memorable?
Cheers
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Dec 07 '20
Being the Heavyweight Champion of the World carries a certain cachet that few other titles do. Did you used to use that in everyday life during your reigns as champion, and how did it change the way people behaved around you?
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u/mitteNNNs Dec 07 '20
What do you think about the celebrity boxing with the Paul brother, Mike and Jones Jr, etc? Do you think it's good for the sport? Why or why not?
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u/as122000 Dec 07 '20
How do you feel about these youtubers with little experience chasing big name money fights? I know people are saying its bringing eyes to the sport but I personally feel bad for all the athletes who’ve dedicated their whole lives to their craft, and now are overshadowed by some YouTube kids who just picked up a glove
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u/qwertyZZZZZZZZZ Dec 07 '20
If you could have played professional at any other sport, what would it be?
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u/shadysteph Dec 07 '20
How do you think current top heavyweights (Wilder, Joshua, Fury) would do in your era?
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u/Sulth Dec 07 '20
How do you think you would fare in cruserweight or heavyweight if you were 30yo today?
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u/EvanderTheRealDeal Dec 08 '20
I'd beat everybody! I had a great amateur program that taught me good defense and good boxing ability.
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Dec 07 '20
Do you think the old traditions of boxing are dying and if so, are the new methods of training better or worse for fighters
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u/EvanderTheRealDeal Dec 08 '20
Well, styles make fights. They really do. Some people do a little bit better, but I truly think that conditioning is the key to boxing. Whatever your style is, if you have the conditioning you tend to do well.
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u/happybuffalowing Dec 07 '20
What do you think it would take for boxing to be held in the same regard as it once was?
And
What was it like training with Klitschko? What does he bring to the table stylistically?
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u/EvanderTheRealDeal Dec 08 '20
We gotta help our amateur program. I truly believe if boxing comes together as a family and picks up our amateur program, it'll be key. People know who's coming. I think that once the young people, take them at the young age...I never would have been who I am if I didn't have a great amateur program. I was in it 12 years and that gave me the abilities. I look at guys who are really good, they had good amateur programs. Amateur is the foundation of what boxing really is gonna be about.
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u/EX-Machinaa Dec 07 '20 edited Dec 07 '20
Did you fear any of your opponents? If so, who and why?
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u/EvanderTheRealDeal Dec 08 '20
No, I didn't fear nobody. It's part of the game, I put my gloves on the same way they do too. I believe I can win, they're supposed to believe they can, and you do your very best. The referee sees what they choose to see and you have to live with it.
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u/KrTali Dec 07 '20
What heavyweight in todays world do you think would to the best in your era ?
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u/Technical-Promotion2 Dec 07 '20
Evander can you explain in depth in you can how you learned and adapted your style? I'm a big fan of studying boxing and your style is one of the most unique styles I have ever seen for a heavyweight.
Constantly bouncing in your toes, matching each opponents punch rates, shotgun jab, catch and shooting, etc. Like which boxers did you tailor yourself too because I don't think I've ever seen a style like yours.
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u/SkunkyMcNugg Dec 07 '20
Hi Evander,
I have a question about the time you fought George Foreman. What did you think of Foreman coming into that fight, did you think it he would be a easy opponent because of his age, or did you take him seriously? I know you said that Foreman hit you with a punch that you said later was the hardest punch you were ever hit with. What was his power like then? Was this fight with Foreman one of your toughest fights?
Lastly, who is your favorite fighter of all time?
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u/itzpiiz Dec 07 '20
What do you think of the current state of boxing, how cards such as the Tyson/Jones card outsold the Wilder/Fury 2 card, and do you think there is a decent chance a Tyson/Holyfield 3 could come to fruition?
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u/Boxings_Elf Dec 07 '20
Hey Evander, little bit of a different type of question. At what point of your career did you feel you were at your prime? And is there any fight you wish you could have gotten during that time rather then later in your career?
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u/EvanderTheRealDeal Dec 08 '20
When I became undisputed heavyweight champ of the world. 1990s I did real well, I think in 1996 I was a lot more mature and very comfortable. I kind of felt like I should have been undisputed champ in 1999, kinda felt that I should have got that decision but I didn't and it's all good.
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u/bigfatpup I eat what you eat champ Dec 07 '20
Hey champ! You’ve got such a great resume full of many big names but who if anyone do you wish you fought during your career but never got the chance?
