What if you could shake hands with any five fighters in the history of the sport?

Your Grandfarther (RIP) was an incredible well lived and thoughtful man with perfect manners. I wish or hope he got the chance to meet Holyfield I remember watching Holyfield just so we could chat as mutual fans (I was never overly into HW’s) I don’t think we ever got to discuss him sadly but I’ve watched all of his fights to date.

 

Almost as big as Donny Trump's!

 

Liston, Foreman, Vitali, Tex Cobb, Jack Johnson

 

ld trade most of the boxers I shook hands with (except for Ali, Duran, Benitez and Gomez!) for one Elvis Presley shake!!! or Jesus, Muhammad or Buddah..but the latter three are too much to ask for lol! I love Jesus but greatly respect leaders of other religions as well.

 

I cannot say for sure if my Grandfather ever met Evander Holyfield, or not. If he mentioned meeting Evander, I have forgotten. If forced to hazard a guess, I would say he probably met Holyfield at some point.

 

The story (quoted to the best of my recollection):

My Grandfather: " It was 1974, in Philadelphia. Elvis Presley was signing autographs for fans. I was there and got in line. When it was my turn I said: 'I don't really want your autograph; I just want to shake your hand.' Elvis smiled and stuck his right hand out and I shook it. The shake was firm on both ends. I said: 'Thank you,' and turned to leave. Elvis said: 'Wait,' and I turned back. He pointed his finger at me, still smiling, and said: 'Thank you very much!' "

Elvis was the KING!

 

This is an awesome story. Thanks for sharing.

There was only one true king: the king of Rock n Roll; the king of Memphis, Tennessee; the king Elvis Presley!

 

I really wish Ali kept up the robe (Norton 1) and went all in with a set of trunks the King was nothing less than supremely fashionable.

 

Dempsey
Patterson
Frazier
Duran
Holyfield

Picked partly based on the chances of having a bit of a conversation as well, rather than more of a fleeting celebrity meet and greet type of thing

 

Sugar Ray Robinson
Muhammed Ali
Henry Armstrong
John L. Sullivan
Jack Johnson

 

Another few that came to mind for me: -

Bob Fitz
Les Darcy
Earnie Shavers