Photos from Evander Holyfield’s 50th Birthday Party

Evander Holyfield and friends gather around the rather large birthday cake and prepare for the blowing out of the candles. All photos: Jim Wyatt

On October 19, 2012, I was at Evander Holyfield’s 50th birthday party at Julien’s Auctions on Wilshire Blvd. in Beverly Hills. For a guy who doesn’t party much, I had a wonderful time. The establishment featured a relaxed atmosphere, open bar, hors d’oeuvres, conversations with some delightful people which included many celebrities, several Olympians, boxing icons and an opportunity to view many of Holyfield’s treasures, treasures that took him a lifetime to accumulate.

How sad it must be knowing that all of your memorabilia will be scattered throughout the world after they get auctioned off on November 30, 2012. Hopefully, this four time world heavyweight champion will get a decent price for these treasures.

Then I had to read where the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah threw a two-week-long, $25 million shindig for his 50th birthday in 1996. That affair began with a military march, included a polo match with Britain’s Prince Charles, a 3,000-guest dinner party at the palace, and a concert by a guy named Michael Jackson. I’m figuring, why wasn’t I invited. I’ve got to get out more and learn to mingle.

Steel magnate Victor Pinchuk spent $6.6 million dollars on his 50th birthday party at a French ski resort. I’ve gone skiing. Pinchuk hired a French chef to feed his 300 party guests, who also enjoyed champagne, fine vodka and vintage wines. The billionaire also flew in Cirque du Soleil to entertain the guests, and arranged for a fireworks display to top off the evening. I would have used my frequent flyers miles for that one.

Even cheapskate Simon Cowell did Holyfield one better on his 50th birthday in 2009. It was described as the “who’s who of the most influential people in TV and music.” America’s favorite (brutally honest) Brit held his birthday party at a mansion in Hertfordshire’s Wrotham Park. His 400 guests arrived in limos (on his tab) and dined on prawn and lobster martinis, fancy chicken soup, shepherd’s pie, fish and chips and apple pie. Who doesn’t like apple pie? He also arranged for a shark tank and Rat Pack impersonators. Total tab $1.6 million.

At least Holyfield’s party was more dignified than Rodman’s.After drinking too much, Dennis ended up ignoring his guests and dancing with the go-go dancers.

Attorney Charles Odiase (R), a friend, attended the affair with his brother Jonjo. Their law firm, Odiase Law Group, is in Los Angeles. All photos: Jim Wyatt

A nearby Indian Tribe gave the four time World Heavyweight Champion a colorful blanket.

These two fashionable ladies posed for a photo in front of one of the cases displaying Holyfield’s championship belts.

Evander Holyfield cuts the cake which is in the form of two boxing gloves.

(L to R) Musical artist Delano Temple, former Olympian, 200 meter Olympic hurdler, now coach, Sharrieffa Barksdale, entertainment executive Hutson Miller, and Holley DeShaw a member of the 2012 USA Olympic Medical Team. All photos: Jim Wyatt

Top panel shows the entrance to Julien’s Auctions, (bottom R) Tommy “The Hitman” Hearns (now 54) poses for a photo with yours truly and finally, boxing manager Lou Messina poses for a photo next to a painting of Holyfield getting instructions from Lou Duva. More than a few times, people have mistaken Lou Messina for Lou Duva.

(Left side) Evander Holyfield’s marketing guru poses for a photo with actress Erika Alexander, (right side top) Saad and Gina Fathi owners of Habibi Cafe & Lounge and (right side bottom) shows the sport coat and jacket Evander wore while an Olympian in 1984.

Left side of this collage shows three of Evander Holyfield’s 11 children, Eden, Evan (in the rear) and Ethan (up front). All photos: Jim Wyatt

It was glamour plus as these three young ladies posed for photos aside the Evander Holyfield memorabilia. Holley DeShaw (L) was a member of the USA Medical Team at the 2012 London Olympic Games and everyone should know Maggie Vessey (R), she’s very quick in the 800 meter run. I failed to ask the name of the third lady. She’s a knockout as well.

Former Olympic hurdler, now coach, Sharrieffa Barksdale was one of the biggest social butterflies at the event. She went from one guest to the next making everyone feel at home. If you don’t believe me, ask Verdine White of Earth Wind & Fire and actress Erika Alexander.

Tommy Hearns and Mia St. John (bottom right) were two of the popular celebs present for Evander Holyfield’s 50th Birthday Party. All photos: Jim Wyatt

Maggie Vessey (R), one of the world’s best female 800 meters track stars and Holley DeShaw (L) who went to the 2012 Olympics as a member of the U. S. A. Medical Team.

Evander Holyfield’s long list of accomplishments

Amateur Achievements

Record: 160-14

1983 Pan American Games Silver Medalist (178 lbs.)

1984 National Golden Gloves Champion (178 lbs.)

1984 Olympic Bronze Medalist (178 lbs.)

Professional Achievements

One and only 4-time Heavyweight Champion

WBA Cruiserweight Champion (1986-1988) Won title against Dwight Muhammad Qawi and vacated it to move up to heavyweight

IBF Cruiserweight Champion (1987-1988) Won title against Ricky Parkey

WBC Cruiserweight Champion (1988) Won title against Carlos DeLeon

WBA/WBC/IBF Heavyweight Champion (1990-1992) Won titles against James “Buster” Douglas and lost them to Riddick Bowe