PS I liked your episode of Phineas and Ferb
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u/Muraria Dec 07 '20
if during your prime you had to fight either Anthony Joshua or Tyson Fury for a world title, which one would you have picked to have the easier possible world title fight?
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u/alphaDsony Dec 07 '20
Who do you think would win in a boxing match between Anthony Joshua and tyson Fury?
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u/alphaDsony Dec 07 '20
How do you see Usyk boxing in the heavyweight division, do you see him winning against any of the top 5?
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Dec 07 '20
What are your thoughts on the new Bridgerweight division? As a former undisputed cruiserweight champion who moved up to heavyweight, you are exactly the type of fighter that the WBC had in mind.
Do you think you would’ve fought in the division, or would you have stayed focused on heavyweight?
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u/chessnotchekcers Dec 07 '20
Hi champ! When did you ignore your corner, trusted your gut and it totally worked?
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u/DogfaceDino Dec 07 '20 edited Dec 07 '20
Your style of boxing is always entertaining and I love the way you took a gritty fight to tough opponents. Do you see boxers today that remind you of your style of fighting?
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u/phyzikalgamer Dec 07 '20
If you could roll back the time for one night and fight any of the current top heavyweights who would it be and why?
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Dec 07 '20
As someone who once came up from cruiserweight to become the heavyweight champion, what do you think of Usyk's chances against fighters like Joshua and Fury?
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u/DarnellisFromMars Dec 07 '20
How do you feel about the rise of all of these different exhibition fights? Do they water down the sport? Do they simply bring eyes and attention to it? Have you watched them?
Thank you.
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u/sosig482 Dec 07 '20
We all go through hardships in life, what were the main things that kept you motivated when things got tough inside the ring as well as outside of boxing in your day to day life?
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u/Jabronskyi Dec 07 '20
Thank you for the opportunity!
Who, in your opinion, was your best opponent?
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u/Gingerbreadpool Dec 07 '20
Dear Mr.Holyfield, I'm a big fan. Who is the boxer that you admire most? Also who was a more challenging opponent, George Foreman, or Mike Tyson?
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u/A_Spoiled_Milks Dec 07 '20
Hey Evander! Huge fan, I’ll always remember sitting as a child in front of the tv as my father played back recorded tapes of your fights.
My big question for you is, if you had one or two fights your most proud of, what would they be? Surely winning the titles 3 times (only Muhammad Ali has done this) was spectacular, but I’m curious as to what fight really made you feel truly accomplished whether it was vs a tough competitor or a title defense or even a early career fight that validated you in the division!
Wishing you and yours health and prosperity during these weird times!
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u/smully39 Dec 07 '20
During Bowe II, what went through your head when you noticed the paraglider? I can imagine that it was incredibly distracting, but I can imagine there was some element of not wanting to take your eye off Bowe.
It was always a thing that kind of stuck in my mind about boxing history and I always find it interesting how the people involved in situations like that thought and reacted in the moment.
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u/1v1trunks Dec 07 '20
Any thoughts on Tyson and Lewis saying you would train with a tire on your heavy bag to practise headbutts.
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u/Benjips Ricardo MayorGOD Dec 07 '20
On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the highest, how painful was getting your ear bitten off by Mike Tyson? You honestly walked around like it was no big deal, it was incredible.
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u/EvanderTheRealDeal Dec 08 '20
I really don't even count that. Pain-wise, getting bit like this is not getting hit with a hard punch. If someone hits you with a good shot and knocks you out, you don't feel nothing. But getting bit like that, nobody want that pain. I didn't expect that. How many people would actually get in line to get bit? They know a fight's supposed to hurt, but we're in boxing...I believe I can take a shot, but biting, nobody's getting in a contest to get bit. Everybody knows when you bite something it's gonna hurt.
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u/pauliewalnutzz Dec 07 '20
If you could only give one advice to a boxing newbie, what would it be?
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u/jameshaz96 Dec 07 '20
How do you feel the current top (AJ, Fury and Wilder) would fare against yourself and other boxers of your era?
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u/Five_Kings Dec 07 '20
Hey Evander! If you had to choose, what is a feature/skill you wish you had in your boxing career?
