JRE MMA Show #80 with Evander Holyfield

This podcast features a conversation between Joe Rogan and boxing legend Evander Holyfield. The episode delves into Holyfield’s remarkable career, exploring his rise to fame, iconic fights, and his unique perspective on the sport. Provocative topics include Holyfield’s unconventional training methods, the infamous ear-biting incident with Mike Tyson, and Holyfield’s unwavering faith. Underlying themes explore the importance of resilience, the power of forgiveness, and the impact of family on a successful athlete’s journey.

Here are 15 major topics covered in the podcast, broken down into four key points each:

Evander Holyfield’s Exhibition Fight

1. Holyfield is preparing for an exhibition fight in Japan, aiming to raise funds for tsunami victims.
2. He emphasizes that the fight will be more of a sparring match than a competitive bout, focusing on combinations rather than hard hits.
3. While he’s in great shape, Holyfield acknowledges he doesn’t want to get hit hard again, a testament to the lasting impact of a boxing career.
4. He assures fans that he’s not planning to return to competitive boxing, stating that he’s achieved all his goals and is satisfied with his career.

Holyfield’s Training and Conditioning

1. Holyfield’s training regimen included a unique blend of boxing, strength and conditioning, and even ballet, showcasing his dedication to being a well-rounded athlete.
2. He credits his trainers, Tim Hallmark and Mackie Chilston, for helping him break the taboo of boxers lifting weights, emphasizing that it was about flexibility and conditioning, not just brute strength.
3. Holyfield’s commitment to staying in shape extends beyond the ring, as he consistently trains even during his time away from active competition.
4. This dedication, combined with his disciplined diet, allowed him to remain in peak physical condition throughout his career, contributing to his longevity and success.

The Infamous Mike Tyson Fights

1. Holyfield’s fights against Mike Tyson are considered some of the most legendary and controversial in boxing history.
2. The first fight saw Holyfield dominate Tyson, stopping him in the 11th round, proving that a good guy could indeed beat a bad guy in the ring.
3. The second fight was marred by the ear-biting incident, a shocking moment that forever changed the narrative surrounding their rivalry.
4. Despite the brutality of their encounters, Holyfield ultimately forgave Tyson, illustrating the importance of forgiveness in overcoming past transgressions.

Holyfield’s Relationship with Mike Tyson

1. After their tumultuous rivalry, Holyfield and Tyson have developed a surprisingly amicable relationship, appearing together at events and even engaging in friendly banter.
2. Holyfield attributes this shift to Tyson’s personal growth and evolution, recognizing that he’s become a different person since their fights.
3. They have even discussed a potential third fight, though Holyfield maintains that he wouldn’t push for it, respecting Tyson’s status as a formidable opponent.
4. This unlikely camaraderie highlights the transformative power of time and the potential for forgiveness to bridge seemingly insurmountable divides.

The Power of Family and Motherhood

1. Holyfield emphasizes the profound influence of his mother on his life and career, crediting her for instilling in him a strong work ethic and unwavering faith.
2. He recounts how his mother encouraged him to focus on boxing, recognizing his talent and potential, even when others doubted him.
3. Her constant support and guidance helped him overcome challenges and persevere in his journey to become a world champion.
4. Holyfield’s unwavering respect and love for his mother underscores the deep connection and enduring influence that family can have on an individual’s life.

Holyfield’s Perspective on Today’s Boxing

1. Holyfield is optimistic about the future of boxing, particularly the heavyweight division, which he believes is experiencing a resurgence of talent and excitement.
2. He admires the skills and power of fighters like Andy Ruiz Jr., Anthony Joshua, and Deontay Wilder, recognizing the dynamic shift in the sport.
3. He emphasizes the importance of confidence in boxing, highlighting how Deontay Wilder’s unwavering belief in himself allows him to take risks and deliver devastating knockouts.
4. Holyfield’s insights offer a veteran’s perspective on the evolving landscape of boxing, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities facing the sport.

Holyfield’s Retirement and Legacy

1. Holyfield’s retirement was a deliberate decision, driven by his desire to leave the sport on his own terms, rather than return after a decline in performance.
2. He reflects on his career with a sense of pride and satisfaction, having achieved all of his goals and established himself as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time.
3. He emphasizes the importance of being thankful for what he’s achieved, rather than seeking to constantly push the boundaries and break records.
4. Holyfield’s thoughtful approach to retirement showcases his humility and appreciation for the journey, solidifying his legacy as a true champion.

Holyfield’s Business Ventures

1. Holyfield remains involved in the boxing world through his work in promotion, but he’s also ventured into the world of CBD, recognizing its health benefits.
2. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the potential benefits of CBD, advocating for its use as a natural alternative to traditional medications.
3. His personal experience with CBD highlights its effectiveness in managing pain and improving overall well-being, particularly for athletes who have endured physical challenges.
4. Holyfield’s involvement in CBD demonstrates his entrepreneurial spirit and his commitment to promoting healthy lifestyle choices.

Holyfield’s Reflecting on his Life

1. Holyfield shares his insights on the importance of family, faith, and overcoming adversity, drawing lessons from his own journey.
2. He emphasizes the role of forgiveness in personal growth, recognizing that holding onto anger can be detrimental.
3. He highlights the transformative power of faith, crediting his spiritual beliefs for helping him navigate difficult times and maintain a positive outlook.
4. Holyfield’s words offer valuable perspectives on life, demonstrating the importance of resilience, gratitude, and the power of human connection.

The “Coming to America” Movie

1. Holyfield is set to appear in the upcoming sequel to “Coming to America,” alongside Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall, showcasing his involvement in entertainment ventures beyond boxing.
2. He recounts his experience building his famous 54,000 square foot mansion in Atlanta, inspired by the lavish lifestyle depicted in “Scarface.”
3. This venture highlights Holyfield’s entrepreneurial spirit and his ability to diversify his career beyond athletics.
4. The appearance in “Coming to America” signifies his transition from a world champion boxer to a multifaceted personality, engaging in new projects and experiences.

Here are five memorable quotes from the podcast:

• “You never got out of shape. Well, yeah, hard at the game. Yeah, easy to maintain and rebuild. Easier to maintain than rebuild.”
• “Everybody ask me then and I’m like my mind you know you know you have to have a one track mind is you gonna be real good. You’re gonna be the best. You have to have that one track mind.”
• “The art with me I knew that I could take it but can you take it and so the whole big thing is the whole big thing my whole thing my whole my whole big thing with Mike is that what Mike had told somebody say everybody got a plan to get hit and he was right.”
• “I’m telling you the love that you have and that you can account to say anytime somebody asks me something it’s not just me yeah my mama I can always account to these people that this boy’s club like you know I tell people I said now I start going through the boy’s club at the age of six years old I said now I said I didn’t choose my neighborhood that I chose to live in I said but I said but everybody in that neighborhood told you ain’t gonna be nothing.”
• “I’m not whole thing is that you know I’m a lot better than what I’d even dreamed of or whatever thought about and like this but all these things that I wanted to be I you know what the ultimate thing I want to do make my mama proud.”