Evander goes on charm offensive

In the flesh he doesn’t look like history’s four-time world heavyweight boxing champion.

See also: Fans go toe to toe with Evander Holyfield

He’s by no means scrawny but Evander Holyfield doesn’t ooze brawn from every pore which you might expect from a boxer who rose to the pinnacle of his profession.

Having said that there were few fans who came to meet Holyfield at the Merry Hill Centre in Brierley Hill who said that they would be brave enough to pick a fight with him.

Perhaps the reason he appeared almost ordinary was the casual choice of attire. Check shirt, denim jeans and trainers and the only bit of bling to be spied was a gold watch and ring.

There was no stretch limo either, Holyfield turned up to promote his book ‘Becoming Holyfield’ in a people carrier.

And forget an army of bodyguards only his manager and publicist are accompanying him on his tour of the UK.

The boxer ambled out to greet the 200-strong crowd, flashing smiles as he patiently posed for pictures.

Perhaps the reason for not publicly parading his wealth lies in his upbringing. Raised in America’s Deep South, one of nine children, Holyfield’s childhood was characterised by hardship.

It his clear his mother Annie Laura Holyfield, to whom he has dedicated the book, was a huge influence. He said: “I learned a lot of lessons from Mama. Forgiving is a big part of life, if you don’t it will hold you back.” It is Holyfield’s faith which allowed him to forgive Mike Tyson who famously bit off part of his ear during a fight.

There has been speculation Holyfield will get back in the ring for one last bout against Tyson. He says he is in peak condition and would square up to his opponent now.

Among the fans was Doug Shipley, 40, from Tudor Court, Dudley Port.

He said: “How many fellas do you know could turn Mike Tyson into a punch ball?”

Former amateur boxer Ian Garratt, also 40, and a prison officer from Oval Road, Tipton, said: “He still looks in great shape and I reckon he would beat Tyson again.”

Schoolboy Johnny Stunt only came to Holyfield’s knees but wasn’t overwhelmed.

Johnny, aged seven and a pupil at Belbroughton Primary School, wanted to meet the fighter to impress his cousin who is an amateur boxer.