Doctors discovered another problem with ex-heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield's heart Wednesday, the day after he retired because of a cardiac condition.
A test at Crawford Long Hospital of Emory University revealed a "tiny" hole in the boxer's heart, said hospital spokeswoman Debra Bloom. She said the hole between the two chambers of the heart is not life threatening but will be monitored closely.The medical term for the condition is atrial septal defect.
"This is something he was born with," said Holyfield's personal physician, Dr. Ronald Stephens.
Holyfield, 31, retired Tuesday after being diagnosed with a non-compliant left ventricle or "stiff heart," which prevents sufficient oxygen from being pumped to muscles and tissues.
The "stiff heart" condition was manifested by severe fatigue and was diagnosed after Holyfield lost his heavyweight title to Michael Moorer on a 12-round decision Friday night in Las Vegas. That condition also is not life threatening.
Stephens told a news conference at Crawford Long on Tuesday that Holyfield could lead a normal life if he follows a less strenuous lifestyle, meaning no more boxing.
Wednesday evening, the doctor said there are different degrees of atrial septal defect, some of which involve substantial amounts of blood flowing through the hole.
"His is very, very small. There essentially is no blood going through," Stephens said. "We don't plan anything surgically."