Known for being a four-time world heavyweight champion, Evander Holyfield was nicknamed "The Real Deal" during his professional boxing career. The star athlete was born on Oct. 19, 1962, in Atmore, Alabama. 
Growing up in Atlanta, he began taking boxing lessons. As an amateur boxer, he gained acclaim after winning a bronze medal in the 1984 Summer Olympic games in Los Angeles. He then turned professional at the age of 21 and began competing in junior heavyweight and cruiserweight classes. With his eyes set on being a heavyweight champion, he became bigger and built up his strength. In 1990, Holyfield became the world heavyweight champion, taking out James "Buster" Douglass in the first seven minutes of the fight.
In 1996, he fought an infamous match against Mike Tyson. In their first bout he beat Tyson, but in their rematch, Tyson bit a piece of Holyfield's ear off. Tyson was disqualified immediately. Out of the 57 fights he's fought in his career, he has 44 wins, 29 knockouts, 10 losses, 2 draws, and one no contest.

Outside the boxing ring, Holyfield wowed audiences in October 2005 as a contestant on Dancing With the Stars. He also devotes his time to helping children through his Holyfield Foundation. As of October 2012, he is officially retired.
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(Photo: Al Bello/Allsport)