In a boxing world of brutality and bluster, it is a graceful and modest prayer. Not surprising, though, for a former two-time heavyweight champion of the world whose new autobiography is titled ““The Humble Warrior.’’ Far more surprising is that on the eve of Holyfield’s Nov. 9 bout in Las Vegas with world champion Mike Tyson, the nation’s boxing fans are praying, too–not for an upset, but that Evander won’t be beaten senseless, or worse. ““That fear for Holyfield is a reflection of the affection boxing people feel for him,’’ says Bert Sugar, former editor of Ring and Boxing Illustrated magazines. ““Few fighters have given more of themselves in the ring. But in doing so, he left a lot of pieces behind.''
It was only two years ago that Holyfield retired with a heart problem–not enough blood pumping. A year later, Holyfield was back fighting, his heart miraculously healed, he believes, during a prayer meeting led by a faith healer. (The Mayo Clinic has twice confirmed the cure, if not the method.) But in his three subsequent bouts, Holyfield, now 34, has been unimpressive. Though he won twice, he tired easily and took some brutal punishment from an unrelenting Riddick Bowe.
Experts say that Holyfield’s problems with Tyson could be his brave heart. Unlike Tyson’s recent opponents, Holyfield won’t take the money and hit the canvas at the first sign of the champ’s fearsome punching prowess. ““Evander’s a warrior,’’ says Sugar. ““He understands he’s in the “hurt’ business.’’ Or, as Chicago Tribune columnist Bernie Lincicome put it: ““What I know about Holyfield is that he won’t take the sensible way out. So what I expect for my money is pain and blood and foolish bravery, all from Holyfield.''
Holyfield admits he won’t scare easily. ““To me the fight is won before you get in the ring,’’ says Holyfield. ““Most of those Tyson fought were intimidated–they let reputation beat them.’’ Team Tyson tried intimidation at a recent press conference. After Tyson sneered at Holyfield, ““You’re out of your league, man,’’ his managers accused Holyfield of once insulting Tyson by saying he would never fight a rapist. ““Mike Tyson never raped anybody,’’ said his comanager John Horne. ““The only rape is going to take place on November 9.’’ Holyfield denied having made that remark, but said, ““Really, it don’t make a difference. We still got to fight. Ain’t no fear in me.''
In training camp, his strategy seemed evident. Sparring with a Mike-like, straight-ahead fighter, Holyfield repeatedly surged out of his corner at the bell and fired a quick left to the face. ““Got to get the first punch,’’ urged his trainer, Don Turner. ““Can’t wait for him to impose his will.’’ After the workout, Turner explained: ““Tyson is one-dimensional–seek and destroy. Nobody presses the issue. But he can’t bully Evander. How will he react if he gets banged really good? Will he rattle?’’ If the answer proves to be no, Turner says with a big smile, ““that’s just plan A. Then there’s plan B.’’ Adds Holyfield: ““I never run out of plans.''
These days the sport of boxing, especially its geriatric heavyweight division, doesn’t seem to offer a plan R–retirement. There is a sense, somewhat justifiable, around Holyfield that he is a champion who got respect, but never quite got his due. He’s none of the things–pretty, witty or wild–that command media attention. He lost his biggest showcase (not to mention a $30 million payday) five years ago, when his title defense against Tyson was canceled due to a Tyson rib injury, a matchup that slipped away when Tyson went to prison. ““You can’t miss what you never had,’’ says Holyfield. But he’s still got his punch and his nickname, ““the Real Deal.''
Since getting out of prison, Tyson has beaten four bums: guys who were built like Stallone’s Rocky but fought like the cartoon Bullwinkle. His quick, easy vic- tories are not good for business: pay- per-view fans are tired of paying for one round of farce. But they will turn on for one last look at Holyfield, whom oddsmakers have established as a prohibitive 18-1 underdog. This fight may ultimately turn out to be more revealing about Tyson than it is about Holyfield. Boxing fans want to know whether ““Iron Mike,’’ in this, his second go-round, will prove to be the real deal, too.
