At a neutral venue with no pre-fight demands that give either man an advantage, Holyfield probably stops him late.
If we're talking early 90's Holyfield - Wlad stops him early. If we're talking 1996 Evander, Wlad stops him late. Be prepared for the hugfest tho.
Early 90's Holyfield was more scrappy and less defensively responsible. Would give Wlad more chances to catch him.
His best is probably 88-93. But I like the way he handled Tyson in the 2 fights as well I wouldn't say it was too far off.
He was also faster, better reflexes, a better counter puncher and more vicious on the inside. Early 90s Holyfield is the tougher fight. Mid-late 90s Holyfield would just get clinched to death with little resistance like against John Ruiz
Pretty ridiculous to say otherwise. Holyfield was much slower in '96. '90 Holyfield was much sharper, always on his toes. Holyfield tried to stay on his toes for the third Bowe fight and became gassed, completely.
Overall I like the type of fighter Evander Holyfield was a lot better…. But I can’t help but envision a situation where Wlad jabs away at him all night then ties holy up as he gets close. Ultimately I think kilt takes a decision in somewhat of a dull fight.
Wlad is the perfect sort of fighter to beat Holyfield and Holyfield had the sort of attributes WK wanted in an opponent, not overly hard punching, reach issues and prone to eating jabs like candies. Wlad would just run his usual game of jab, grab and stiffen him up what he got too agro, with power like Wlad I don’t think it’s improbable WK takes him out when he tries to rally or get some momentum. Holyfield like Ali to me was at his best when they came to him, though he was a bit more well rounded.
