This. Holyfield had all the tools to take a decision off Louis if he shows up and fights smart, but Holyfield being Holyfield would definitely try to fight Louis head on, which unfortunately would end very badly for Holyfield.
A better one than Holyfield. Both in real life, and one better than he'd have had if you dropped him in the 30s.
Louis was too powerful and busy for Holy to be able to sustain his typical, darting offense. I'm pretty sure Joe was at least right around Bowe punching-power wise, and his hands were quick for a puncher. Joe's combinations would have overwhelmed Holy. It might go 8 rounds.
Absolutely, though he'd probably get stopped at least once (either by Bowe or maybe Steward-era Lewis). No heavyweight threw heavier combinations than Louis (Ali of course had him in terms of speed). Joe's combinations were also pretty accurate, and he certainly had one-punch knockout power. Louis vs: Bowe-Louis is knocked out in the first fight, but comes back to win a UD in the second and stop Bowe in 3 in the rubber match. Holy-Holy couldn't deal with the combinations or one-punch power (Louis also had an excellent jab). Holy's out of there in 8 at the most. In fact, I see any era Holy being stopped by prime Joe, as great as he indubitably was. pre-Steward Lewis- gets knocked cold in 5 Steward-era Lewis-a chance he could stop Joe...but out of three I see Louis stopping him once, losing a SD in another, then himself getting an SD in a close rubber match. David Tua- UD for Joe. Foreman- Joe is floored but rages back to dominate George for a lopsided UD. Morrison-Poor Tommy. Maybe he makes it 2 rounds...nahhh. Mercer- This might be interesting, but Joe decisively UDs him. Iron Mike- might last 7.
He wouldn't lose the crown against Michael Moorer, that's for sure. I don't think he would lose to Bowe either, but it's closer.
I don't see why we should excuse a loss because they took so much PEDs they ****ed their health up. It's on the level of losing because you gave yourself a blinding cut trying to headbut your opponent. We can overlooked the fight for peak Vs peak, but it doesn't make sense to ignore it in terms of title reigns.
Holyfield always overreached, he wasn't a power puncher but always got into exchanges, and sporadically got himself hurt because he could afford to, he was one of the best fighters in history at fighting his way out of trouble. That said, this would spell disaster against Louis. Louis is the more accurate, faster puncher, and unlike Evander has dangerous one punch power. Evander does well when be boxes on his toes, but the moment he gets impatient and starts forcing exchanges and loading up on the left hook like he always he did, Louis eventually counters, hurts him, and the best finisher beats one of the best survivors. Holyfield obviously can hurt Louis with a perfect counter, but he wasn't a great finisher when he had his man hurt, I think Louis will be able to weather whatever Evander can throw and have the fortitude to hurt him back once the leather starts flying.
And losses. Louis is all wrong for Holyfield. If you can make the relatively flat-footed Louis come looking for you it's one thing but Holyfield never made anybody look very hard for him. Hard fight, but Louis stops him somewhere around the 10th.
Tyson was fast and strong and old Holyfield fought him off. Holyfield could beat Louis.. he had sufficient power.
