There was a thread suggesting that pre-exile Ali wouldn't have been as successful against Foreman as the 32-year old version was. That got me thinking about this scenario. The Holy that beat Tyson had lost significant speed and work rate compared to his prime self of the early 90's. On the other hand his increased weight and strength in '96 might have made his game plan on the night easier to implement. Thoughts? (Personally, I think prime Holy would have won even more comfortably.)
Mmmm, interesting match that I hadn't put much thought into before. I'm one of the backers who feels Holyfield was better prepared in 96 than he could've been in 90 or 91. Tommy Brooks brought in Gary Bell and David Tua to emulate Tyson in 96, something that wouldn't have been available earlier on. Also the experience Holyfield gained when Tyson was in the clink was extremely helpful. Still, early 90's Holy would win but would get caught more in the process.
