Professional boxers, no matter who they are or where they come from, have gone through many rigorous mental and physical hurdles. Their true potential is usually realized at an early age, but the men that they become once they are at or near the top depends on the decisions they make based on those that they have brought with them. Two such boxers are Evander Holyfield, born on October 19, 1962(Wilson 1), and Mike Tyson who was born four years later on June 30, 1964(Iron Mike Tyson Biography 1).
             Mike Tyson was born in Brooklyn, New York. His parents never got married, and when Mike was only two, his father left his mother. Mike Tyson grew up in rough environment where his lisp was often made fun of. Being a single mother, Lorna Tyson had to work, take care of the house, and raise a child. Therefore she had little time that she could spend with him. Mike was home all day with very little to do, so he started a unique hobby of pigeon collecting. He spent more quality time with these pigeons than he did with his mother, and grew very attached to them(Iron Mike Tyson Biography 1).
             When Tyson was about 12, an older and considerably larger guy ripped off the head of one of the pigeons. Blinded by rage, he beat this guy to pulp. He was astounded by the strength that he had discovered. After this, his life started to revolve around crime. He was never very much into school work, but now he started causing chaos for the teachers. His Physical Education teacher was an ex-boxer named Bobby Stewart. Mike soon struck up a deal with him. Under their agreement, Mike would cooperate in class if Bobby would teach him how to box. Stewart soon saw Tyson's huge potential, and put him in touch with Cus d'Amato. Cus made sure not only that Mike was getting a good work out in the gym, but also that he was more serious about his education(Iron Mike Tyson Biography 1).
             Evander Holyfield on the other hand was born in Attamore...