I have never been much of a fan of the sport of boxing. I understand the competitiveness and the amount of physical stamina and discipline that it takes to become a boxer. However, I have always found it difficult to see the damage that is caused through the elective war that occurs in the boxing ring. That being said, I have a great respect for the dedication that these athletes have undertaken in such a punishing sport.
One such champion of this sport is none other than the only four-time Heavyweight Champion of the World, Evander Holyfield. I recently met Mr. Holyfield in his hometown of Atlanta. It was wonderful to hear how his career started.
He was eight years old when he entered the gym for the first time. Before he could fight in the ring he told his coach that the coach needed to get permissions from his momma before he could punch the other boy. So, his coach had to call home and get permission before he could fight in the ring. Once they crossed that bridge, Evander walked across that ring and punched that boy one time right in the nose. The other boy cried, and Evander had won his first fight. The rest is history!
After listening to him speak to our group, I had an opportunity to gather some very important life lessons from The Champ. Some of the things that he held true all of his life are lessons that many young people have abandoned today. Evander told us that the four important life lessons to carry with you are to listen, follow directions, don’t quit, and stick to your word. However, when he was asked what the most important thing that he had ever learned was, his reply was profound. Evander told us “If I have the love of God, I can love everyone else.”
Everything revolved around his love and respect for God, and his momma!