I always felt like a good version of Witherspoon beats the best Holyfield. Just an out loud thought. I believe Lennox’s wins are better but looking at bouts between there mutual opponents… lol I’m pretty sure Lennox beats Larry but it could easily be a trilogy - I’d also elect to stick Weaver over Shavers or Cooney.
I think Trevor Berbick is an underrated win for Holmes just as Grant and Briggs are underrated wins for Lewis. I have this comparison being a lot closer than some do. I can see arguments favoring either man over the other in terms of “ top 5 best wins “ but it’s very close IMO.
I’d say Lewis, but LOL at whoever said Klitschko was a massive win. Vitali was rubbish. That he even got noticed at all in the division was purely based on the near-complete absence of meaningful talent.
You REALLY don't like Vitali, huh? I respect that. Breath of fresh air after seeing people overrate him so much.
To be clear, it’s nothing to do with like or dislike. Maybe I come across a bit passionate as a subconscious response to people rating him highly, but I have zero issue with the man. Seems like a plenty respectable fella. I just don’t think he was any good at Boxing. Certainly not a fighter I hate or even dislike.
It is very close. I give a slight edge to Lewis because of the Vitali win. I do not count the 2nd Holyfield fight, as I thought Holyfield won it or it could have been a draw. I count however the first Holyfield fight as a win.
definitely Holmes. The Norton fight was much better than the Lewis vs. Holyfield fight, higher level imo. The fight with Vitali was controversial, Tyson was being beaten by Danny Williams at the time, Tua was out of shape. The names themselves are one thing, but what about the style and quality of these fights? for me Holmes >Lewis in every respect
I think a better question is if Lewis’ second best set of 5 (Tucker, Bruno, Mercer, Golota, Tyson or Grant) is better than Holmes top 5. *Lewis top 5 is Vitali, Holyx2, Tua, and Ruddock
I don't view the Holyfield who faced Lewis the first time significantly better than the version of Norton who faced Holmes. In fact, if anything, I have Norton exceeding that Holyfield. Norton had a lot more in the tank that night going 15 rounds when he faced a prime undefeated Holmes and kept things razor close. Whereas, Holyfield was soundly outboxed over 12 rounds.
I was on about regarding how each fighter was viewed at the time, Holyfield had been on a hot streak since 1996 with stand out wins vs Tyson, Moorer. Holyfield had also been considered the number 1 Heavyweight for a good 3 year period and obviously had a much better career than Norton overall. Norton coming into the Holmes fight had won a vacated belt from Jimmy Young in a highly disputed decision. I think it's pretty clear a win over Holyfield is significantly better, both Norton and Holyfield were a bit past their prime but still Holyfield is still clearly the better win. Holyfield is considered a great Heavyweight were as Norton is just considered good.