Twenty seven years ago, Holyfield "upset" Buster Douglas

It's funny how time changes the perception of things. Today, Holyfield beating Douglas just seemed like something that was supposed to be, but at that time, Holyfield was considered an underdog to Douglas.

 

Don't forget a bout of bronchitis, really gets a fighter in peak condition.

 

Upset? I was upset at how fat Douglas was and think he could have got up.

 

It's blatantly obvious Douglas wasn't in anywhere near the same shape or mindset against Holyfield. His heart was never really in the fight game and he put it fully together for one night when a combination of happenings had the stars aligning. Sure he had other good outings but not against the top talent. He also had a bit of quit in him.

Pretty sure the only time he came off the floor to win was against Tyson.

To make matters worse Holyfield was underrated at the time and his Heavyweight abilities were not yet fully proven. I'm not sure i've ever seen Holyfield sharper, he was electric. Irregardless of Douglas i think it's understated just how sharp Evander looked. He was on every second of that fight and came in with a great gameplan as well. Many would think he was harder to beat later career but i'm not 100% convinced. He would have been very tough for anyone in history this day.

 

Yes, Holyfield was absolutely peak for that fight.
He was never better than on that night.

It's weird how he doesn't get much credit from people who are quick to rave about Tyson's 91 second outing against Spinks.

Both were flawless performances really, regardless of the state of the opponent.

 

Jesus H christ, we are 100% in agreement!

I remember recently disagreeing with a good poster per the Douglas version of Holyfields chances against peak Foreman. He thought Holyfield's later weight gain would benefit and believed he became cuter and better rounded later.

I reckon this earleir version of Holyfield had the best chance for sure. He was just so fast, so skillful. I actually believe he was more inclined to brawl later and neglect his quite decent skills.

Having said that he was still unreal against Tyson so much later. His longevity is most impressive.

 

Wow was Douglas actually a betting favorite? That's almost as bad as DLH vs Pacquiao

 

I am convinced he was at his heavyweight best against Douglas and Foreman.
The Bowe rematch in 1993 was great too (and he was huge).
He was plenty big and strong v Douglas and Foreman though.
I suppose every great fighter gets a little smarter with each fight up to a point, but they don't always show it. Holyfield clearly got a bit bigger ( on average) too.
But for me he certainly wasn't as good after 1993, ever. He was damaged goods really, prone to odd tiring incidences mid fight, and he began fighting in spurts more, and moved a lot less.

 

He'd just schooled the guy many believed was the greaest heavyweight ever, of course he was fave. Holyfield still had loads of doubters.

 

Fair calls all round. Holyfield is comfortable top 10 for me. When i did my list years ago in here (i must find that) i am pretty sure i had him a bit above Tyson, Frazier and Liston in the bottom half. Could be wrong.

 

The Tyson fight was a fluke. And while Holyfield wasn't fully established at HW he had already dominated equal or better HWs than Douglas(Pinklon Thomas and Dokes)

Every once in a while you get terrible betting lines I just wish I was able to capitalize

 

Thomas and Dokes are not even remotely close to Tyson. Douglas had not only beat but mostly dominated Tyson.

Tyson even at half mast was seen as far superior to the likes of the ancient Thomas and Dokes.

The true story tho is that this thread is 100% incorrect! Due to Douglas' weight Holyfield firmed into favoritism and started the bout as a slight fave.

 

I'm saying Thomas and Dokes were equal or better than Douglas not Tyson

 

But the perception after Douglas beat Tyson was different. He was considered mountains above them.

 

I think Douglas just collapsed he (and his health) never was the same after the Tyson fight .
Otherwise Douglas looks overrated nowadays.Considering lots of nice opinion about
Douglas' Tyson fight performance, Savarese must be an atg superman because he destroyed
Buster in the first round.
I never understand the Douglas lickers they praise a fighter's skill who was awful against tall fighters
The 6'10" Mike White,6'5" Tucker and Savarese (in the first round) knocked Buster out or he couldn't
destroy the 6'6" glass-chinned bum Jaco.