4X Heavyweight Champion Evander Holyfield Tells His Life Story (Full Interview)

Boxing legend Evander Holyfield discussed his upbringing and storied boxing career in this new VladTV exclusive. Born in Alabama as the youngest of nine children, Holyfield moved to Atlanta with his single mother and siblings at a young age. He first got into boxing at the age of eight when he joined the Boys Club. He said his quick success in the ring earned him the name "one punch Holyfield." The Hall of Famer broke down his childhood accomplishments in the sport before detailing his first interaction with Mike Tyson when he was 20 years old. Holyfield talked about his notable fights against Mike Tyson, Buster Douglas, George Foreman, and Riddick Bowe, as well as winning multiple championships throughout his career. He also opened up about the fortune he amassed as a boxer and the financial hardships he encountered later on. Later in the interview, Holyfield talked about his retirement and the rumored rubber match between him and Mike Tyson. To hear more, check out the full interview above.

[@quentonmurray4773]

This is by far one of the greatest boxers in our Era. VLAD you've done it again 👏

[@bigtonemalone2921]

Check out his 30 for 30 “Chasing Tyson” pretty damn good

[@andyburton1160]

​@@bigtonemalone2921is this on KZbin

[@Nobueno_baby]

He is thee greatest of that era

[@wademcintyre1621]

He could of beat tyson 99 out of 100 times. He had heart tyson crying in the ring and got tired as Ali would of said this is a bad place to get tired and cry !!

[@wademcintyre1621]

Juiced or not he fought wars in the ring !

[@goldene9339]

I’m so impressed with Vlad interview skills when he’s not over talking guests. I enjoyed this interview immensely. Thank you Vlad.

[@commentedrelationship]

Vlad shows respect to legendary people but if they're more of his peers, personal friends, or someone up-and-coming, Vlad will gladly talk over them.

[@gsxr2fst498]

This guy was tough. Humble and tough.

[@Bdott67k-i7r]

You said tough twice bro. No need to say it twice.

[@christopherstewart9556]

Not only a great boxer but also a very respectful human being. God bless this man 👏🏿🙏🏿

[@ds4evaq]

Greatest cheater of all time

[@princeali1786]

Yes, 15 kids with 13 different ladies - what a man.

[@christopherstewart9556]

@@princeali1786 we all made mistakes in life. You never did

[@princeali1786]

@@christopherstewart9556 -First of all, those children that he assisted in bringing into this world is NOT a mistake - second - you claim to be a religious man and your ring walk music is the hymns and of praising Jesus, right after the bout you cheat on your wife and impregnated a lady, that is called adultery. You do it again, it’s a mistake however, when you continue to do the same damn thing over and over and over it is no longer a mistake it’s, I don’t give a crap !!! Wear a damn rubber. So, you are asking as if he had made a simple one time mistake and it’s not. Now, In regards to me - have I ever made a mistake, well, hell yes but the difference is I didn’t continue making the same mistake one that will affect the lives of his creation for the Next 80 years each. Duh !

[@Norma1250]

​@@princeali1786😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@travishendrix7026]

Evander said it well. There are those who are flashy and done alot for the sport. He was about the sweet science. 1. He's a Christian 2. He's a Southerner. 3. He's 4X Heavy Wieght Champion. Grateful to call him my Brother. God's speed to you Evander.

[@kokoyaro]

This man is an example of a true star that doesn't care about shinning. Mike Tyson continued to take all the spotlight while this true warrior stayed humble

[@sheldoncooper0]

A lot of it is just charisma or energy/personality. Guys like Ali and Tyson were globally famous across many generations. They transcended boxing in terms of fame. Same with Michael Jordan and basketball. Most guys that make it to the top of their sport end up like Holyfield where their fame doesn't transcend their sport.

[@kokoyaro]

@@sheldoncooper0 You nailed it right there with the charisma point. It's the first time I even got to learn that this man boxed since he was a child, competed in three weight divisions became champ in two, first ever and still the only 4-time champion, no criminal record, clearly outboxed and defeated mike tyson twice, never shied away from a challenge and never had to bite his opponent's ear to avoid a fair loss, etc. This man is clearly morality's prefered boxing role model but in a world where entertainment matters more than competence, it's apparently not enough to be the best boxer and best sportsman. At least in my mind he will always be the humble warrior who outboxed and beat Mike Tyson twice and could have beaten Mike 10 times over if they ran it back. I watched both fights and saw how Mike became frustrated that Evander took his best shots without flinching. Everything Mike tried had failed. Even after biting Evander's ear the first time and thought the match would be stopped, Evander continued fighting pretty well with a bloody ear. Mike targeted that ear with punches to make Evander uncomfortable but Evander continued to dominate the fight. Mike Tyson just couldn't believe that another human being in gloves could outclass him like that. I'm very disappointed that after the first ear-biting, the referee didn't call for disqualifying Mike and giving the win to this warrior, let alone the second bite. It just goes to show that boxing has been a dirty business for a long time

[@Born8etter]

Mr Holyfield is PURE CLASS!

