This could be surprise for many fans, but the facts are undeniable. Evander Holyfield, completely shot and nearing his 48th birhtday, faced former IBF beltholder Frans Botha. Botha was winning the fight as Holyfield struggled to come close and land his punches but once he did he dropped Botha hard and knocked him out in the 8th round. 11 months later, having suffered one more KO loss, Frans Botha faced Carlos Takam. Takam was easily winning the fight but has stopped Botha only in the 11th round, 3 rounds later than old and completely shot Holyfield. I always knew Takam isn't a puncher by any means, as he failed to KD any of his top opponents in Gregory Toney, Mike Perez, Thompson and Povetkin. He also gave one-sided beating to shot glass-chinned Michael Grant but couldn't drop him in 8 rounds (unlike Golota, McCline, Lewis or Guinn who knocked down much younger Grant by almost every punch they landed). Also it's interesting that Vinnie Maddalone who faced old Holyfield (LTKO3) and Denis Boytsov (L decision in 8 ) said that Holyfield is not only far superior fighter even at his mid 40-s, but hits way harder than Boytsov.
Takam isnt really a devasting puncher. And even ancient Evander has a better punching technique than carlos takam.
