Holyfield (Bowe 1) 205 lbs Vs. Frazier (FOTC) 205 lbs

ikrasevic · May 21, 2026

Terror said: ↑

Holyfield by decision in a war. I believe Evander was just as tough as Joe, but more technical and efficient. Holyfield could also match and beat Joe at close range with uppercuts and dirty boxing in addition to utilizing straight punches at distance. Stamina-wise, I think it's even, which is an area where Joe almost always has a huge advantage. Holyfield would be a rare opponent that Frazier couldn't outright dominate with toughness, volume or cardio. Smokin' Joe makes it a hellacious fight, wins rounds, staggers Holyfield badly. Joe would also get rocked and I think Holyfield's consistency would show through by the final rounds.

For Frazier, the Bert Cooper comparison is good, Frazier could crack Holyfield and make it a dogfight if Cooper was able to do it. I do however think Bert had different dimensions than Frazier and had a different approach to fighting than Joe did in that stage of his career. Cooper was also a tough out for anyone at his best and no pushover. His fight vs. Moorer is truly fantastic as well. Frazier could make this scenario happen, Holyfield was happy to brawl and although I don't see Holyfield getting knocked out Frazier could win rounds and control of the fight this way. Holyfield would box during the lulls in the action and the war parts of the fight would wear on Frazier more than Evander.

I guess right now, I view Holyfield vs. Frazier as an even more brutal version of Holyfield vs. Foreman. Long, brutal exchanges with lots of attrition over rounds and some worn-down pure heart slugging. Would Frazier's increased activity relative to Foreman close the gap on the cards? Potentially. Frazier may struggle to take some of the punches that Holyfield laid on Foreman that night. Holyfield would get it done. I don't see him getting bullied, especially at his best. Without being able to impose his will, Frazier's gameplan takes a dramatic hit. Holyfield's versatility gives him the victory for me in an epic fight.
Click to expand...

Nice analysis, thanks. I can learn something from such posts.

SteStevo66 · May 22, 2026

Flo_Raiden said: ↑

Joe Frazier by narrow decision in a bloodbath. Both guys will be damaged goods after this.
Click to expand...

I think this. Both too brave and too relentless.

nyterpfan · May 22, 2026

roughdiamond said: ↑

Frazier would force his rhythm and momentum here, especially later on where he would actually be picking up the pace and really forcing the issue. Holy also wouldn't have the overall speed advantage here like he had against bigger men he fought.

On a technical level a shorter guy with great head movement and speed, intense pressure footwork, who comes with shots from up low, is a bit of a nightmare for a guy who relies almost totally on his foot speed, in and out movement, for defense like Holy. Up close Holy's defense was pretty average, head movement wasn't top level and blocking and parrying was hit and miss when standing up close, which is not good enough against a dogged swarmer like Joe who would be in front of you all night long. As we all know Holy also had negative ring iq sometimes, electing to stand and trade with guys when he had absolutely no business doing so. This would absolutely come into effect here. Can't teach a dog new tricks in that regard.

Frazier's left hook will quite obviously be landing here. However, don't neglect Frazier's right to the body, a very underrated shot from him. He was great at digging it in after bobbing and weaving and would really be useful at shutting down Holy's jab, which he really needed to start up his combination punching offensive.

Personally, I see it being competitive at first but Frazier taking over down the stretch due to previous points. Frazier UD
Click to expand...

GREAT analysis--Holy's defense would not be able to withstand Frazier's non-stop pressure--ESPECIALLY the FOTC version of Frazier! (And Joe's right to the body was an underrated weapon in his arsenal.)

Log in or Sign up

Holyfield (Bowe 1) 205 lbs Vs. Frazier (FOTC) 205 lbs

ikrasevic War for Souls Full Member

SteStevo66 New Member Full Member

nyterpfan Active Member Full Member

Log in or Sign up

Forums

Holyfield (Bowe 1) 205 lbs Vs. Frazier (FOTC) 205 lbs

ikrasevic War for Souls Full Member

SteStevo66 New Member Full Member

nyterpfan Active Member Full Member