My Champion’s Creed

SINCE my earliest days in the ring, my journey as a boxer and as a man has been molded by three core principles instilled by my mother. These tenets — the importance of listening, following directions, and the irreplaceable value of perseverance — have been my guiding stars through all of life’s battles.

I vividly recall how these lessons resonated when I faced my initial setback in boxing. My mother’s words reverberated in my mind: confront defeat, but never run from it. She impressed upon me that changing paths is a choice to be made in the light of success, not under the cloud of defeat. This mindset imbued me with a resilience that has come to define not just my career, but my entire life.

This philosophy wasn’t confined to the ring. It applied universally, whether in football or other life challenges. The mantra was simple yet transformative: see through what you start. It compelled me to examine my passions, distinguishing fleeting interests from true, enduring commitments.

In the realm of boxing, my journey was about more than developing physical toughness. My coach, akin to a wise sage, taught me to see beyond the superficial and grasp the strategy and subtlety of the sport. “The real art,” he would often say, “is in striking without being struck.” This insight opened my eyes to the strategic depth of boxing and the crucial balance between offense and defense.

As I evolved from a young boxer to a mature adult, my philosophical outlook deepened. It centered on honesty, not just with others, but crucially, with myself. This commitment to self- awareness and integrity became the bedrock of my discipline and training, driving me to bring nothing but my best to each fight. My bar for success is deeply personal: to only be bested when I am at my very best.

Central to my life’s creed is the power of faith. Prayer for me has always been a proactive cornerstone, not just a reactive tool. I firmly believe that “prayers avert adversities,” reflecting an attitude of gratitude and foresight.

These guiding principles have not only sculpted my boxing career but have steered every facet of my life. My story, underpinned by enduring values and the lessons of my youth, epitomizes the relentless pursuit of excellence, anchored in wisdom, and lived with an unwavering commitment to faith and integrity.

By Evander Holyfield

Contributor

Evander Holyfield is an American former legendary professional boxer. He reigned as the undisputed champion at cruiserweight in the late 1980s and at heavyweight in the early 1990s . He is the only boxer in history to win the undisputed championship in two weight classes in the three belt era.