1996 Evander Holyfield vs. 1975 Muhammad Ali

Holyfield wasn't very mobile anymore and that combined with Ali's superior reach and handspeed means he wouldn't be succesful fighting in the centre of the ring. He has to force Ali to the ropes and work him over there. This certainly wasn't impossible with this version of Ali, but Holy's upright stance would make it more difficult.

Without Frazier's bob and weave or Norton's awkward crouch and crossed-arm defence he's going have to be pay a heavy prize to get Ali on the ropes. And Ali at a firm 225 lbs could bang. Probably not as hard as this version of Holy, but still hard. Holy can't afford taking too many lead rights coming in.

Interesting match-up all in all.

 

Ali has the stamina edge in a way that Holyfield would have trouble dealing with. Ali can out-jab, fight him if he wants to (He went toe to toe with Frazier) and basically has the outside game on lock down. Holyfield is great here, but he's slowed down... and Ali would look fast against this Holyfield. Not a good style matchup for him. Holyfield needs to be with someone where his work-rate can dictate the fight by out-working his opposition, unless he's fighting Tyson who he can tie up and out-box. Against Ali... he can't do either.

 

Ali,without doubt. Muhammad too strong,fast and adaptable for Evander at these respective points in their careers. Tko 13/14.