In there respectable primes~ Odd match up Vitali has a poor resume im aware but wasn't ever losing a fight when it was stopped. Against Lewis it was a doctor's word on cuts unfortunately and against Byrd it was a shoulder injury. So The iron mandible Klitschko with the size and strength against the man with the chrome dome who could brawl with the biggest and best. Tall terminator vs The warrior
A prime Holyfield from the early 90’s would chew Vitali up and spit him out. Vitali has no inside game and would get worked down by Holyfield. Byrd figured Vitali out and started landing straight lefts to Vitali’s chest at will and Vitali was never able to time Byrd’s crouch effectively.
Holyfield by UD. But, it would not be easy for him by any means. But, challenges like that are what make Holyfield who he was.
Vitali takes this in a war. I rate Vitali as probably the greatest H2H heavyweight there is, but Holyfiled is one tough SOB.
Tough call. I was a big fan of both. Vitali was never behind on points in a fight. He was way up vs. Byrd prior to the TKO, round 9. He was up 4 rounds to 2 when the TKO occurred vs. Lewis. He was never knocked down in his pro career. He avenged his brother's losses to Puritty KO11 and Sanders KO8. He even fought one of his brothers toughest opponents, Sam Peter KO8. His brother did beat Byrd twice but he never fought Lewis. Vitali won 15 World Title fights. Holyfield won 16 World Title fights and had 2 Draws. Holyfield has 7 wins over (IBOF) Hall of Famers and a Draw. Holyfield was 217 Lbs. for his 2nd fight vs. Riddick Bowe. This may have been the best Holyfield we ever saw. 6'2 1/2" with a 77 1/2" reach. Vitali is about 5" taller and has the longer reach as well. Vitali will be about 30 Lbs. heavier. Holyfield fought talented big and tall men with longer reaches before and did well. Bowe and Lewis were the most similar opponents to Vitali physically. He lost to both but he also got a win over Bowe and did quite well in both of his losses vs. Bowe. He was a bit past prime vs. Lewis but did very well in their rematch... their first fight was a draw even though most felt Lewis won. Lewis won the rematch but a case can be made for a Draw in this fight. Prime vs. Prime I feel that Holyfield was just a little better than Bowe, Lewis, or either Klitschko most nights. Holyfield W12, 115-114 6 rounds to 5 and 1 even.
Holyfield by decision . But he'd really have to push himself and he'd come out at the end looking slightly battered in the face .Vitali would just find the warrior a little too much force .
