A Discplined Riddick Bowe...

Well, i think the smaller Holyfield lacked the strength, power and perhaps endurance to hang in there with the big, skilled boys like Lewis. He was doing fairly well against Bowe during the first 5 rounds, but it soon became apparent that Bowe, despite being outlanded 2:1, kept going stronger whereas Holyfield couldn't keep him off and was being worn down.

In his fight with Foreman, it was again clear that despite vast superiority in the technical and speed department, he couldn't keep Foreman off, and that was a 42 year old man, although a special one of course. Don't get me wrong, i think very highly of Holyfield, but i think he improved a lot as a heavyweight from the Bowe rematch on, even if he was slowing down a bit.

For skilled slicksters like Charles, Patterson, Walcott, Schmeling, or even Ali and Holmes, i'd have more confidence in the '90-'92 Holyfield because his (relative) lack of power would be less of a factor against them, where his higher workrate as well as speed could be a deciding factor in some of those matches. However, to take on guys like Tyson, Lewis and Bowe, i'd want him to bulk up a bit, as well as have that "fight smart instead of slugging" knowledge that he seemed to have later.

Several times, but most notably during the 5th round.

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Sidenote: Eugenia Williams actually scored this round for Holyfield. Boxing can be so disgracefully corrupt that sometimes it makes me ashamed to be a fan.

Watch early in the round when Holyfield throws a leaping left hook, which Lewis counters with a right hand... right on the back of the head when Holyfield turned away a bit. But he immediately follows up with a right uppercut to the jaw and a right hook to the body. Those who say Lewis has no infighting ability take note... how many do you see throw a triple right hand including an uppercut, that fast and fluid?

True, although Bowe, at 246lbs, could use a breather as well. I made a poll about who profited most from the fan-man incident, and it was pretty much even. One can make an argument for both.

The fight was very close indeed. It's fair to say that Bowe beat Holyfield easier than vice-versa. But whenever i see their fights, i can't help but think "Holyfield could take him if only he stuck to his boxing!". Easier said than done i guess, keeping a big man like Bowe off you for 12 rounds is one hell of a task.

 

The "Legendary nights tale of..." are ****ing awesome. I think i've seen every episode at least 4 times. Whether you like HBO or not, they bring some quality productions.

 

Really sad. But was it primarily after the Golota II that he started speaking like that? Because those two must have been among his most punishing fights.

 

I swear pontius, sometimes you just dont realize just how close your opinions are with mine. Maybe its the new youth generation.

 

he obviously doesn't as lennox tkoed him in the olympic final

 

Ah here we go again. Do you really think Bowe was the same exact fighter after developing his entire pro career under Eddie Futch? Ill also ask you the same question about lennox Lewis. Do you really think he was the same exact fighter under Correa as he was under Emanuel Steward?

 

Holyfield could box from the outside, but Riddick could as well, but that was not his primary fighting style. He basically forced Holyfield to fight the way he did, thats why their styles matched up so nicely for a great fight. To me the second fight was a continuation of the first, there wasnt huge style changes. Being smaller Holyfield was a little smarter by not brawling as much. Bowe used an excellent jab to get inside and work upper cuts and body shots.
As far as his decline, he did decline quickly, just as Meldrick Taylor did. Its different for all fighters, but I believe lack of conditioning such as with the case of Riddick Bowe, where he took off 50-60 pounds between fights was also a huge factor. You lose your speed, reflexes, and ultimately your chin. Look at guys like Hopkins, and Holyfield, they were able to compete into their 40's because they stayed in shape. For the most part Lewis kept himself in good shape, but look what happened when he came in soft against Rahman.

 

To me this is what it looks like when Holyfield is hurt. A lot of that was bating. and on a side note I forgot how high Lewis' protective belt was. Any higher and he would be wearing full body armor.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxXphM7xztU

 

you said any version of bowe beats him thats my point

 

I dont remember saying that? Im well aware of their olympic fight. I do believe the best Bowe beats any version of Lennox Lewis, but Bowe was only great for a short period of time.

 

Honestly because i quoted it in the first post i made

 

:d

 

Yes and that was talking about their pro careers.

 

its kinda funny how he goes on to willingly rematch gonzalez in the pros, while throwing his belt in a trash can to avoid lewis.

this is part of the reason why i never buy the theory of bowe having the talent to beat lewis but not having the confidence to fight him due to his loss to the big brit in the ams.