26 years ago

Date: 19th September 1998

Title: WBA & IBF World Heavyweight Titles

Promoter: Don King Productions

Evander Holyfield
( 35 - 3 - 0 )
Weight: 217 lbs

Vaughn Bean
( 31 - 1 - 0 )
Weight: 231 lbs

Evander Holyfield's bout against Vaughn Bean, billed as "The Power and the Glory," occurred on September 19, 1998, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. Holyfield defended his World Boxing Association (WBA) Heavyweight Title for the third time and the International Boxing Federation (IBF) Heavyweight Title for the first time.

Holyfield entered this fight amid one of the most remarkable comebacks in boxing history. After a series of ups and downs, including a massive upset victory over Mike Tyson and a unification victory over Michael Moorer, Holyfield aimed to solidify his legacy further by taking on Bean, a challenger with a respectable record but one not considered in Holyfield's league in terms of quality of opposition faced.

Despite being the mandatory challenger for the IBF title and holding a 32–1 record, Vaughn Bean had not faced the same calibre of opponents as Holyfield. His most notable fight before facing Holyfield was a close majority decision loss to Michael Moorer, showcasing that Bean had the potential to compete at a high level.

The fight was closer than many expected, with Bean showing resilience and managing to last 12 rounds against the champion. Though appearing sluggish at times, Holyfield demonstrated his experience and championship mettle, particularly in the tenth round. During this round, Holyfield managed to sidestep Bean and knock him down with a right uppercut after Bean attempted to clinch, highlighting Holyfield's ability to capitalise on opportunities.

Holyfield's unanimous decision victory, with judges scoring the fight 116-111, 117-110, and 117-110, was a testament to his skill and determination. However, Bean's performance, better than many had anticipated, earned him respect from boxing fans and commentators alike.

This victory allowed Holyfield to retain his heavyweight titles and set the stage for further defences, including a much-anticipated but challenging path towards unification bouts against other heavyweight titleholders.