Better fight: Bowe-Holyfield 1 or 2?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Jel, Apr 27, 2022.


Bowe-Holyfield 1 or 2?

  1. Fight 1

    91.7%
  2. Fight 2

    8.3%
  1. Jel

    Jel Obsessive list maker Full Member

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    Two of the great heavyweight title fights. The first is an acknowledged classic featuring an unforgettable 10th round but the second is an underrated battle which was much closer and more competitive than the first. It also had its moment of great drama (Fan man).

    Which do you consider the better fight and why?
     
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  2. ipswich express

    ipswich express Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I will no doubt be in the minority... I think the second is the better fight.
     
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  3. Rakesh

    Rakesh Well-Known Member Full Member

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    First... by a lot imo.

    Second was much more closer but not as much swangin' n bangin' due to Holyfields game plan to stick, move, and box.
     
  4. Graften

    Graften New Member Full Member

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    For the first watch? 1st fight.
    But on repeat showings I enjoy the 2nd one more because of the competitiveness and improved technical ability.
     
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  5. ironchamp

    ironchamp Boxing Addict Full Member

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    It was a great fight as a stand alone. However in the context of the trilogy, the first one is the best, considering that both fighters were in phenomenal shape.
     
  6. Dynamicpuncher

    Dynamicpuncher Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    @Jel didn't you ask this question awhile ago haha, all good though mate. But this is what i said last time and my opinion hasn't changed.


    Holyfield vs Bowe 1 Punchstats

    Holyfield Bowe
    Landed 242 357
    Thrown 475 711
    Percent 51% 50%

    Holyfield vs Bowe 2 Punchstats

    Bowe landed 353 of 786 punches (45 percent), and Holyfield connected on 253 of 514 (49 percent).


    Just an interesting little stat i thought i'd share, so in the 2nd Bowe and Holyfield fight. They actually threw more punches but landed at a slightly lower percentage, but overall punches landed only 15 punches separates the 2 fights.

    But despite the Bowe vs Holyfield 2 stats being comparable to Bowe vs Holyfield 1. The actual fight itself didn't resemble the same type of fight. Bowe vs Holyfield 2 was more of a boxing match with some heated exchanges, rather than an outright toe to toe slugfest which the 1st fight was from beginning to end.

    Also the 2nd fight despite being very good, didn't have any rounds anywhere near as memorable as the 10th round of there first fight. Unless you count the infamous fan man in the 7th round.

    So my overall feeling would be Bowe vs Holyfield 1 was a better fight to watch, because it a slugfest from beginning to end. But Bowe vs Holyfield 2 was better in the sense it was more competitive, but the fight itself wasn't as exciting as there first meeting.
     
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  7. RulesMakeItInteresting

    RulesMakeItInteresting Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I by a longshot

    Both men reached their prime with that fight. I don't think there's another heavyweight in the world whom could have beaten either man that night. They both entered into ATG status.
     
  8. William Walker

    William Walker Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Obviously the first, but the second is by no means a slouch either. I enjoy it a helluva lot!
     
  9. Jel

    Jel Obsessive list maker Full Member

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    Ha - I may have and forgot I posted it! Sorry about that.
     
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  10. ipswich express

    ipswich express Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    This is pretty much my take on it.
     
  11. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    Two of the best Heavyweight fights of the era. Loved 1 for the emergence of Bowe. I did think he was gonna be around many years. Maybe involved with Tyson and Lewis fights.