These polls are getting very predictable. the same usual suspects vote the modern guy. and then the other group actually votes correctly.
True, but I've also seen him being able to take many hard shots, a lot of which I think would have taken down Louis
Louis has two stoppage losses. Both of them were inflicted by protracted beatings from all-time great cruiserweight punchers. Holyfield at no time proved himself able to absorb half of what Schmeling gave Louis, that beating is one of the most insane on film.
I see both going down once, Louis early and Holyfield mid rounds. This is a great match up. Louis has never faced such a strong and well rounded opponent.. Walcott and Charles were the closest to him and they gave Louis all sorts of problems and outright beat him. Holyfield has the chin, heart and toughness to survive a great round or two by Louis, but is adaptable enough to change up as needed. I see this as a see saw battle, with Holyfield taking a slim UD. Holyfield is a ATG and one particular fighter that would be great in any era.
Although I favor Evander over other ATGs, I think Louis' speedy combos and power would tell the difference. One of Holyfield's most effective defensive moves is to roll with shots, he takes a lot of impact off of punches that seem to hit hard. Louis, after opening him up with the jab (as many knowledgeable posters have pointed out), would continue with combos that are a bit too accurate for Evander to roll with effectively.
I'd lean toward Louis a smidge. Holy liked a firefight. Well, welcome to as dangerous a guy you could meet in one. Holy was actually asked about this match up and laughed, saying it would be an easy night. He didn't have much respect for relative abilities of the old guard, even the best of them.
Holyfield took flush shots from all time heavyweight big hitters like Lewis, Bowe, Foreman and Tyson. I don’t think a prime Holyfield would have trouble standing up to Schmeling. There’s things that Louis does or has that can match or even better Holyfield but I don’t think as tough a chin is one of them
I picked draw. Clearly, Holyfield is very underrated here. You would think by now that winning a heavyweight championship 3 or 4 times, whatever it was, would get him some credibility (like Robinson moving up and winning the middleweight title 5 times). But it doesn't seem too. Holyfield was extremely strong, pushed anybody back (and you know the big, strong guys he fought), stopped their punching, if he felt like he needed a rest. Any time he wanted, he was THE BEST at that.. while being outweighed. Louis is Louis. But Holyfield would have plenty for him to think about.