This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/21/2017
Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield, billed as "Finally", was a professional boxing match fought between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson for the World Boxing Association heavyweight championship on November 9, 1996 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Paradise, Nevada.
Tyson came out fast and sent Holyfield reeling with his first solid punch but as the rounds passed, Tyson was unable to adjust, and found himself being thoroughly out boxed by Holyfield. In the sixth, a head-butt from Holyfield (judged accidental by Halpern) opened a cut over Tyson's left eye, and Tyson also suffered a knockdown, as Holyfield caught him with a left hook to the chest as Tyson rushed in. Holyfield continued parrying Tyson's charges and catching him with punches to the head. With 15 seconds left in the seventh round, Tyson lunged at Holyfield as Holyfield came forward, resulting in a hard clash of heads.
Mitch Halpern, the referee, had seen enough after 11 rounds and he stopped the fight, giving Holyfield one of the most famous upset victories in the history of boxing. Holyfield also became the first person since Muhammad Ali to win a heavyweight championship belt three times.
To commemorate winning the Heavyweight Title of The World for a 3rd time, Holyfield had this one of a kind custom leather jacket made. Set in red and black leather tones, with 3 gold championship crowns on the back and boasting the text “Heavy Weight Champion of The World Once Again”. Also included are four black fists with leather ties. Two on the back and two on either sleeve.
Signed in black sharpie in bold with a strength of 8/9 on the left top sleeve is “Holyfield - Phil:4:13” (I can do all things through Christ”) personalized name is undefined.