Former Heavyweight Champion

Showtime presents

June 24, 2000

Former Heavyweight Champion Evander Holyfield chats about the sport of boxing and his upcoming and past opponents.

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Showtime: Please welcome the man who has given us some of boxing's greatest moments, former undisputed heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield Boxing experts and his opponents have at times underestimated his talent and dedication to being the best. Time and again he has proven that he is "The Real Deal." Holyfield started his career at age eight and matured into one of the most talked-about Olympians of '84. He eventually fought to become the victor in one of boxing's most exciting nights in his first battle with Mike Tyson. We eagerly await Evander Holyfield's return to the ring! Welcome, Evander!

Evander: Hello! This is Evander the "Real Deal" Holyfield better known as "The Warrior."

LeRoyB: Why did you start boxing at 8 years old? What was your motivation?

Evander: I just wanted to do something that my brother was afraid to do.

Timmyboy: Being the youngest of 9 kids, did your brothers and sisters give you a lot of encouragement when you were growing up and boxing?

Evander: Yes, they did. They always supported me by coming and watching fights. And appreciating the trophies that I've won.

Anabel: Evander, you have traveled all over the world fighting.did you ever get time to just enjoy yourself and relax in some of these far off places?

Evander: Not while fighting, but usually after the fight if I like a place I'll come back. I liked all the islands like Barbados, Trinidad, Aruba and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Sully: Are you going to watch the Tyson fight tonight?

Evander: Yes, I am.

Bacon Mom: Do you see boxing as one of the true "Man to Man" sports? How do you feel about the up and coming women boxers?

Evander: Well, it's quite different but competitive - meaning it's good that women want to challenge each other. Hopefully it doesn't come to the point where they take the skills outside the ring to other matters than the ring.

Sammie-gurl: Evander, tell us what was going through your mind when you carried the Olympic Flame in 1996? How did it feel?

Evander: I was very excited about the moment. It's something I knew I didn't earn - the right to carry it - and on the way; that I was selected to carry it is because what the people felt about me. That I was an upstanding individual that carried himself well and that I could represent our country - and allowed to carry it. I was honored.

Ron Jeremy: Do you ever go to the casinos after a fight to gamble? If so what is your game of choice?

Evander: I never have gone to the casino to gamble after the fight, but I like Blackjack. Blackjack would be the game if I did play.

Mystery Girl: When you're in the ring, what goes through your mind? Does it change for different opponents?

Evander: When I'm in the ring, I always gear my mind to the point to say - to ask myself if I'm ready. Just a confirmation checkout, to checkout in my mind how I should feel and how I think.

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