Evander Holyfield is the only boxer to win undisputed titles in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight division of boxing, but he’s not taking the glory for his success. For that, Holyfield is praising God.
Holyfield, a four-time world heavyweight champion boxer, discussed his faith in-depth with Christian Headlines how his faith helped him overcome obstacles to get to where he is today. His career has been splattered with doping allegations, financial ruin and more. Through this, though, God was his anchor.
“Without Jesus, I wouldn’t be who I am,” he said in the interview. “[My Grandmother and mother] always reminded me, ‘you’ve got to ask Jesus to help you.’”
“When all is said and done, I have a purpose to represent God and I’ve got to represent him the best way I know how,” he further explained.
Holyfield reflected on how God impacted his character and said he speaks to God regularly about changing him for the better. Holyfield looks to find where he could have gone wrong.
“I could have had an attitude,” he said. “But I learned that God had a hand in it…He knew.”
“I learned to talk to the Holy Spirit.. ask ‘what do I do about this?’…I found that useful…going back to the Father and asking Him where I’ve gone wrong,” he continued.
Many know Holyfield well due to the infamous ear-biting incident during a boxing match with Mike Tyson. He doesn’t mind the constant questions, though, and uses it as an opportunity to share a pertinent part of the Gospel.
“You won’t be forgiven unless you forgive,” Evander warned. “I realized that I needed to be forgiven.”