I realize these two fought in 1988 to unify the Cruiserweight title. However, Holyfield was in his absolute prime (as a Cruiserweight) and De Leon was clearly three or four years removed from his absolute prime. By '88, De Leon lacked the legs and lateral movement capabilities he showed earlier in the decade. He basically lays on the ropes and Holyfield tees off. I realize Holyfield was always the stronger guy, but prime De Leon showed and ability to glide in and out and had fast hands. He also had decent pop in his punches and exhibited a fairly sound defense. Prime for prime, I believe he would somewhat stifle Holyfield's straight ahead approach, if he used his legs and avoided toe to toe exchanges I believe Holyfield would still win, but by late rounds tko or decision. It would likely be a much more competitive fight than the one they ultimately had. I commented on youtube about it, but was told I knew nothing about boxing and that Holyfield would just up his game if DeLeon fought better and the result would still be a total beatdown. I thought I'd come here and see what some people who have more knowledge than the average youtube troll thought. PS If anyone on here was one of those "trolls", sorry in advance.
De Leon is somewhat underrrated today. Yes, Holy beats any version of Carlos de Leon, but surely 2 years earlier in 86 it would've been much more competitive (that was pre-prime Evander however).
Holyfield looked like he could be outboxed at times, but the thing about him in his prime was that he had fast feet, not just fast hands. This made him a hard man to stay away from. So I'll take him to beat Carlos, even in 86. Holyfield would pour on, and bruise and batter himself to a wide UD or a late stoppage. It would be closer than their actual fight though.
So, are we talking about the De Leon who lost to Alfonso Ratliff ? I think Holyfield destroys any version of De Leon.
De Leon came out moving all over the place, but he was in with a superior fighter who moved just as quickly on his feet and cut off the ring. De Leon was moving the same as he always had, and was only 28 years old anyway.
DeLeon looked good slicing up Leon Spinks. I remember that. I don't see him doing much beyond prolonging the inevitable here. No shame in that. Holyfield was the first great CW if you don't count the earlier small HW champs.
