Holyfield's career started with a bang after he won a bronze medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. He turned pro and quickly rose through the ranks. In April 1988, he became the undisputed cruiserweight champion. But he didn't stop there. Holyfield moved up to heavyweight and knocked out James 'Buster' Douglas in the third round to become the undisputed heavyweight champion in 1990.
The 'Real Deal' defended his heavyweight crown against some big names. He beat George Foreman and Larry Holmes, showing he could hang with the best of them. But it was his rivalry with Riddick 'Big Daddy' Bowe that really stood out.
These two giants of the ring faced off three times. In November 1992, Bowe took Holyfield's undisputed title. But Holyfield got his revenge in their rematch a year later. The third and final bout happened in late 1995. Bowe won by knockout in the eighth round, putting an end to one of boxing's greatest rivalries.
In a video on the Tru School Sports YouTube channel, Holyfield had high praise for his old rival. He said to Bowe:
"You were a different character then [in your prime]. You would of bust everybody up."
That's quite a compliment coming from a man who held the undisputed title in two weight classes. Holyfield's words carry weight, given his own impressive career and the battles he had with Bowe. It seems that even after all these years, 'Big Daddy' Bowe's skills and power left a lasting impression on one of the greatest heavyweights of all time.