Not as high as he does in the sense of achievements/accomplishments. Probably just outside the top ten.
Top 15. I think Holyfield is a tough out for anyone, but I see him losing more often than not vs history's best.
In a H2H sense, I think Holyfield does very well...A prime Holyfield IMO loses to prime versions of Ali,Louis, and Holmes...50/50 against FOTC Frazier...I'd slightly favor Holyfield over Liston and Foreman...
Top 10, bottom half. Holyfield is decently matched style wise to be competitive with the likes of Frazier, Foreman, Dempsey, Liston and others. Comfortably top 10 for me.
You're entitled to your opinion...and I like Jimmy Ellis as a fighter but not against Holyfield... Holyfield competed with fighters that Ellis couldn't begin to cope with... namely Tyson, Bowe, and Lewis...I don't see your point at all... :huh How about Jimmy Ellis against Bob Foster?
What Holyfield did against Tyson, Bowe, Lewis isn't relevant when assessing how he matches up head-to-head against Jimmy Ellis, unless you think any of them resemble Ellis. I think Holyfield was more ordinary when up against guys who were defensive, he thrived on his aggressive counter-attacking. Guys who backed off and slowed the tempo would give Holyfield problems, IMO. And Holyfield has said as much in interviews. Styles make fights.
In a peak for peak sense he's in the top 10. He's a handful for anyone, no-one is blowing him out, no-one - so that introduces a lot of variance over a long fight. With a fighter as smart as Hollyfield is, that gives him a very fine chance to beat almost anyone.
Sonny's jab, That is true re defensive fighters against Holyfield...IMO, I just can't see Ellis having either the defensive capability, or the physical strength to effectively hold Holyfield off.
Evander was a great fighter,that had terrific heart but it would be difficult to put him in the top 10-15 of all time.......