I fear for Sasha down the backstretch. He'd make the bell or get pulled by his corner but I think the last third would be very one-sided.
I don't know who wins, but I'd like to see it. Two technically sound heavyweights, Holyfield might be a crisper puncher, Povetkin might be a harder puncher...both are excellent inside fighters, they have good defense, and neither will get exploited at distance either. Both were able to take punishment when they were in their prime. ( Povetkin is still active and IMO, has not reacted well to punches in his fights with Hunter and Whyte) It might start as a boxing match and end up as a fight? Both have good stamina, good amateur backgrounds, good conditioning, and both can fight at all ranges. Can't think of a better heavyweight fight.
Holyfield probably gets a decision but I wouldn't rule out a knockout. He doesn't hit as hard as Whyte, but he's got a nasty hook too and dropped Bowe and Mercer with it and has way better accuracy and timing than Whyte who brutally dropped Povetkin twice. If no knockout, I expect a marvelous display of superb technique, combination punching, and back and forth trench warfrare at ring center with neither man wanting to back off.
The man who was a 4x Heavyweight champion vs the man who never was (WBA Regular is not worth more than WBC Silver, same thing). I'll take the 4 time champion and legend of the sport.
I like Holyfield in an awesome fight. I think it'd turn into a bit of a pasting down the stretch, with Holyfield stopping Povetkin. Povetkin may have a slight style advantage, in the way that he's not quite as tall, and has shorter arms - which benefits his style and could potentially lead to him getting off quicker on the inside. Holyfield also had major issues with Cooper's aggressive, lead-hooking style. But ultimately, I think Holyfield is fully capable of weathering any storm he has to, and finding his counters to wear Povetkin down. Povetkin's predominantly a hook-specialist. He has a good arsenal when he decides to use it all, but as far as I've seen - and I've seen a lot of Povetkin fights - and Holyfield would be told by Benton to look for the cross-counter. I have no doubt that he'd find it and would prove to be too wily up-close. I mean, this is a man who quite clearly out-smarted Lennox Lewis in their rematch, he'll figure Povetkin out with too many issues. He'd trade hooks with Povetkin though, which is where this fight becomes awesome.
If Holyfield decided to take him seriously (which he didn't do all the time).. forget it. Povetkin is done.