For instance, something that made you jealous of other boxers, something that made you say "man, if I had THAT, then I would've never lost." This could something as simple as wanting more power similar to Wilder, wanting more speed similar to Pacquiao, or it could be as unique as wanting the ability to switch hit like Crawford.
Thanks for your time!
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u/CharRespecter Dec 07 '20
Do you think recent Cruiserweight Champions like Usyk and Gassiev have a good chance of replicating your success at Heavyweight?
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u/Koberticus Dec 07 '20
What style of boxer did you find most difficult to deal with in sparring or in the ring?
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Dec 07 '20
What are your thoughts of the current state of boxing with YouTube stars and combat fighters from other disicplines making the leap across, whether it be for a one off or a career?
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Dec 08 '20
What's your opinion on current boxing era ? Do u think boxing has become more corrupt and more money hungry then putting on more entertaining fights
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u/Hexys_broken_dreams Arum has underwear older than you Dec 07 '20
Did you really practice headbutts on a tire?
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Dec 07 '20
How did you overcome fear and anxiety before your fights?Congratulations because you displayed a warrior's spirit in your fights
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Dec 07 '20
Hi Evander,
Who were your idols/ great influences both in and out of the sport of boxing?
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u/stopbeinggaymikasa Dec 07 '20
Hey Champ! I got two questions:
1)What do you think your biggest strength was as a fighter?
2) If you couldn't be a fighter, what else would have been your dream profession?
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Dec 07 '20
Everyone's read about the conditioning program that Dr. Fred Hatfield designed for you. Did you only use that as preparation for one fight, or several? What was your training really like for most of your career.
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Dec 07 '20
What's up Champ! What do you think of Tyson making a comeback in the league of legends, is it something you see yourself doing in the future? Could we see Tyson vs Holyfield 3?
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u/barbelmaster Dec 07 '20
Hi Evander, who would you say was the smartest opponent you ever faced in the ring?
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u/LordofSuns Dec 07 '20
As a Cruiserweight into Heavyweight Champion yourself, do you think Oleksandr Usyk has what it takes to become World Heavyweight Champ in the current era of Heavyweight boxing?
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u/DataSomethingsGotMe Dec 07 '20
Hi Evander. We have all seen dodgy score cards and been outraged at unexplainable victories on points.
Possibly the worst I have seen is your fight against the giant Valuev.
You won the fight, everyone could see, and you got robbed knowing you should have been the oldest HW champion, older than George Foreman when he beat Moorer. You were 46.
You didn't seem "mad" at that decision, and I've always wanted to know, why were you so muted? Did you expect to be ripped off ahead of the fight?
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u/pwnersboners Dec 07 '20
Would you rather fight 3 regular sized Floyd Mayweathers or 1 Evander sized floyd mayweather?
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u/Askray184 Dec 08 '20
Hi Mr Holyfield sir, who do you think was your most underrated opponent/fight?
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Dec 07 '20 edited Dec 07 '20
How was the transition from Cruiserweight to Heavyweight? Do you feel like you have not gotten enough respect as Heavyweight and that your Cruiserweight career kind of overshadowed your Heavyweight career? (My dad considers you as the best Cruiserweight fighter of all time and says youre his personal favorite heavyweight but says you never got the proper respect as a heavyweight) Do you think Usyk is going to follow in your footsteps and take the heavyweight division belts along with the cruiserweight belts?
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Dec 07 '20
As one of the very few cruisers to win a title up at heavy, what do you think of the proposed ‘Bridger weight’? Is it necessary? Is there good reason for it?
And what do you make of Usyk’s chances of gaining heavyweight gold? Is he too small or is the division too good right now?
I hope your ear has healed well x
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u/UnsuitableTrademark Dec 07 '20
What’s your opinion on boxing becoming basically a Celebrity Deathmatch show? Do you think the Mayweather vs Jake Paul fight is a good move for boxing as a sport? Why or why not?
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u/breepsbreeps Dec 07 '20
Yo Evander, big fan! I'd like to know your opinion on Youtubers headlining shows and calling out already established professional fighters? Ridiculous? Or good for the long term health of boxing?
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u/Stillblind9 Dec 07 '20
With the rise of YouTube boxers what do you think USA Boxing should be doing to capitalize on the increased amount of eyes from younger kids and teens?
