This is linked to the decade vs decade thread. Prime Schmelling (or if you prefer Baer or others from the 30s excluding louis) that KOd Louis going up against prime Holyfield from the 90s (or if you prefer 90s Bowe or 90s Tyson). Who wins?
I'd probably take Holyfield because i do think he could take the power that came with Schmeling's great right hand, which definitely finds it's mark even against a man who throws a lot of leather like Holyfield, that right hand was just timed too well. I reckon Holyfield has the heart for a long fight and has the stamina too, along with the mindset to keep going after walking into traps somewhat often over the distance. So i'm taking Holyfield.
After Holyfield learns how to take the right hand and counter then he's got this one in the bag I got Holyfield UD
I like Evander by decision .. too busy and fast ... However Schmeling was well conditioned , extremely tough and clever and had some serious skills .. would be competitive.
Holyfield grinds him down, Schmelling would need to box off the back foot and try to counter, but I see Holyfield getting to him and gradually breaking him down
Max would find a home for the right hand early, but Holyfield "The Warrior" would get through in a fight that he survives some early strong rights that seem to have things going Max's way to grind it out and begin to impose his will on Max late and once he turns the tide he puts Max away. Holyfield tko11.
Holyfield wins on his best day, but people always overlook how inconsistent he was even in his prime. The version of Holy who fought Moorer (first fight), Bobby Chyz or an ancient Holmes could be beaten by the 1936 Schmeling.
Holy did have a bad habit of wanting to go to war with his opponents, and this could easily be his undoing against a lighter Max. I think Max' counterpunching will really hurt Evander, especially his straight right hand. I could definitely see him finishing the stronger. It isnt guaranteed that this would be enough to beat Holyfield on points, but i think he might eventually take over the fight and stop him, like he did to Louis. It would be very easy to pick the other way, but i am going to go with Schmelling on this particular night.