Need to change the title. I changed my vote when I read the criteria about the years. In 91, Holy struggled with Bert Cooper. Ali beats that version. But, in 1990, the year of his showing against Douglas which is the Evander we are being asked to consider, he looked at his absolute best. There is a photo of Ali in Feb 1971 where he has a big gut and it's only weeks away from the FotC. A fighter in that shape does not get in the kind of shape within a month that he'd need to be in to beat the Holyfield who fought Douglas. There is only quite a fine margin between the best Ali and the best Holyfield. Ali wasn't there yet in 1971.
I have to go with Ali. 1971 was the year he fought Frazier. Based on how old Holmes battled Holyfield to a near standstill, I think 29 year old Ali could do one better. Neither one is stopping the other, so Ali by UD.
If Ali lands half the punishment on Evander that he hit Frazier with Holyfield stays on his stool in the 13th round
This could be like the Norton - Ali fights for me. Hard fought, both men determined to win. Ali gets a split win.
If the fight is in 12 rounds (and it is not specified) I will pick Holyfield, if it is in 15 rounds - Muhammad Ali wins.
I’ve said before that on that particular night in NYC in March 1971, Ali might have been able to beat any other heavyweight that’s ever been on the planet except the rage-driven guy in front of him. He beats Holyfield up, 9-5-1 or something thereabouts.
This would be one heck of a fight! I am going with Muhammad Ali by a very close decision win, with some thinking Holyfield was robbed.