“The Whole Thing Was About Mike Tyson”: Evander Holyfield Opens Up About How He Never Got Credit for Beating Buster Douglas

Evander Holyfield had quite a celebrated career. However, there is one fight that was overshadowed by Mike Tyson’s star power. The fight was against none other than, Buster Douglas. In 1990, the two met inside the squared circle. Douglas was coming off the biggest upsets in sports history by beating  Mike Tyson and acquiring his WBA, WBC, and IBF titles. Meanwhile, Holyfield was the challenger.

In their contest, the challenger triumphed by defeating the champion via a knockout. However, ‘Iron Mike,’ and his popularity took the credit away from Holyfield. Decades later, Holyfield reflected upon the same and made a shocking confession.

 Holyfield’s win over Buster Douglas overshadowed by Mike Tyson?

The former heavyweight champion himself never took credit away from Holyfield. However, the boxing world, at large had not digested the fact that Douglas defeated Tyson by then. Some even argued that it was a fluke win. In addition, Holyfield reflected on the same and agreed that the bout was subject to scrutiny because of Tyson.

In an interview with VladTV, he stated, “The fact of the matter is that even me beating Buster Douglas, I had people mad with me and said you didn’t beat Mike Tyson. The whole thing was about Mike Tyson, I know I beat the guy that beat Mike.”

It is safe to say that this reaction from the boxing realm irked him to an extent at least. Moreover, this revelation is a testament to the stardom and influence Tyson had over the boxing world. Meanwhile, let’s take a look at what Holyfield makes of Tyson’s defeat to Douglas.

Holyfield weighs in on Tyson’s defeat against Douglas

According to Holyfield, Douglas is a great fighter and before he faced either of them, he did not really have a preference and did not pay much attention to Tyson being defeated. In the same interview, he added, “I didn’t say anything because the fact of the matter, I ain’t want nobody to think that I was on nobody’s side. Because whoever wins I got to fight, I could care less.”

Read more: WATCH: When Evander Holyfield Knocked Out Buster Douglas to Become the Unified Heavyweight Champion

Holyfield’s legacy and record only reflect the fact he would fight anyone at any time. Moreover, we are curious to know, what you make of his comments above. Share with us your opinions in the comments below.

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