Would Holyfield be able to cope with the Tyson from the late 80's? Or would Tyson still get frustrated and outboxed by Holyfield?
People forget Holyfield was probably past his prime by the time he fought Tyson. He was in his prime when they were supposed to fight before Tyson pulled out injured. Evander never ever doubted his ability to defeat Tyson. A great fight no doubt, but one which Holyfield wins. Their fight in 1996 was not that competitive.
Holyfield always beats Tyson... always. In their prime.. slightly past their prime.. and today. Holyfield always wins that fight.
"Prime" is a bit of an overused term isn't it? I think applying a "prime" to Tyson is a lot easier than it is to Holyfield. Anyway. Tyson ws clearly a much better fighter before he left the Catskills gang than he was afterwards, combination punching, head-movement etc. Conversely I would also suggest that if you look at Holyfield before and after he was a better boxer without Duva. Clearly he boxed more skilfully in the second Bowe fight than in the first, clearly he boxed better against Lewis (2nd time) than he did against Holmes for example. He was more filled out by that stage, older but more experienced, less inclined to brawl just for the sake of it although with less stamina. Put it this way, I think Tyson with alopecia would have beaten Holyfield with hair.
The way to beat a bully is to show no fear and hit said bully in the mouth. When Holyfield ran out to meet Tyson at the opening bell, a lot of the first fight was won. Holyfield wins due to mental makeup.
He was 6'3, 215 pounds at his best. Hardly undersized. When you add in that he was the fleetest-footed, quickest-handed Heavyweight of all time, you just add to the equation. Lewis would look like he had cement in his shoes. Talk about overrated.
Holyfield by sd, is not matter if tyson was not in his prime against evander, holyfield was 4 years older, and tyson even post prison was very good, he destroyed frank bruno, simply evander had a bas style for tyson, of course a prime tyson would give him work, but evandeR would take a decision.