Evander Holyfield’s reputation as one of boxing’s all-time greats has been challenged by none other than Hall of Famer Dwight Muhammad Qawi, who shared the ring twice with “The Real Deal.”

Qawi, a former two-weight world champion, claimed in an interview with Boxing Scene that Holyfield’s success was tainted by alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs during the peak of his career.

“When I saw the article [on potential PED use], it just connected the dots for me,” Qawi said. “My trainer Wesley Mouzon told me after the fourth round of our fight, ‘Dwight, they gave him something in the corner, and then after that, something changed.’ I believe he was on steroids. That was trickery and deception.”

Holyfield first defeated Qawi in July 1986, winning a split decision in Atlanta to capture the WBA cruiserweight title. Their rematch a year later ended in the fourth round, with Holyfield stopping Qawi to retain his unified WBA and IBF belts. The losses were crushing for Qawi, who admitted the setbacks derailed his comeback.

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“I was so depressed and puzzled after the fight. That was a pivotal point in my career,” he said. “I felt like there were no more chances for me. So I began to self-medicate. The depression set in and it was tough for me to manage.”

Qawi retired in 1998 with a record of 41-11-1, while Holyfield went on to become the first fighter to win the undisputed championship at both cruiserweight and heavyweight, defeating names such as Mike Tyson, George Foreman, and Riddick Bowe.

Holyfield has faced questions over possible PED use since a 2007 investigation linked a customer named “Evan Fields”, sharing Holyfield’s birthday and address, to the purchase of testosterone and human growth hormone. The phone number tied to the account reportedly reached Holyfield directly, though the former champion has always denied using PEDs and has never failed a drug test.

Qawi, however, insists the suspicions changed the way he views his rival’s accomplishments. “The thing that gets me is the way he portrayed himself as a man of God,” he said. “Shortcomings are one thing, trickery and deception are another.”

Image Credit: Sky Sports