Prime Holyfield would have KOed Prime Lewis

lbflb holyfield easily.

 

The main difference between a fighter like Bowe and a fighter like Lewis, is that Lewis does more to negate what his opponent does. Bowe was more of a bulldozer, he'd try to overpower guys and get the knockout.

So I don't think a Lewis-Holyfield bout will ever be a classic even if both are at the top of their mental and physical primes. Lewis would simply not fight in a way that would allow Holyfield to throw and land as much as he did against Bowe, and if Holyfield was dumb enough to keep swinging hell for leather anyway he'd be leaving himself open for big counters...I prefer to credit Holy with some brains and suggest he'd pick his spots rather than trying to swam wildly all over Lewis.

So while I think a prime Holyfield is definitely capable of being busier, quicker and generally more energetic than the '99 version, I still don't think he has all that much opportunity to use that energy anyway. Only if he wants to take a big risk that could backfire badly...which he could, and which sometimes did.

 

prime for prime... tough one. Almost too close to call. But I'd slightly favour a 1990-1991 version of Holyfield over a 1996-1997 version of Lewis. Both on their best days. Only slightly. Remember Lewis had his hands full with Ray Mercer, plus his chin, while not glass as some here claim, isn't granite either. Maybe it's just because I tend to like Holyfield somewhat better than Lewis. I wouldn't be surprised if was wrong and Lewis beat him either.

 

OK, so Lewis had his hands full with Mercer and still won by getting very physical in the last two rounds. Holyfield lost decisively to a hesitant Moorer and had his hands full with an ancient Holmes and Cooper. Lewis would easily beat many opponents that Holyfield struggled against.

 

Good analysis. Mercer was terrific that night, but a prime Holyfield was even better. However, Lewis at 100% has a chance against anyone.

Too close to call indeed.

 

And Holy had MORE than a handful with Bowe.

Lost two out of three, and barely squeaked by in the one he did manage.

The same Bowe who wanted no part of Lewis.

(Not to mention Ruiz !)

 

The word 'Prime' has been dreamed up by pathetic fans trying to excuse away their fighters loss and find some way to pretend that they won.

Stop crying yourselves to sleep and just accept the reality that Lewis beat Holyfield.

Holyfield had a better-overall career than Lewis (including cruiserweight) - he just wasn't big enough to beat Lewis at heavy. Simple as that.

 

That about sums it up. Basically I think Lewis has the edge if for no other reason than styles sometimes dicate fights, and Lewis' style wasn't well suited for Holyfield. But careerwise, I too think Holyfield had a better career if his Cruiseweight accomplishments are factored in.

 

Lewis would've beaten him anytime....

 

I can't even eat Prime Rib anymore :-(

 

Lewis was not rime when he fought Holyfield. If he was Prime he would have won in 7.

Prime v Prime would have been Lewis TKO 10.

Prime, prime.

Prime.

 

It does if it is the other guy.

Reality is *****, I know.

 

I totally agree a prime Holyfield was a great the same cant be said for lewis, well in my opinion anyway,

 

You do know we're talking about Lennox Lewis, the top 10 ATG HW and not John Lennox Lewis right?

 

Your forgetting to add that a "PRIME" Holyfield was assisted by a huge amount of steroids! Evander Holyfield= boxings barry bonds!