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Madison Square Garden, November 1984. I don't recall taking too much fear into the ring. I knew I could fight. But I got a big shock. They put me in with this rough, tough veteran called Lionel Byarm. He tested me to the limit. But I fought my heart out and, in the end, I prevailed. The story of my life, in my very first fight.

Evander Holyfield

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Evander Holyfield
Age: 62
Born: 1962
Born: October 19
Actor
Autobiographer
Boxer
Professional Boxer
Atmore
Alabama
Evander The Real Deal Holyfield
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More quotes by Evander Holyfield

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I'm just one woman away, my mother, from being the same as Mike Tyson. I would've ended up like him if my mama had not been so tough and strong. A lot of people, including Mike, don't know I came from the ghetto. They think I'm too nice and proper. But that's the way my mama raised me - to look people in the eye and respect them.
Evander Holyfield
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People who make the choice to study, work hard or do whatever they endeavor is to give it the max on themselves to reach to the top level. And you have the people who get envy and jealous, yet are not willing to put that work in, and they want to get the same praise.
Evander Holyfield
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If you don't take no chances, then you're not a performer. Performers always take chances. You go see a singer, they'll hit the high note. They'll hit that note, they're not afraid, they're gonna exaggerate the fact and make me enjoy it, make me say, 'Wow, I wish I could do that!
Evander Holyfield
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When you refuse to fight guys because you say you are better than them, that is not really being the best. If I could just fight certain fighters that fit my style, I would look great in all of them.
Evander Holyfield
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I lost my first fight at the Boys Club at 11 years old and quit the team. My mother told me I had to go back because she didn't raise no quitter. I lost a second fight and quit again and still my mother wouldn't let me. She made me go back and try again.
Evander Holyfield
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Everyone has freedom to say whatever they want to say. I think it takes a stronger person to hold their tongue as opposed to speaking out.
Evander Holyfield
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We lived in a real rough place but my mother kept me straight.
Evander Holyfield
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I do not lose I just do not get decisions sometimes. You lose when you quit. I have never quit. When it comes down to a decision, judges make a decision as to which fighter they want to win the fight. I have always been able to survive no matter whom they decide to give the fight to.
Evander Holyfield
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Well, when I think of steroids I think of an image. You have the advantage over someone, which is a form of cheating. I guess it wouldn't be right unless it was legal for everybody. Reason it's not legal for everybody is because it can hurt people seriously.
Evander Holyfield
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I beat Larry Holmes and George Foreman. I whupped Mike Tyson twice. I had my ear chewed off and spat on the ground in front of me. I've seen everything it is possible to see in boxing. I know this business better than anyone. So I live and die by my own decisions.
Evander Holyfield
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Sugar leaves you stranded I make sure I have the proper amount of protein before I work out.
Evander Holyfield
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The most important thing about being a father is being able to forgive yourself. If you don't forgive yourself, you're not going to forgive your kids, either.
Evander Holyfield
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There are a lot of times I have seen someone fight, and I think the guy is tailor made for me until they actually get in the ring with me. Fighters that are more aggressive match up better with me. There is really no defense when a guy is trying to get you. When a guy is trying to get you, you cannot get him, which makes the most compelling fight.
Evander Holyfield
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My goal is to be the undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World.
Evander Holyfield
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Deep down, I reckon the sweetest moment will come when it's finally all over. When, at last, I know that I can stop fighting. Of course it'll also be a little sad. The sweetest moments, y'know, always come with just a little sadness.
Evander Holyfield
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From what I hear is happening, young Indian boxers have started to do well on the world stage and started to gain the attention of the general audience.
Evander Holyfield
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Well, of course a boxing match is hard because boxing isn't set for you to do good. You have to force your will upon someone, but dancing you don't have to force your will. It should be a lot easier because if I make a mistake I don't get hit.
Evander Holyfield
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Odds are just the people opinion. Respect your own opinion.
Evander Holyfield
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Stay on your toes and always move forward.
Evander Holyfield
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A champion shows who he is by what he does when he's tested. When a person gets up and says 'I can still do it', he's a champion.
Evander Holyfield