Holyfield vs Shavers but with a twist

Holyfields chances decrease ever so slightly the heavier, more stationary and stupider he becomes. This Evander tears his head off- though pretty much every Evander does...

 

An intriguing match up.
Holyfield is significantly more skilled.
But he would not have the same punch resistance at 187.
I could well be wrong, but since I think he would get drawn into exchanges, I believe Shavers would be able to have enough of an impact to stop him.

 

Shavers prime weight is around 210lbs, so the difference is significant. However, I would still pick Holyfield for the shade. If it was 187lbs Holyfield with the experience he gained in the fight with Bowe; Holyfield would be an even bigger favorite, and thus 51/49 in favor of Holyfield.

 

Tough pick, man. I like it! You've come up with some great fantasy fights with creative scenarios.

Holyfield's work rate and constant activity probably sees him through the end. Shavers didn't have the best chin but he did hang with a prime Holmes for a while.

I do think a pre-prime and "green" Holyfield struggles with Shavers here.

 

IF evander stays on his bike and is willing to outbox shavers, he should wins this one by unanimous decision.
But if he wants to exchange with his much stronger and harder hitting opponent......

 

If his doping program is dialed in than yes, he would easily win.

 

In my opinion Holyfield boxes his ears off and maybe even stops him. I'm not a fan of Holyfield's massive weight gain and tendency to want to brawl with the big guys. I mean - I AM a fan of that but not in the sense of winning fights. A lighter faster Holy who is boxing clever would whoooooop Shavers 9/10 imho.

 

The only issue here from Holyfield's perspective, is the fact that he has taken a weight cut, albeit obviously a very manageable one.

I don't think that having big biceps, is going to be a game changer here.

 

I think even THAT version of Evander Holyfield is a much better fighter than Earnie Shavers, so I will go with Evander Holyfield by late stoppage. Earnie Shavers always has puncher's chance against most, but, if he did land the big right hand, I think Evander would take it standing or get up and still go on to stop Earnie late.

 

And he might well!
But as a thought experiment, recall the trouble Bert COoper gave him?
It can be overstated, since Holyfield got rid of him fairly quickly.

However would you be confident that the same brawling Evander at 187 lbs. weathers that storm?
I'm not-although he might-& Shavers hits even harder.
And those 2 are similar quality as boxers.

If I could be confident Evander would only box, I would pick him even at 187.

 

I hate to be on the fence but I’m simply not sure. Yes Evander Holyfield when at his best was a better fighter in just about every sense than shavers was. But Holy even in his heavyweight form was hurt, staggered and even dropped. At 187 lbs and with only about 16 or so fights he’d be vulnerable. Looking at some of the shots that shavers landed to drop dudes like Holmes, Lyle, Ellis, and Norton, I’d be weary of putting any money down.

 

Holyfield would knock him the **** out. Too perfect balance, resistance strength, attack from every angle etc etc