Evander Holyfield once named the two toughest opponents of his decorated professional career.
‘The Real Deal’ became the first fighter in boxing history to win the undisputed world championship at cruiserweight and heavyweight, a feat that remained unmatched until May of 2024.
He established himself as one of the best heavyweights to come out of the 1990s where he would produce victories over the likes of George Foreman, Michael Moorer and Mike Tyson to name just a few.
Holyfield made his retirement official in 2012 shortly after he defeated Brian Nielsen. He drew the curtain on his career with 44 victories, 10 defeats and 2 draws, a record that perhaps does not do his exceptional career justice.
In an interview with The Ring Magazine, Holyfield credited Riddick Bowe and Dwight Muhammad Qawi with being the toughest opponents of his storied professional career.
“I would say Bowe. I had three fights with Bowe. He was very competitive, he was always going to be in shape when he fought me. Then… I would say Qawi.”
Holyfield and Bowe shared the ring on several occasions during their respective careers, producing one of the most memorable trilogies in the sports history, although ‘Big Daddy’ got the better of his countryman in their first and third battles to reign supreme in their rivalry.
‘The Real Deal’ crossed paths with Qawi twice during his campaign at cruiserweight. Their first clash took place in July of 1986 and it was Holyfield who prevailed after a bruising 15-round contest to capture the WBA cruiserweight title.
Their rematch took place just one year later and it was Holyfield who came out on top once again, stopping Qawi in the 4th round to defend his unified WBA and IBF cruiserweight belts in impressive fashion.
