1938 Joe Louis vs 1988 Evander Holyfield

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Mar 9, 2026.


Who wins and how

  1. Louis KO/TKO

    12 vote(s)
    80.0%

  2. Holyfield KO/TKO

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%

  3. Louis Decision

    2 vote(s)
    13.3%

  4. Holyfield Decision

    1 vote(s)
    6.7%

  5. Draw

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  1. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

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    Who wins?
     
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Mar 9, 2026
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Mar 9, 2026
    #1
    Devon likes this.
  2. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

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    I’d really love to see this fight. Two all time great heavies with a ton of heart who were comparably sized. Not sure if 1988 Holyfield was at his heavyweight best. I’d prefer 1990 Evander but either way I think this would be a superb brawl. Might favor Joe Louis but I won’t make any certain claims about it
     
    mr. magoo, Sep 1, 2026
    mr. magoo, Sep 1, 2026
    #2
    Smokin Bert and Fergy like this.
  3. Melankomas

    Melankomas Corbett beats your favourite fighter

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    Holyfield gets drawn into a brawl and gets starched for his troubles. Too light and green at this stage to take Joe’s punches for too long as well; the version of Evander that does best here would be from the Bowe rematch imo
     
    Melankomas, Sep 1, 2026
    Melankomas, Sep 1, 2026
    #3
    Smokin Bert likes this.
  4. HistoryZero26

    HistoryZero26 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Louis was the 1st guy to knock out a lot of opponents.
     
    HistoryZero26, Sep 1, 2026
    HistoryZero26, Sep 1, 2026
    #4
  5. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    Over a 15 rounds fight I'm picking the Bomber.
    Joe Louis ko 14 Holyfield.
     
    Fergy, Sep 2, 2026
    Fergy, Sep 2, 2026
    #5
    Stevie G and InMemoryofJakeLamotta like this.
  6. Philosopher

    Philosopher Well-Known Member Full Member

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    I don't think Louis beat anyone as tough as 'green' Holyfield, nor anyone with the workrate and will to apply it. Holyfield wins a decision or stops Joe late....
     
    Philosopher, Sep 2, 2026
    Philosopher, Sep 2, 2026
    #6
    Reallymakesmethink, InMemoryofJakeLamotta and swagdelfadeel like this.
  7. Bummy Davis

    Bummy Davis Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Brown Bomber
     
    Bummy Davis, Sep 2, 2026
    Bummy Davis, Sep 2, 2026
    #7
  8. Devon

    Devon Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Holyfield a Thad Green at that point, and would likely get drawn into it with Louis.
     
    Devon, Sep 2, 2026
    Devon, Sep 2, 2026
    #8
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta likes this.
  9. Stevie G

    Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Sounds good to me,Fergy.
     
    Stevie G, Sep 2, 2026
    Stevie G, Sep 2, 2026
    #9
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta and Fergy like this.