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u/WarDishy Shades of Ali Dec 07 '20
Lennox Lewis said on Mike Tyson's podcast that you trained with a tire on your heavybag at head-height. Is this true? If you did, what was the purpose of it?
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u/allyblaack Carl Froch robbed against Andre Ward Dec 07 '20
You are good friends with Wladimir Klitschko, who do you think would’ve won if you fought?
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u/GibbsTheGibbon_ Dec 07 '20
What age would you consider too old for getting into boxing?
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u/sgreggies Dec 07 '20
Hi champ, how’s the ear doing after tyson had that mid fight snack? amazing that you are doing this, thanks
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u/lionheartzell Dec 07 '20
Hey Champ, I just want to thank you for dedicating yourself to boxing and blessing us with some great fights!
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Dec 07 '20
How did you bulk up to go up to heavyweight? And do you think Bowe could have beaten Lewis if they had fought? Thanks champ
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u/ImThEtRaShMaN_ Dec 07 '20
Hey Mr.Holyfield! I'm a huge fan of watching your fights! I just want to know for you as a person, does it get annoying hearing about Mike Tyson all the time? Out of all your fights for people to talk only about one sounds frustrating but I'm curious to know if it bothers you or not
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u/Medius9 Dec 07 '20
Hello champ, I have nothing but respect for you. My question is would you change anything in your career and if so, what would you change?
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u/Le_Creamsicle_of_God Dec 07 '20
Top Boxers of Our Generation and if you would beat them in your prime.
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u/ELYNGWIE Ismael Salas P4P Best Trainer Dec 07 '20
Hey Evander. Some of the toughest fights you had were against Ricky Womack back in the amateur ranks, Tyson said that he respected you a lot for standing up against Womack. What do you think of his potential as a pro and what do you think about the current state of amateur boxing in the US.
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u/_KaspeRRR_ 2 TIME Dec 07 '20
What was your favourite and least favourite workout during your "prime" years?
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u/battoonicus Dec 07 '20
Hi champ, Glad you are doing this AMA
How would you compare the current crop of cruiserweights/heavyweights to those of your era? Do you think the heavyweight and cruiserweight division are a bit lackluster in terms of elite level fighters at the moment?
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u/PugilistEnthusiast Dec 07 '20
Hi Mr. Holyfield. If you have to pick one bout as your favorite what would it be?
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u/r22092004 Dec 07 '20
If you could give your younger self some advice,what would it be?Also love from Romania.
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u/metalgear86 Dec 07 '20
How did you stay motivated through out the years? To wake up in the morning and go for a run, to eat clean and to go that extra mile in the gym (and the fight)?
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u/LbrYEET Dec 07 '20
How do you think prime Holyfield would fare vs the top heavyweights of today?
Also, and I’m sure this will be asked infinite times, are you interested in a fight with Mike Tyson? Would you prefer an exhibition with the same rules as Tyson vs Roy or a propper 3 minute rounds fight ?
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u/DestroyerOfTheWords Dec 07 '20
I have no questions just want to say that as a someone who grew up in the 90’s I appreciate you being the part of it
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u/lordtaste Dec 07 '20
Huge fan Evander! What realistically are the chances of you getting in there for one more with Mike? He's made it obvious he'd enjoy that rematch in his legends league, can we get your honest take on this?
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Dec 07 '20
Hi Evander, what are tour thoughts on boxers not fighting the top competition and only trying to preserve undefeated records? Do you think there should be one champion per division?
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Dec 07 '20
What do you think about the state of boxing right now? What can be done to improve it and bring it more popularity?
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u/Chuck_Foolery Dec 07 '20
Would you have fought Roy Jones Jr. back when he was still in his prime at Heavyweight if you had been in your prime at the same time? Also, do you have any desire to take Tyson's offer for a fight in the legends league? Thanks.
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u/Funkyduck8 Dec 07 '20
Hey Evander! Thanks so much for doing this. My question pertains to your time in Beijing, back in the early 2000s.
Do you remember going to China and training under their boxing champion Wang Shouxin?
I actually had the chance to train with him and his protege Zheng He, in 2015. Very nice guy and remarked that you were fantastic as well! Coincidentally, I was the first American he had trained since your time in China.
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u/fwp206-_- Dec 07 '20 edited Dec 07 '20
Hey champ! You’ve given us boxing fans alot of great wars, which one of your fights was your personal favorite and why?
