Could Holyfield have stepped straight up from cruiserweight and beat Holmes of 85?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Fergy, Oct 3, 2017.


  1. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    If Holyfield had come along a little sooner in the cruiserweight s, could he have stepped straight up, as spinks did, and beat Larry Holmes? Holyfield left the Cruisers and had a few fights at heavy before challenging Douglas, but could he have replicated spinks and been successful in a title challenge against undefeated Holmes?
    My money s on Holmes keeping the belt but in one of the toughest fights since Norton. What's your take?
     
    Fergy, Oct 3, 2017
    Fergy, Oct 3, 2017
    #1
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  2. Saad54

    Saad54 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I'd say no.

    He wasn't nearly as cagey as Michael Spinks.
     
    Saad54, Oct 3, 2017
    Saad54, Oct 3, 2017
    #2
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  3. Wass1985

    Wass1985 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Without a doubt, in a way Holmes probably performed better on the night he actually fought Holyfield than he would have had they fought around the time he faced Spinks.
     
    Wass1985, Oct 3, 2017
    Wass1985, Oct 3, 2017
    #3
  4. slash

    slash Boxing Addict Full Member

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    holmes might have been caught unaware by the hard punching cruiserweight.
     
    slash, Oct 3, 2017
    slash, Oct 3, 2017
    #4
  5. richdanahuff

    richdanahuff Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Holyfield did not matchup well with Holmes though I feel he was better than Spinks...Holmes style, jab and caginess was a riddle to Holy so I say no
     
    richdanahuff, Oct 3, 2017
    richdanahuff, Oct 3, 2017
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  6. Contro

    Contro Boxing Addict Full Member

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    No, stylistically he wouldve given holyfield alot of trouble when he still had (some) of his legs.
     
    Contro, Oct 4, 2017
    Contro, Oct 4, 2017
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  7. PernellSweetPea

    PernellSweetPea Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Holyfield was a great fighter, but he was more gutsy but not as slippery as Michael with those baby steps Michael used and spurts in his combinations. Holyfield would have tried to box and jab but I think Larry edges the rounds and wins a decision.
     
    PernellSweetPea, Oct 4, 2017
    PernellSweetPea, Oct 4, 2017
    #7
  8. SluggerBrawler

    SluggerBrawler Member Full Member

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    Styles make fights and Holy's style is all wrong for Holmes, as you saw even when a 42 year old Holmes fought well against Holyfield. But a younger Holmes is not losing to Holyfield.
     
    SluggerBrawler, Oct 4, 2017
    SluggerBrawler, Oct 4, 2017
    #8
  9. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    Yep, agree with that. The old version of Holmes did damage to Holyfield s face and put up a decent fight. I do see a younger Holmes going for it more against a cruiser /heavy Holyfield, so we could have a brawling sort of fight. With vander getting in some fast hard shots. And if Holmes takes him lightly he could have a hard tough fight on his hands. But Larry would win, and Holyfield would have to regroup and rebuild himself.
     
    Fergy, Oct 4, 2017
    Fergy, Oct 4, 2017
    #9
  10. HerolGee

    HerolGee Loyal Member banned Full Member

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    35 yes, by split decision.
     
    HerolGee, Oct 4, 2017
    HerolGee, Oct 4, 2017
    #10