Holyfield’s wife says boxer hit her several times

FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. (AP) — Evander Holyfield’s wife is accusing the boxing great of hitting her several times and has received a temporary protective order against him.

Candi Holyfield claims her 47-year-old husband hit her in the face, the back of the head and her back on Feb. 1 at the couple’s home in Fayetteville, which is about 20 miles south of Atlanta. Candi Holyfield claims she was hit when she refused to show him check stubs of her payments to the church.

Evander Holyfield did not return several phone calls seeking comment. A publicist for the couple said in an e-mail that the two remained a strong married couple.

A judge has ordered Holyfield to stay at least 500 yards from his wife and their two children. A hearing is set for Feb. 18.