Product Description

Sometimes sensational, always inspiring, Evander Holyfield's own story -- told in full for the first time -- reveals a man of character behind the larger-than-life public image. He rose from an impoverished background to become history's only four-time World Heavyweight Champion, commanding fees of up to $30 million a fight. In the ring he may not have been the biggest, nor the meanest (an accolade belonging to Mike Tyson) nor the prettiest (Muhammad Ali). But throughout his career his integrity, power and presence have made him one of the most respected and beloved. Becoming Holyfield is packed with behind-the-scenes stories of people who have become legend. Amongst them are promoter Don King and boxers Lennox Lewis and, of course, Mike Tyson, whose two showdowns with Evander -- including the infamous 'Bite Fight' in which Tyson bit off a section of his ear -- have gone down as all-time classic contests. It is also one legend's honest look back over his life and the many lessons he learned, to become a fulfilled husband, father and simply a good man.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #27569 in Books
• Published on: 2009-03-02
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

About the Author
Evander Holyfield is an Olympic medallist and the only four-time World Heavyweight Champion in boxing histoy. He is the founder of the Holyfield Foundation, an organization serving underprivileged children. He lives in Georgia. His co-author, Lee Gruenfeld, is a bestselling writer of fiction and non-fiction. He lives in southern California.

Customer Reviews

The Real Deal!!!

For those of yuo unfamilar with Evander Holyfield, he is a professional boxer (still active as of 2008) who has boxed for 24 years (professional) and is a former undisputed crusierweight champion (winning his first title in his 12th fight) and is the only four time heavyweight boxing champion of the world.

Over the course of his career Holyfield as had epic matches with such renowned fighters as Dwight Qawi (x2), Carlos De leon, George Foreman, Larry Holmes, Riddick Bowe (x3), Tyson (x2), Ray Mercer, Lennox lewis (x2), John Ruiz (x3), Michale Moorer (x2), James Toney to name but a few. A true great this is a great career retrospective that covers all the aspects of Holyfield life from birth to his last few fights and covers not just the fighter but the man behind the fighter.

Unlike other luminaries, Holyfield hasn't surrounded himself with controversies, lawsuits, stints in prison and various drug charges, which isnt to say that he hasnt had an interesting career or life, and it is this which is of benefit as it enables a picture to be painted without the taints of controversy overshadowing his professional acheivements. I would recommend this to all Holyfied and boxing fans. My only grievance, is that at 288 pages it isnt long, when considering his career, however it is a good read and the only modern book on the 'real deal' (as of 2008) out at the moment.

A phenomenal piece
This is the most enjoyable auto-biography I have read. Evander charts his life from humble beginnings as a child in the projects to superstardom in the world's toughest sport.

The writing has a flair and impact that makes it seem like an extraordinary novel. I feel the ghostwriter, Lee Gruenfield deserves credit for putting it all down with style and substance.

The early chapters where Evander describes growing up in a large family, and finding his destiny in the 'boy's club' were charming and funny.
Evander describes his experiences of injustice in and out of the ring, his unwavering faith in God, and the issues affecting the modern athlete earning dizzying sums of money.

There is a chapter on 'Iron Mike' that describes his rivals' equally fascinating beginnings in the sport - a unique and nice touch.

For me this auto-biography stands out from the numerous 'cash-ins' of the genre where the athlete doesn't have anything to offer the reader except boring details of past games and training.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read, and of course fans of boxing.

legendary
This is an excellent account and inspiring story of Evanders rise from poor kid in a large family, to one of the biggest names in boxing. It all happens through a mix of hardwork, determination, faith, love and more hardwork but Evander puts his insight into this and has an epic tale.

I found this to be a great read and would recommend it to anyone,especially those battling away-whether at work, home or play.... Much wisdom is to be found.