Evan Holyfield, the son of two-weight undisputed boxing legend Evander Holyfield, has updated World Boxing News on his progress after undergoing surgery in late 2023.
‘Yung Holy’ – who followed in his father’s famous footsteps as a pro boxer, underwent open heart surgery to correct a heart problem that left him a ticking timebomb.
At 25, the chances of Evan suffering a fatal cardiac arrest were massively increased after doctors assessed Holyfield after feeling out of breath in training. The 11-1 star sought medical help on the advice of his trainer, and a chain reaction was set off that led to Holyfield going under the knife. If left untreated, Holyfield could have died suddenly at any moment.
Holyfield’s operation was a success. He now has a titanium plate in his chest and went through considerable rehabilitation to get to this point. WBN began the interview by asking Holyfield how he was feeling.
“Since recovering from surgery, I feel fantastic and incredibly grateful,” Holyfield told World Boxing News exclusively. “The difference in how I feel now compared to before the surgery is remarkable. Physically, I have more energy and feel stronger and more resilient. It’s incredible to experience what it’s like to have my heart functioning properly for the first time.”
It was clear that trading punches remained at the forefront of Holyfield’s mind for the future.
“The recovery process had its challenges, but it also taught me a lot about patience, perseverance, and the importance of listening to my body. I’m back in training and getting back into peak condition. Mentally, I’m more focused and determined than ever to achieve my goals in boxing.
“Overall, I’m feeling better than I have in years, and I’m excited to see what I can accomplish now that I’m operating at full capacity. The support from my family, friends, and medical team has been incredible, and I’m eager to get back in the ring and show everyone what I can do.
“The recovery process definitely required prayer, time, and dedication, but it was all worth it. After the surgery, I went through a period of cardiac rehab, which was crucial in helping me regain my strength and endurance. It’s been a journey, but I’m feeling stronger and more capable every day. I’m excited about the progress I’ve made and looking forward to continuing to push my limits and achieve new heights in my boxing career.”
Asked what doctors told him about the possibility of fighting again, Holyfield replied, “The doctors have been incredibly supportive and optimistic about my future in boxing.
“After my open-heart surgery, they conducted thorough evaluations and have assured me that my heart is now in perfect condition. They were quite amazed at what I was able to achieve in the ring despite having an undiagnosed heart defect throughout my career. The medical team believes that, with my heart functioning properly, my potential in boxing is even greater now. They’ve said that if I could accomplish what I did with a heart
defect, then the sky is truly the limit for me moving forward. This has given me big-time confidence and motivation.”
Despite fighting twelve times as a professional, the 26-year-old is considering the next chapter of his career a completely new one.
“In retrospect, my past performances were achievements in their own right,” he explained to WBN. “I wouldn’t call that a defeat. I would consider that the beginning of an amazing journey of living my best life above ground. All losses do not mean defeat but times leading us to reflection and introspection. All of my fights have made me stronger and more determined. Now, with my heart operating at a hundred percent, I’m more motivated than ever to push forward and reach new heights in my boxing career.
“I am eager to return to the ring, possibly later this year or early next year. There’s plenty of business and training to be done before my team and I get myself back to peak shape. I’m now a free agent [previously signed to Main Events] as far as promotions go, so there will be plenty of exciting opportunities ahead for me.”
Concluding on his long-term goals, Holyfield stated, “Coming back to boxing after open-heart surgery has given me a renewed outlook on life and my career. I want to ensure that I am always in the best possible shape to compete. I intend to continue growing as a boxer and as an individual. This experience has increased my resilience, and I want to use this newfound strength to push my limits and become the best version of myself both inside and outside the ring.
“I still have my sights set on winning championship titles. I believe in my abilities and want to compete at the highest levels. Earning a title would not only be a personal achievement but also a testament to overcoming adversity.”
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
