Evander Holyfield doesn’t need to be introduced. As the emeritus President of the World Boxing Association (WBA), Gilberto Mendoza, used to say, he is one of the best champions the Association has had in history. The former heavyweight champion will be in Medellin to attend the 2017 WBA Convention as a special guest.

Holyfield’s history in the Association began in 1986, when he won his first world title (in cruiserweight division) defeating Dwight Muhammad in 15 rounds. He held that title five times and later he moved up to heavyweight, where his name stood out.

In 1990, after several bouts in his new category, he won the WBA heavyweight title scoring a victory over James Douglas. He successfully defended the undisputed heavyweight title three times in that championship until he suffered his first professional loss to Riddick Bowe in 1992. Despite that loss, Holyfield regained the crown in a rematch one year later, defeating Bowe for the WBA and IBF titles.

Holyfield later lost these titles in an upset against Michael Moorer in 1994. Holyfield kept calm until he had the chance to face and defeat Mike Tyson, reclaiming the WBA title. He later won a rematch against Tyson in two incredible bouts that included the famous biting in Holyfield’s ears.

In addition to Tyson and Moorer, Holyfield faced Lennox Lewis, John Ruiz, Larry Holmes, among other great boxers. He was one of the most outstanding boxers in what many consider the last epic of excellence in heavyweight and has demonstrated an outstanding behavior both inside and outside the ring. He has supported several KO to Drugs and has been on the ring with Gilberto Jesus Mendoza for exhibition bouts in favor of charity works in Latin America.

Colombia will enjoy the presence of one of the most complete heavyweight boxers in history and a legend of this sport.