I disagree...Holyfield was never more skilled and athletic than Haye. He is way tougher though and would have been able to withstand Haye's power in the early rounds, wear him down and knock him out.
As a CW in todays division, with more strict PEDs testing, I'd take Haye by KO. As a HW in any era, I'd take Haye. Holyfield was a come forward brawler and a solid counterpuncher. Haye is a pure counterpuncher and this fight would look like a swolt version of Rigo vs Donaire.:deal
I agree Haye is more athletic than Holyfield, but not more skilled. Holyfield had a great skill set, punch variety, chin, resolve and outright toughness. Holy dealt with a lot of punishment from monsters, he'd take all Haye had and stop him at HW or CW. No knock on Haye though I think he's a pure specimen and the legit #2 or 3 currently.
Stop making Haye into a ATG or so .. this guys best wins are against bums like Chisora or Walujew. He was schooled by Wlad, literally .. ran like a coward for 12 rounds through the ring.
Haye would lose he would prob do ok for the first four rounds but the pressure Holyfield would put on him would be too much by round 8 or 9.
the all time greatest cruiser against any other cruiser and only 4 time heavyweight world champ against some belt holder? not hard to figure this one out.
Holyfield. this question should even be asked?? Haye is a joke and always has been. guy had 2 title fights ever at cruiser and lost to carl thompson who was 40 at cruiser.