[@mikebrown9521]

Holyfield loves his Mama! Evander is a class act. He gave each of his employees a million dollar bonus on top of paying them $250,000.00 a year.

[@Drjackdempsey9644]

Which is why he went broke. Too generous

[@LandlordFilm]

“I say” lol reminds me of one of my uncles telling me stories from back in the day 💯

[@tylercampbell6365]

My dad is from rhe south..They say.."I say" lol Same humbleness and strength, respectful and love their mothers..

[@michaelhill3137]

“I said” - Evander Holyfield

[@bcsemotorworks2462]

My whole thing is.

[@donaldstanfield3486]

What a kind and decent man he is the real deal God bless you Evander.

[@jerodjerod2306]

11 kids 6 baby mamas is what you call a decent man ok then🥴

[@BCritical1110]

@@jerodjerod2306so you’re saying he’s not a decent man because of this?

[@shayakanime18]

Likeable man and down-to-earth. True fighter with a good heart.

[@sandorclegane3658]

You're looking at your P.E teacher but talking to grandpa. This dude fought through the toughest heavyweight boxing period against amazing talents and personalities. 90s kids are very lucky. Edit only hour in, they better go over the Bowe trilogy in detail.

[@ieshawashington9459]

The Real Deal Holyfield! What a legendary moment💯 🥊🏆

[@antoniohosino145]

THE FIGHTERS OVER THE YEARS HAVE GIVEN US ALOT OF GLORY !!! IT BOTHERS MYSELF TO HEAR SLURRED SPEECH ( EFFECTS OF THE PUNCHES , PUNCH DRUNK ) I NEVER WANT TO SEE ANYONE SERIOUSLY HURT IN THE SPORT , REGARDLESS OF RACE OR TALENT A HUMAN BEING IS JUST THAT HUMAN !!!! MAY GOD BLESS THEM ALL WHO HAVE SACRIFICED SO MUCH TO BE THE CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD !!! AMAZING FRIENDSHIP BOWE , TYSON , HOLYFIELD !!!

[@danistanbouly8166]

I can listen to Evander talk all day... what a humble person...

[@jasonmacdonald27]

Holyfield Is A Class Act....

[@taylormajors5677]

His fights with Riddick Bowe are probably the most violent fights in heavyweight history. Those men definitely put it all on the line in those fights.

[@simonhernandez2678]

Holyfield is so wholesome, I like the way he tells stories. He tells stories the way a grandfather tells stories to his grandkids

[@IJUSTWANNAFLYDJIDRONES71]

He loved his mama.❤

[@holysmokes4259]

Makes me feel good when someone financially well off uses their fortune to help others. Gives me faith in humanity.

[@aaprofessionalcarpetandtil3189]

Brings back alot of Great Memories Thank you EVANDER HOLYFEILD 😎

[@ThousandairesClub]

*his fights with Mike Tyson were Legendary. two professional killers in a ring trying to murder eachother with their fists....never seen anything like it.*

[@James-h8g7x]

Lol tyson got destroyed

[@youmarc11]

Holy was never intimidated in the ring. That's what made him great.

[@victortrammell2753]

FACTS!

[@Ytterdahls]

Most likable dude ever and a great storyteller. Besides a bit of stammering, I don’t really think he sound punch drunk like some people are saying. When he speaks he speaks clearly, tell stories well and actually is a lot more charismatic than he maybe seemed earlier. He’s probably a great grandfather.

[@littlemelvin5030]

The real deal Holyfield. Wasnt called the Real Deal for no reason. One of the most entertaining fighters ive ever seen. not too mamy Holyfield fights you can say was boring if any. He went out there and put in that WORK. Any time i wanna put somebody on to boxing, a Holyfield fight is included simple and plain. One of the greats unequivocally.

[@PaulBodyBuilder]

Very under-rated. The greatest fighter in our Era

[@TomJJ37]

Underrated he is one of if not the most decorated heavyweight fighter ever and everyone knows it

[@ravensdark99]

What this illustrates: You NEVER can underestimate the impact one sentence has on a child. That first person saw the greatness in him and by one sentence changed his life forever....

[@tyree8608]

I watch a lot of interviews ! That was probably one of the best I've ever seen!!! Wow thank you!!

[@barbarajohnson245]

I’m gonna listen to this whole thing while I’m on my elliptical💪

[@skeelo69]

One of the all time GOATS.Never ducked anybody.

[@simonkrebs6043]

He ducked Ike.

