Let's take Joe Louis, at his best, and put him in there with Evander Holyfield, at his best. 12 rounds. Who wins, and how?
Holyfield would knock Joe Louis out. he would employ the kind of pressure that Marciano used against Joe Louis. Louis had said that the single thing that bothered him most is when fighters pressured him. Holyfield sometimes used the Marciano tactic of attacking the shoulders and arms to wear a fighter down. I think this would certainly be a great fight, but evander would eventually take out Louis IMO. can we get a tale of the tape plz?
While I agree with your premise, I'm just not sure that Holyfield punched hard enough to trouble Louis as much as Marciano did.
Wow! What a fight this would have been! I see I'm in the minority so far in thinking that Louis would win by decision, as most seem to be picking Joe to stop Evander inside 12. While I think a late Louis stoppage is a possibility, my gut tells me that Holyfield would tough it out through some knockdowns and remain beaten but standing at the end of 12. Now, in a rematch, I think that might change.
you're right. But Holyfield was also faster in his prime, (vs Bert Cooper/Buster Douglas) Those were probably his best fights I think he is busier then Marciano, at least faster. Plus he might employ his own kind of jab on Louis or the pressure fighting doesn't work. They were about the same height right? Only Evander is certainly heavier. Their hands must be very very close in hand speed and I don't think this would be a stoppage for joe considering how tough evander is. People who beat Holyfield beat him differently then Joe would have tried to do. For example, Bowe basically slugged it out with him, him being the bigger man, he was able to do it. Evander then adapted his style in the second fight and outboxed him to a close desicon. That is the way you beat Holy. You have to be a big yet fast man and capable of fighting on the inside and outside. That's why I think Holyfield would beat him. Joe is neither of those categories and might get floored by an Evander Left hook after rounds of punishment. I know Holyfield wouldn't give up until his body totally failed him. It would be a great fight until the 11th round when Holy's punches start to take their effect and he destroys the brown bomber in the same fashion that marciano did. BUT, this is just my opinion, I certainly don't know how this would turn out, however, if they were to fight, I would certainly bet my money on evander holyfield. :bbb:good
Louis inside the distance - I think Holyfield has become somewhat overrated - Holyfield is too easy to hit - Holyfield was almost stopped by Smokin Bert Cooper when at his peak for christs sake - you're not telling me that Joe Louis wouldn't be able to finish what Bert started?? Holyfield didn't employ the type of movement that bothered Louis nor did he employ the marauding smothering type of pressure that made Louis uncomfortable - Holyfield was essentially an in and out guy very light on his feet who sometimes couldn't resist planting his feet for a tear up - he'd be boxing at just the right range and pace for Louis and he didn't have enough purchase on his punches really - Holyfield would be on the back foot and Louis style would be all wrong for Evander, so I see Louis eventually knocking him bandy - maybe a referee diving in about 7 or 8 rounds in don't get me wrong I respect Holyfield as a fighter and personally rate him just behind Walcott and Charles in my own rankings so yeah great fighter but he was no Joe Louis.
Louis would destroy Holyfield. If Holy attempts to box him, Louis will hunt him down and dispose of him. Gosh if Holyfield attempts to brawl with Louis, have mercy on his soul! Disaster all around for evander.
