Evander Holyfield shared the ring with a number of legendary names throughout his iconic career.
After becoming undisputed at cruiserweight, ‘The Real Deal’ moved up to the banner division and it didn’t take him long to make an impact, claiming the undisputed heavyweight crown after a victory over Buster Douglas.
He then picked up wins over fellow greats such as George Foreman, Larry Holmes, Riddick Bowe and Mike Tyson, whilst also suffering defeats to Lennox Lewis and James Toney.
Having fought over 15 world champions during his 57 fights, Holyfield says one man stands out the best fighter he faced, revealing to Ring Magazine that the honour goes to Bowe.
“I would say Bowe. I had three fights with Bowe. He was very competitive, he was always going to be in shape when he fought me. Then… I would say Qawi.”
The first meeting with Bowe took place in November 1992, with ‘Big Daddy’ claiming a unanimous decision win to hand Holyfield the first defeat of his career.
Holyfield did manage to get revenge with a majority decision victory one year later, but Bowe ensured he had the last laugh with an eighth round TKO win in their third and final meeting, bringing to an end their epic trilogy.
The loss to Holyfield in their second fight was the only defeat that Bowe suffered in his professional career, with the former world heavyweight champion finishing with 43 wins to his name, making it clear exactly why Holyfield views him as his best ever opponent.