Was Holyfield past his prime when he fought Lennox to a draw?

Discussion in 'World Boxing Forum' started by Slyk, Jul 31, 2012.


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  1. Slyk

    Slyk Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    What do you think, ESB?
     
    Slyk, Jul 31, 2012
    Slyk, Jul 31, 2012
    #1
  2. FelixTrinidad

    FelixTrinidad Boxing Addict banned

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    Lennox Lewis's legacy is his accumulation of wins against B Level-A Level fighters.

    Let me answer in this way.

    If a 36 year old Holyfield is considered past prime by you.

    Then a 37 year old Lewis is DEFINITELY past prime against Vitali.
     
    FelixTrinidad, Jul 31, 2012
    FelixTrinidad, Jul 31, 2012
    #2
  3. turbotime

    turbotime Hall Of Famer Full Member

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    Yes. A year or so. He was still the favourite
     
    turbotime, Jul 31, 2012
    turbotime, Jul 31, 2012
    #3
  4. Hands of Iron

    Hands of Iron #MSE Full Member

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    Yeah, but he was still the #1 rated heavyweight in the world and had 2 straps.
     
    Hands of Iron, Jul 31, 2012
    Hands of Iron, Jul 31, 2012
    #4
  5. turbotime

    turbotime Hall Of Famer Full Member

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    Rated p4p too. like 6 or something.
     
    turbotime, Jul 31, 2012
    turbotime, Jul 31, 2012
    #5
  6. The Funny Man 7

    The Funny Man 7 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Yes I think he was probably past his prime.

    More than anything I think he was a little faded physically from the wars with Qawi, Cooper, Dokes, Stewart, Bowe, and Tyson, and also from his various illnesses.

    But on the other hand I think he had evolved into a far more resourceful, cunning champion than he'd been in his first reign at heavyweight, so in some ways the version of Holyfield that beat Tyson was a more dangerous fighter the energetic, free swinging man who dethroned Douglas. He might have slipped marginally from that point, but not by much.

    To reiterate: yes but not significantly so it was still a pair of excellent wins by Lennox.
     
    The Funny Man 7, Jul 31, 2012
    The Funny Man 7, Jul 31, 2012
    #6
  7. thesandman

    thesandman Boxing Addict Full Member

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    No. It was his well documented "3rd prime", brought about by the healing hands of Benny Hinn.
     
    thesandman, Jul 31, 2012
    thesandman, Jul 31, 2012
    #7
  8. Luigi

    Luigi Member Full Member

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    He did? Yet Holyfield fought on and was a formidable opponent way after Lennox quit the ring.
     
    Luigi, Jul 31, 2012
    Luigi, Jul 31, 2012
    #8
  9. JeanPaulValley

    JeanPaulValley Boxing Addict banned

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    Holyfield was considered past prime when he fought Tyson in 1996.
    It's inexcusable that Lewis didn't destroy him but Holy was an old G and actually a great fighter unlike Lewis who ...never mind.
     
    JeanPaulValley, Jul 31, 2012
    JeanPaulValley, Jul 31, 2012
    #9
  10. Thread Stealer

    Thread Stealer Loyal Member Full Member

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    I'm not even sure what Holyfield's HW prime was, I'll say 1991-93 or so.

    I think he did a great job of adapting though as he got older, especially when it came to fighting Tyson. He got physically stronger and fought smarter.
     
    Thread Stealer, Jul 31, 2012
    Thread Stealer, Jul 31, 2012
    #10
  11. liljp361

    liljp361 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    yes
     
    liljp361, Jul 31, 2012
    liljp361, Jul 31, 2012
    #11
  12. Fightfan200

    Fightfan200 New Member Full Member

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    Yes he was past his prime.
     
    Fightfan200, Jul 31, 2012
    Fightfan200, Jul 31, 2012
    #12
  13. Zakman

    Zakman ESB's Chinchecker Full Member

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    No way. He was 37 years old and clearly on the decline
     
    Zakman, Jul 31, 2012
    Zakman, Jul 31, 2012
    #13
  14. iceman71

    iceman71 WBC SILVER Champion Full Member

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    he was in his 15th year as a pro.

    yes, past his prime, but over achieving
     
    iceman71, Jul 31, 2012
    iceman71, Jul 31, 2012
    #14
  15. tezel8764

    tezel8764 Boxing Junkie banned

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    He was past his physical peak but just outside his prime.
     
    tezel8764, Jul 31, 2012
    tezel8764, Jul 31, 2012
    #15
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