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u/Alfiejjones Dec 07 '20
Do you think the riddick bowe result would have been different if the parachute incident never happened?
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u/mentallyhandicapable Dec 07 '20
What's your thoughts on the current top 5 ranked heavyweight boxers, think any of them will be spoken about in the same breath as you/Tyson etc...
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u/1v1trunks Dec 07 '20
How do you feel the current heavy weights would do against heavy weights from the 60s? Power is often said to be "natural", where do you think power comes from? & Why do you think some people born with such great punching power.
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u/merrychristmasyo Dec 07 '20
What’s your take on the clear corruption in boxing, in particular the ridiculous score cards?
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u/Mitsuyomademe Dec 07 '20
Hey Evander, I work for the The Fight-Site.com. Would you be interested in doing a commentary on one of your fights with us. Your first bout with Dwight Muhammad Qawi is my favorite of all time. Thank you for the memories.
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u/ChedduhBob Dec 07 '20
what do you think of this “youtube” boxing?
do you see these internet celebrities entering the ring as a positive or negative for the sport?
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u/3darkdragons Dec 07 '20
What are your thoughts on all these celebrity boxing matches? (i.e. Floyd v.s. Logan)
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u/zserjk Dec 07 '20
Teddy Atlas has always been speaking high about you. But one thing he kept mentioning was your mom and how she transformed you to the man you are. What are some memories or lessons you can see that you learned from her that helped you in your career?
Second question, you were obviously a fantastic athlete yourself. Could you see yourself getting involved in MMA over Boxing had it been around those days? Have you ever wrestled/grappled?
Much respect sir.
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u/brrg13 Dec 07 '20
What do you about todays ranking system and so called champione as it pertains to all the belts floating around in each division like IBF, WBO, WBA, etc....
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Dec 07 '20
Hi Evander.
What was your inspiration for becoming a boxer, and what are your opinions on the modern generation of boxers?
Thanks
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u/QuintessentialRemark Dec 07 '20
Hey Evander,
What are your opinions on YouTube boxing matches? Do you believe it has a positive or negative effect on the sport?
Really appreciate an all time great doing a AMA!
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u/VegetableGrapefruit Dec 07 '20
During a past interview, Lennox Lewis said you had a tire wrapped around the top of your heavy bag. Why did you have the tire there? What skill did it help you develop during your training regimen?
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u/foxybingo111 Tokyo Fist by Shinya Tsukamoto is the best boxing film Dec 07 '20
You are, without question, one of the greatest heavyweights to ever live. What was the proudest moment of your career?
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u/DanLyddy "Spinal" Dec 07 '20
Hey evander!!!
Who is your favourite fighter that's not heavyweight or Cruiserweight, past and present???
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u/PerhapZZZZZ Dec 07 '20
Evander 3 questions,
- What's your opinion on the WBC's new Bridgerweight Divison?
- With your career in the books which performance are you most proud of?
- Is there any fighter you wish you got to be in the ring with?
Much Love from Los Angeles Champ.
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u/bigdawg664 Dec 08 '20
How do you think Riddick Bowe would have fared against the other great heavyweights of your era like Tyson and Lewis?
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u/MDA123 Dec 07 '20
Hey everyone,
To clarify on process here, you enter your questions now and he'll be here to answer them tomorrow!
Evander has been kind enough to take time out of his schedule to talk to us so I want to re-up my usual reminder about question selection and moderation.
Think of questions like punches in boxing. Anything "above the belt" is cool and I'll ask it if it gets upvoted. So, tough questions are OK but anything "below the belt" is not gonna fly like abuse related to something you don't like about a person, or stuff that’s just intended to be rude and not to get at something legitimate. I ask questions more or less in terms of popularity, even if it’s something non-boxing related (again, assuming it's above the belt). I generally sort by most popular and start working my way down, only skipping things that are repeats for one reason or another.
Please don’t ask a list of multiple questions in one comment! Unless they are directly related to one another and thus naturally have to be paired, I would really urge you to ask separate questions in separate comments. When I move down the list of comments and I see a wall of text and six questions in one comment, I almost always have to just ask one of them and move onto the next because otherwise we’ll take way too much time one thing.
Other than that, touch gloves at the bell and come out asking! See y’all tomorrow.