Boxer Evander Holyfield, 50, went from rags to riches at 21 and struggled with money after his rise to heavyweight champion.
Atlanta (CNN) -- Retirement terrifies sports stars. The end of a glittering career can feel like falling off a cliff to an athlete who thrives on fame and fortune. And the longer the career, the harder the end game seems to be.
For living legends, it's especially tough to know how to quit. World heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield turned 50 this year -- but he still wants to box professionally.
"I'm not retired," he says. "If I can get a championship fight, I will."
He won't fight just anyone, though -- only top boxers. Because he holds five heavyweight titles, he tells CNN that young boxers could want to challenge him just because they have something to prove.
Holyfield can still draw a crowd, nearly 30 years after his professional debut. During a recent visit to CNN Center in Atlanta, fans swarmed him, taking pictures and shaking his hand.
Holyfield: I want to be a heavyweight champion again
source of the story and to read more How sports stars deal with aging
Comments