“These Tears Don’t Help You”: Evander Holyfield Reveals How His Mother Helped Him Become One of the Greatest Heavyweights of His Era

Clinching the heavyweight championship an unprecedented four times, surpassing the record set by the iconic Muhammad Ali, who secured it thrice is not a feat just anyone can achieve. Evander Holyfield, however, stands as a legendary American boxer, doing the unthinkable and unmatched by his peers.

His journey to greatness began in the amateur ranks, where Holyfield crafted an impressive record of 160 wins against 14 losses. What helped him climb through the amateur fights to emerge victorious in the national Golden Gloves championship? It is the knowledge that his mother fed from an early childhood.

How did Evander Holyfield’s mother shape him?

Holyfield’s mother had a decisive role to play in building the robust fight machine. She passed on to him a few integral life lessons, which the boxer remembers to this day. In an interview with Vlad TV, Holyfield spoke about the fight and sparring session between him and Mike Tyson.

While detailing what helped him stand upright against such a formidable opponent, he said he did not possess a fear of anything. His mother had done the job of killing any self-doubt that he might have nurtured.

Taking chances and pushing boundaries was the only way to be. “So, me being the youngest at nine, I don’t cry a lot of time because she had to tell me this all the time- what are you going to get scared of something? You don’t even try.” said the former heavyweight.

Unless you put yourself in the position, you will not find out whether you are capable of dealing with it. “You got to put something in it. So, my mama stopped me from crying at a younger age and say you got to stop all these tears. These tears don’t help you. Everybody cry but you don’t have to cry in front of nobody.” ‘The Real Deal’ learned to not show his vulnerabilities and weaknesses before anyone.

Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield: their past and present

Prior to becoming fierce rivals, Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield started as sparring partners. Holyfield weathered Tyson’s initial onslaught to knock him out and secure the WBA heavyweight Championship in their first encounter. Their rematch unfolded with early headbutts from Holyfield. It triggered a chaotic turn of events as Tyson, losing control, infamously bit his opponent’s ear off in the third round, resulting in disqualification.

Read More: “Nicer Times”: Years After $3,000,000 Loss, Forgotten Photo of Mike Tyson With Evander Holyfield Makes Fans Nostalgic

The aftermath of these illegal maneuvers remains etched in boxing history. Despite discussions about a trilogy, the anticipated third bout between these iconic fighters never materialized. It left a contentious chapter between Tyson and Holyfield unresolved. However, Tyson has skillfully transformed that infamous incident into a thriving business venture, notably introducing his own line of ear-shaped edibles humorously named ‘Mike Bite’. In a surprising twist, he has disclosed that Holyfield is now his business partner.

The revelation suggests a significant shift in their relationship, indicating that any lingering animosity has been replaced by a successful and amicable business partnership. What do you think of this development? Let us know in the comments below.

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