So why do I like Evander?

The First Title Reign

The next time I saw Holyfield was against 'Big' George Foreman. This was a fight I was looking forward to. Foreman was someone I could root for. I was kind of a front-runner back then, and I liked George because he was someone I've heard of before. At this point, I still didn't like Evander and I still knew nothing about him except he beat Douglas and had the title that should be Tyson's. I really didn't like his style either. I was into the big one punch knockout back then, and that was not Holyfield's style. (I am not into the one-punch knockout anymore. I really like the brutal combos.) In the fight, Foreman had his moments, but he was clearly outgunned. He was too slow (or Holyfield was to fast) and 'Big' George really couldn't get anything going. Even though I was rooting for Foreman, I had to admit he lost. Well after a few fights Holyfield met up with the big, bad Riddick Bowe. He was a fighter that clearly brought out the best in Evander. Again with this fight, I still was not a Holyfield fan, but even people that didn't like him couldn't deny his toughness and heart. He was out on his feet in one round then came back and almost took Bowe out. One of the judges even gave the round to Holyfield. This was an awesome display of courage. Holyfield ended up losing but I respected Holyfield more after the loss than I would've if he won. (Interestingly, after the fight Lennox Lewis is there in Bowe's face demanding a title shot.) I respected Holyfield as a fighter, but I still was not a fan of his. Just cause he was good, didn't mean I liked him yet. It is weird, cause now that I think back, there was nothing not to like, I guess I was still a big Tyson fan at that point. (It's funny how my attitude towards the two have now reversed.)

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