[@Ytterdahls]

I’m very happy you uploaded «the whole big thing». Lovely interview!

[@allamerican7351]

My favorite athlete of all time.

[@PortiaEvanson]

he really loved his mama and took her words to heart. much respect and love to him.

[@DerrickABrooks]

Finally the whole interview.

[@CajunBoyJake]

I said the same, guess we both too cheap to pay for the membership 😂

[@DF1234567]

Great interview with my favorite fighter ever!!

[@kenterminateddq5311]

The realest interview on VLAD TV. Thank you, Evander. You are one of the greatest boxers of all-time. 😊

[@vladtv]

agreed

[@skeelo69]

The cut in's of Tyson were so funny 😂😂😂

[@howtodoelectrical200]

Dam vlad be having classic interviews

[@stonessmugglasplanettv901]

What a humble man

[@michaelburris2146]

always loved watching him in the ring...more impressed w him out of the ring

[@scottmctaggart7070]

Awesome dude great to hear him and see he is ok,no man has fought more wars then him!

[@Sandra-xw2wp]

Thanks for the great interview with one of my favorite boxers! If you didn't know his work, you'd never guess this humble guy is a boxing legend!

[@jamesr5838]

Wonderful interview with the legend! Seems like his Mama told him everything

[@arvelynlewis]

except, strap it up.

[@jeremymorrical5810]

​@arvelynlewis HAHAHA! GOOD ONE KIND SIR! 🧐

[@shafo4384]

​@@arvelynlewisHaha. I bet she did but he didn't listen.

[@corybaby101]

Great Interview Vlad, Very Interesting, Love it Mane

[@Adonis7Belguim]

Vlad you Really On a Roll.....Great Content 🫡🌴🏆👑‼️💯

[@ELL1975]

Shout out to the Moms💯

[@Jody_Joe]

Great interview !

[@31-December]

Vlad being a cheerleader. Just started the interview. Being a boxing fan, I’m sure I’ll enjoy it

[@Diyanibeats]

I like when he reference his mother. It show he respect her , retained the wisdom she shared and he was listening ❤❤❤

[@chadwickorucker]

I say I SAY I SAY this was a good interview 😂😂😂

[@aw5347]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@hailreezy]

Foghorn leghorn head ass but you gotta love him😂❤

[@James_7]

Evander Holyfield telling Vlad he hates being called skinny and never tells anyone he is skinny , few minutes later Vlad saying "but you were a skinny boy" .

[@Cleveland_Teddy]

Mike could never beat holyfield head up in his prime period, and he knew that, so he did what he did..knowone had the heart that holyfield had or the hands period knowone take it how you want mike aint better then holyfield and never will be period....

[@stephengiese7549]

Very honest, humble and funny interview. He mentions his mother and what she advised him to do alot which I dearly loved to hear. I love people who do this. Vlad no doubt did his research. Always thought he had the physique.

[@davidprice4777]

Great interview with Evander Holyfield!Great b interviewer, who let Mr Holyfield answer his questions clearly without interruptions!Great Man Mr Holyfield ,God bless him!

[@bowtieguy377]

I grew up in the 70's and thought that the Heavyweights of that era were the best. I still think that way but Evander was the one that really stood out to me in his era and he is the one I would put in the 70's class of heavyweights.

[@THATSWHATSUP.615]

Holyfield has such a beautiful soul!!!

[@lloydrobertson5508]

The Real Deal.

[@shawandajenkins7127]

"The odds never really made a difference to me " holyfeild he said fights not the odds 😅

[@Paul-th9es]

Professional boxing is a beautiful sport. Evander is one of the many that made it so, and he is one of the few that reached its summit.

[@louieHuelsman]

Gr8 interview and Great Champion and person!!!

[@rickfrias8652]

Evander looks great

[@morrielarsen]

you can tell that Evander is trying very hard, through this entire interview, to be as respectful as possible toward the people he is talking about. This is the stammering you see and hear. I have never ever seen or heard him that close to saying mother fucker...brilliant interview.

[@MikeJones-ne5ko]

Wow I got a lot of life lessons from this interview, never saw this side of him

[@stunnabreezy3]

Love this interview

[@MrJmunn]

Good intro Vlad

[@andreanderson5416]

When I was young I was saying Mike Tyson and my grandfather was saying Holyfield and as I got older and watched his fights I see why true warrior boxing great

[@RicardoOdum]

This deserves more views.

[@shawandajenkins7127]

Greatest fights of my life will always remember u and Mike

[@edwindominguez5413]

Evander was the one of the best heavyweight of all time he was my favorite fighter of all time in the heavyweight division.

[@TheOfficialMaxTV]

Watching this for third time, amazing interview. Do more of these, maybe try to work with Najee from Cigar Talk, collab or some

[@ianblake815]

I’m gonna listen to this whole thing while I’m playing my PlayStation!

