Evander Holyfield vs Lennox Lewis

yes, he was past his prime. a few ringside observers had holyfield winning the second fight of between the two but i scored it 8-4 for lewis.

 

He was past prime in both Lewis fights though he did put up a better fight in the rematch. He was even past prime against Bowe in the third fight. I'm still questioning whether he was prime in the second Bowe fight but I do think that version of Holyfield would've had a better shot at Lewis.

 

Lewis is hardly a top 10 Heavyweight, anyway.

 

There really isn't much question at all that he was past his prime. He was not a great heavyweight at that time, imo. But he was a very, very good heavyweight.

 

I'll post my thoughts on this from another thread.

 

You mean prime when he lost to Michael Moorer or prime when he struggled with Bert Cooper?

 

I think when they fought Evanders style had changed where he wasnt as active or quick of a fighter. He looked to fight in spots and do a lot of holding. The young Evander was busy and quick and looked to mix it up more. I think the fight would be like Lewis' fight with Mercer, because Evander would get in close and mix it up but of course Lewis became a lot better at holding. I think Evander would have presented a very tough fight for Lewis had they fought in their primes. Lewis size would also be a factor for the smaller Evander.

 

Douglas and Foreman didnt lean on opponents like Lewis did, it would be factor.

 

He was obviously past his prime in 1994 when he fought Moorer and lost his title. He looked OLD in that fight.
He came back and won a few good fights, but he was obviously already slowed up and relied a lot more on strength than speed.

Holyfield's real prime is somewhere from 1987 - '92.

The Cooper fight he was still in his prime but just being a bit reckless, like Louis did against Galento, or Holmes did against Snipes.

 

Moorer was shot by then - Peak Moorer beat peak Holifield..