How do we find where Holyfield's prime was located? Were his best years pre-Lewis/Bowe Era? Was it when he fought Tyson? Considering he lost some and won some against the best heavyweights of a few generations, how do we view him historically? Discuss.
His prime was at cruiserweight it seeped over into his early heavyweight career. Then he hit a low point; but, found a new prime when he discovered that you can win fights with the right combination of hgh and headbutts.
Holyfields prime is a miracle in modern science! in other words he had as much steroids in him as Barry Bonds, there was an article in USA today before he beat Tyson, that the reason for his Heart condition, which mysteriously disapeared was the amount of chemicals in his body causing some sort of arythmia. After he beat Tyson {a real heavyweight} the article for some reason has been almost impossible to find!
But do you agree Tyson was a natural heavyweight! he was a naturally big man, he didnt have the ultimate warriors fisique, which evandar got after by some miracle after a growth spurt he had while being a cruiserweight! Holyfield not only was a cheater chemically but also fight style e.g. headbutts!!! This is why I don't consider barry bonds or Holyfield ATG's they probably both would have been ATG's but the thing is a real all time great in any sport doesnt cheat!
Good point, though one could only speculate. I had an old Muscle mag that did Q and A with Lee Haney, multiple Mr. Olympia awards and was named best body builder of the 80's. He also was a long time personal trainer of Holyfields, not to mention known steriod abuser. He talked a little about his relationship with Holyfield, he stated that often times he would have arguements with Evander as to what his body should look like and be before fights. Haney would go on to say that Holyfield wanted to look like a body builder, even after he told him that he wouldn't be as fuctional in the ring.
Evander Holyfield vs Michael Dynamite Dokes, 1989, Ceasers Palace for the WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight Championship all the way to the Bert Cooper substitute fight for Tyson in November 1991, Atlanta, GA, OMNI. Holyfield vs Holmes in Summer 1992 just before the Bowe fight in November 1992 was not the same.
I'd say after checking it was from 1987 to about 1999/2000 1987 - the Henry Tillman fight 1999 - the Lewis fights , 2000 - the 1st Ruiz fight. for those who insist to argue , they can say it was 1987-1997 or 1998. He stopped Moorer in 1997 and that is better than the MD loss in their first fight.
