Prime Vs. Prime: Larry Holmes Vs. Evander Holyfield

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by CzarKyle, Jan 20, 2009.


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  1. CzarKyle

    CzarKyle Member Full Member

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    I saw the question about whether Holmes or Holyfield ranked higher, but it got me thinking. Who would win a battle of these greats, had they been in their primes. I'd say Larry of the late 70s/early 80s would be about right, with Evander in the late 80s/early 90s as well.

    Edit: I'll answer in a bit, I'm still mulling this one over.
     
    CzarKyle, Jan 20, 2009
    CzarKyle, Jan 20, 2009
    #1
  2. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

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    I'm going with Holmes via decision
     
    mr. magoo, Jan 20, 2009
    mr. magoo, Jan 20, 2009
    #2
  3. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    Horrible, horrible match for Evander.

    Holmes UD.
     
    McGrain, Jan 20, 2009
    McGrain, Jan 20, 2009
    #3
  4. My dinner with Conteh

    My dinner with Conteh Tending Bepi Ros' grave again Full Member

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    Larry's oft willingness to trade would see Evander score some success I think, but yeah, this is Holmes' to lose. I can't see anything other than a Peanut Decision (fairly close though)
     
    My dinner with Conteh, Jan 20, 2009
    My dinner with Conteh, Jan 20, 2009
    #4
  5. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    I feel you're quite right to see Holmes drawn in at times, but because Larry is so quick and accurate and threw combos so well - all Holyfield strengths - Evander doesn't even win all of those exchanges. On the other hand, all the rounds that Larry controls, go to Holmes.

    Also,Holmes is often castigated for his habit of getting involved with punchers. Sometimes you need to take a little bit of the fight out of the dog, and Larry knew that. Sometimes it was dumb,sometimes it was not so dumb.
     
    McGrain, Jan 20, 2009
    McGrain, Jan 20, 2009
    #5
  6. godking

    godking Active Member Full Member

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    Holmes close but clear decision win.
     
    godking, Jan 20, 2009
    godking, Jan 20, 2009
    #6
  7. Hydraulix

    Hydraulix Left Hook From Hell.. Full Member

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    If an old Larry Holmes could do relatively well against Holyfield, then we know that a young Larry Holmes would beat him. Holyfield needs to get inside to score punches. Larry's legendary jab and lateral movement would make it hard for Holyfield to get inside.
     
    Hydraulix, Jan 20, 2009
    Hydraulix, Jan 20, 2009
    #7
  8. spion

    spion Active Member Full Member

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    Exactly. The Holmes jab was throwing Holyfield off as he attempted to get inside to land his shots and Larry was able to connect with his right as well. Holmes takes a great shot too as you can hear Lou Duva telling Holyfield at the end of the fight "that shot would have taken down a tree".
     
    spion, Jan 20, 2009
    spion, Jan 20, 2009
    #8
  9. Smokin'

    Smokin' Member Full Member

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    Old Larry Holmes had good success against Holyfield when Evander was in his prime. So prime for prime would have to be a Holmes win, via UD. No need to explain.
     
    Smokin', Jan 20, 2009
    Smokin', Jan 20, 2009
    #9
  10. CzarKyle

    CzarKyle Member Full Member

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    Yeah, that was one thing I figured. Holmes would beat Holyfield, and probably make him look really ugly as well. The only large factor that was in my mind was the fights that Larry had some trouble with. A hungry fighter like Snipes could temporarily drop Larry, and a power puncher like Shavers could do the same. So it led me to think Evander, a hungry and powerful (not nearly like Shavers, but ya know what I mean) fighter, could at least make a nasty fight out of it. This one might be closely contended, but Larry will get the win.
     
    CzarKyle, Jan 20, 2009
    CzarKyle, Jan 20, 2009
    #10
  11. Bill Butcher

    Bill Butcher Erik`El Terrible`Morales Full Member

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    Holmes would outbox Holyfield IMO.

    Larry was the better technical boxer, had the better jab, wasnt any slower & likely hit harder.

    Holmes W15 Holyfield
     
    Bill Butcher, Jan 21, 2009
    Bill Butcher, Jan 21, 2009
    #11
  12. Mendoza

    Mendoza Hrgovic = Next Heavyweight champion of the world. banned Full Member

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    Right. Holmes UD, or if Holy is " not well ", Holmes via TKO.
     
    Mendoza, Jan 21, 2009
    Mendoza, Jan 21, 2009
    #12
  13. Minotauro

    Minotauro Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Holmes via wide decision.
     
    Minotauro, Jan 21, 2009
    Minotauro, Jan 21, 2009
    #13
  14. jowcol

    jowcol Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Well, based on all the comments it's a Larry victory. To be fair to the thread starter, this is one I've never seen posted but the great Evander could never come out of this one with a win.Sidebar: Consider the size and stature here, that Larry jab and control could, Possibly (possibly), make this a "semi"-shutout...My $0.02
     
    jowcol, Jan 21, 2009
    jowcol, Jan 21, 2009
    #14
  15. Bill Butcher

    Bill Butcher Erik`El Terrible`Morales Full Member

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    Its unanimous - Holmes outpoints Holyfield.
     
    Bill Butcher, Jan 21, 2009
    Bill Butcher, Jan 21, 2009
    #15
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