I think Holyfield beats 70s Foreman is that an unpopular opinion?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Journeyman92, May 26, 2025.


  1. Philosopher

    Philosopher Active Member Full Member

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    I worked on doors from 17-50, pubs, clubs, bit of close protection when needed, went to uni at 40, degree in English lit and Philosophy and changed careers at 50. English teacher now a principal teacher working with young people with complex educational and social needs. It's been a blast, I've went from being in running battles in streets with petrol bombs and other weapons to pontificating about obscure philosophers and writing poetry whilst working with the most wonderful human beings I've yet encountered. And the ride ain't over....

    Peace and love all, Px
     
    Last edited: May 28, 2025
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  2. slash

    slash Boxing Addict Full Member

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    So you've seen it.. rematch was going to Holyfield KO 9 Bowe, until the fan man threw in the most unlikely scenario of them all.

    Holyfield was heading towards a KO over Tyson in the rematch. That was the Holyfield of Buster Dougals fame. Not taking no for an answer. KO 4 or 6.. but Tyson flipped his lid at that realization.

    How strange. If Holyfield had got those two knockouts, fickle people would be singing a different tune.
     
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  3. Smoochie

    Smoochie Indiana Jones and the Harry Greb Footage Full Member

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    Love the points some of y'all made for the Commander but honestly I still can't see it
     
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  4. Journeyman92

    Journeyman92 Delusional BUT Determined Full Member

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    Wanna debate it? :buitre:
     
  5. Pugguy

    Pugguy Ingo, The Thinking Man’s GOAT Full Member

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    Inspirational mate. Good on you.
     
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  6. JohnThomas1

    JohnThomas1 VIP Member

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    That's genuinely fascinating. Top work mate.
     
  7. ETM

    ETM I thought I did enough to win. Full Member

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    Holyflield was not the same size as Foreman. George was a natural heavyweight. Holyfield was built up but only in the upperbody.
    The real strength is in the base. Flip on Bowe/Holyfield 1. Look at their lower bodies. Its almost like a welterweight vs a heavyweight.

    That is why Foreman could land a glancing blow and still move Evander with the punch. Sometimes into the next punch.

    Foreman was a storm in his prime. There are some heavyweights that could survive it but not many. Holyfield is one that could survive the sheer terror George would bring him. Maybe.

    Holyfield has the guts, the talent and recuperative powers to perhaps pull it off. By that i mean survive the first 8 rounds. I don't think he does because he got hit with too many clean shots. It would be a fun fight to watch.
     
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  8. swagdelfadeel

    swagdelfadeel Obsessed with Boxing

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    Forgot to add. Foreman tired against Ali and Young (Though I'd favor Holy over the version of Foreman that faced Young) because of their elusiveness and ability to make Foreman miss punches. Well Foreman really wasn't throwing all that much at Young at all. That was probably the worst I've seen him endurance wise. Despite tiring slightly later than he did against Ali, his output was extremely low in comparison. That's why I absolutely believe the lack of acclimatation had an effect on him made all the worse by fighting in the hottest climate a boxing fight was held in years (since Ali-Bugner II) but I digress.

    With Holy standing right in front of him, slugging it out and there to be hit (He could theoretically use his boxing skills but come on we all know that's not happening and even if it does, he wasn't nearly as elusive as Young and Ali) I don't think Foreman would tire in this scenario with a relatively findable target playing in his homefield with minimal defense, and inferior gunpower.
     
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  9. JohnThomas1

    JohnThomas1 VIP Member

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    Styles favor Foreman.
     
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  10. Pugguy

    Pugguy Ingo, The Thinking Man’s GOAT Full Member

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    Old Foreman made great use of his jab vs Holy.

    I see the younger Foreman’s jab yielding notably greater success.

    Another feature to young Foreman was that he could be very accurate with his fully laden power shots, extremely on point - aiding abetting his immense power by landing on the most vulnerable points.

    The Frazier and Norton fights are among the best examples of Foreman landing right on the point of the chin.

    Aside from its power, the left hook that staggered Chuvalo in round 3 and saw him backing up thereafter was right on the button also.

    For his age and stage of development, Foreman fought a terrific fight against the Canadian strongman who did land hard, flush left hook of his own to Foreman’s head - young George felt it but took it like a titan.
     
  11. Journeyman92

    Journeyman92 Delusional BUT Determined Full Member

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    70s Foreman didn’t use his jab in a way that would he useful for Holyfield at all Old George did. Bowe had a better idea in fight 2 and got cut to pieces.
     
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  12. Pugguy

    Pugguy Ingo, The Thinking Man’s GOAT Full Member

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    He did. Period.
     
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  13. Journeyman92

    Journeyman92 Delusional BUT Determined Full Member

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    Nope, back it up with evidence.
     
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  14. Pugguy

    Pugguy Ingo, The Thinking Man’s GOAT Full Member

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    I gave my reply. Period.
     
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  15. Journeyman92

    Journeyman92 Delusional BUT Determined Full Member

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    That’s what I thought. :dancer2:
     
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