In 1994, Holyfield lost his titles in a bout against Michael Moorer in a narrow 3-2 decision. Directly after the fight, Holyfield was rushed to a hospital where it was determined that he was going into heart failure. After days of tests, he was told that he had heart problems which were not life-threatening, but were career-ending. Doctors recommended that he retire from the ring. He heeded their advice, even as he prayed for healing.
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength
His faith in the healing power of God proved stronger than his medical prognosis. Holyfield returned to his doctor and was told he was getting better. A second follow-up visit to his physician indicated more improvement in his condition. A third visit revealed that his heart was healed.
Boxing officials weren't convinced. They wanted him to undergo and pass a battery of physicals before any state commission would license him to fight again. They sent him to the prestigious Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for a thorough check-up. After intense testing, his heart was pronounced healthy and he was medically cleared for a comeback.
Renewed in 1995, convinced that his heart had been healed by God, he returned to the ring to fight Ray Mercer, the 1988 Seoul Olympics gold medalist. On May 20th, Holyfield dropped Mercer in the eighth round, proving to the world that his heart and his spirit were both strong.
Evander Holyfield
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