Evander Holyfield was born on October 19, 1962 in Atmore, Alabama. He later moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he lived most of his childhood. He competed as an amateur boxer in the 1984 Olympic games in Los Angeles, where he won a disputed bronze medal in the light heavyweight division. He was part of a stellar boxing team, and he turned pro on November 15, 1984, at Madison Square Garden on a card featuring his other Olympic teammates.
Evander started started his professional career as a light heavyweight, and won his first four fights in that weight class, before moving up to the cruiserweight division. The first win of his pro career was over Lionel Byarm, a six round decision. With his 6’2 ” frame and broad shoulders, it was obvious he would not be a light heavyweight very long.
His first bout as a cruiserweight was against Tyrone Booze, where he won an eight round decision on July 20, 1985 in Norfolk, Virginia. He knocked out Ricky Myers in one round on August 29 in his next bout, which took place in his home town of Atlanta. He then traveled to Atlantic City on October 30, and knocked out Jeff Meachem in five rounds. Evander won his last bout of the year on December 21 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, knocking out Anthony Davis in four rounds.
Holyfield won his first three rounds of 1986 over Chisanda Mutti, Jessy Shelby, and Terry Mims. Incredibly, with a record of only 11-0, he signed to fight the experienced champ Dwight Muhammad Qawi on July 12, 1986 at the Omni in Atlanta, Georgia. Evander was moving along quicker than any of his Olympic teammates, and it wouldn’t be long before he won his first championship belt.
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