[@Jojikiba]

"I said, I said...I said...I said, I said....I said" -- Evander Holyfield

[@WORM602]

That Bobby buchay voice

[@dretheman123]

Mmmmamammmmmama said….

[@randythesavage1105]

It seems like Vlad doesn't understand that parents used to be able to discipline their children.

[@kevindagame]

ALRIGHT HERE WE GO, THE WHOLE INTERVIEW IS HERE, WELCOME TO VLADTV!!! Long time fan. So I wanna get into your story, so I wanna start at the very beginning. Evander Holyfield, always a pleasure, until next time, PEACE!!!

[@russlogan181]

Settle down. Keep your pants on

[@kevindagame]

@@russlogan181 ok Male Karen

[@TheOriginalCasualT]

Holyfield was a Beast in the Boxing ring, he fought what heart❤ and passion, he’s one of our greatest fighters ever. 🥊🥊💯💯💯💯💯

[@laithdaniels7144]

This interview is hard to watch. Holy field boxing career definitely took its toll on him.

[@kevingregory8541]

Listening to this man studder for 3 hours was brutal good interview Vlad

[@rfinestl.a.r8193]

My Opinion. My Greatest Fighter of my generation! Period. Don't mention that other short guy with the light voice.

[@darrenhumphrey1446]

These guys are legends but all these hits to the head got them all with a slow speech

[@Diyanibeats]

Yea😢 his speech not to bad but boxing definitely impacted it

[@andyclifford911]

Great interview - Holyfield special fighter -

[@andrewyoung6607]

Alot can be learned from evanders outlook on life

[@christopherpatten9388]

My favorite heavyweight of this era he truly is a good man and tough as it gets.never ducked anyone.toe to toe brawler with an unbelievable chin

[@dannyav2582]

Man I never knew how great of a story Evander Holyfield's life is. Vlad, you might ever see this but if you do please tell Evander he's awesome and I'm sure he'll go down as one of the greats long into the future.

[@IcRaVeKnOwLeDgE]

I feel like Holyfield is to high class for Vlad.

[@shawngregory3202]

I love Evander.. Some of the best fights I've ever seen was with him!!

[@SOSM209]

Wow, Im just now looking at this wonderful interview. You can see so much of Holyfields Mom in Mr. Holyfield. The Champ Evander.

[@Ferrucci_1666]

I love this guy he’s too honest

[@brandonmarshall3655]

Listening to these old fighters talk make you respect Mayweather for not getting hit so much.... Respect to them all... Great fighters... Holyfield always showed respect to everyone...

[@bcsemotorworks2462]

I'm very happy he is talking so well. After all the absolute WARS this guy has had, he still speaks pretty much free of the punch drunk speak pattern. I'm really happy for him. Holyfield was my favorite of that great era of heavyweights . Such a warrior and a clean liver. He looks like he could still kick some ass.

[@barackodrama8357]

I SAID I SAID I SAID I SAID X1000000

[@tedr7144]

Evander didn't duck nobody he took all the smoke

[@davidcovington1046]

Facts!

[@sammalone4239]

💯💯, love the fact , How great he was and all he accomplished he is most proud of being on U.S.A. Olympic team ! In which He was clearly the best light heavyweight there( BEST BOKER PERIOD) .HIT HIS OPPONET A TICK AFTR BELL .WAS THROWING PUNCH AS BELL WENT ! LOVE EVANDER , THE EPITOME OF A TRUE WARRIOR, ALWAYS FIT , PREPARED AND FOUGHT EVERYBODY! HUMBLE AND CLASS

[@HappyRetiredandhealthy-qk2lg]

excellent video

[@handwiredbyme]

He was a great champion I watched all his fights and Tysons live growing up

[@shawandajenkins7127]

This mufucka just bit me again 😂😅

[@aw5347]

😂😂😂😂

[@davidjulseth8667]

Holyfield reminds me of a good friend growing up, or maybe it's just because we're the same age, class act, regardless!

[@Retics]

Asked Holyfield about the kids when he was dating AJ and he went left! Lol Wish he would of let Evander talk more and explain some boxing things more. The little details.

[@danielhenderson8316]

There's a few videos on KZbin that do just that. One of them is how to protect yourself from looping punches by pulling your head down to your arms instead of moving your arms up to your head. It also explains the "headbutt" accusations if you're charging in head first at Holyfield with a hook.

[@biglou143]

I thought the odds were 25-1 for Tyson-Holyfield 1. He was a big underdog if i remember correctly.

[@glennrobinson8868]

They were when the fight was first announced. By fight night it was 9 - 1

[@rodneyscott2108]

Evander( Tha WaWata boy) Holyfield 😀😀😀😀😀😀