Evander Holyfield vs Joe Louis

These polls are getting very predictable.

the same usual suspects vote the modern guy.
and then the other group actually votes correctly.

 

I'm not saying he has zero chance, I'm saying I favor all of them to beat him.

 

No way did Louis had as good a chin.

 

Because you say so? Holyfield was also down many times.

 

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

 

Like what exactly? Louis took some huge bombs, some of them without going down.

 

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.

 

Serious question, have you ever picked Louis to win one of these things?

 

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

 

Yes- sometimes, but when facing other ATG 's I give him a much better chance in a rematch.

 

all he said was "who"

 

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.