Holyfield vs Louis.

People actually forget now that Holyfield was old against Moorer, 32 in fact, with a shoulder injury, heart problems and a shadow of the pre title beast. And he could have edged the decision that night. In their rematch he destroyed Moorer. He dominated other fighters with top jabs like Douglas, Old Holmes and Thomas.

And no way is Louis good enough defensively or with his footwork and guard to control Holyfield with a jab, even an old Holyfield would easily land on Louis's open defense. Moorer had a high guard making it harder for Holy to land, Louis doesn't even have a guard. Louis jabs short too, it's an easier punch than Moorer's to counter.

 

Evander had lost speed and coordination when he moved up in weight. Yes, his feet were still faster compared to Louis' shuffling, but sacrificing fluidity for strength would serve no purpose. Engaging Louis in a battle of strength is folly pure and simple. Pushing Joe back should be the very last thing on his mind.

A fight near the culmination of his campaign at cruiserweight would be ideal; there was a greater focus on boxing and he was snapping off combinations as crisply as he ever did. In the end, I think his overeager approach would spell his doom more often than not. Louis was vulnerable. But pressing that advantage could cost Evander more than his pound of flesh.

 

powerpuncher you keep talking about high guard,but what about this video
[url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81non05aKX4[/url]

the old school boxers had this style,lead shoulder up,lead hand down,balance and head toward the rear foot,and rear hand up to parry and block.
a lot of great boxers like burley,charles,louis,mayweather,toney etc. had this old school stance...to me looks better than squared up high guard like odlh.

 

It would be a great fight. Holyfield is a tad taller with a longer reach and a little heavier. Holyfield has the better footwork and is more durable. Both have quick hands but Holyfield was quicker. Both were accurate but Louis could do more damage with shorter punches. Both were good overall boxers but Louis had the more dominating jab.

The big HWs Louis fought were not as talented as the big HWs Holyfield fought. Douglas, Foreman, Holmes, Bowe, Lewis, Valuev (even Valuev), and a few others are more impressive than Max Baer, Buddy Baer, Abe Simon, and a few others. Louis fought Schmeling, Braddock, Walcott, Charles, Marciano, and others. Holyfield fought Qawi, DeLeon, Ocasio, Dokes, Mercer, Tyson, Moorer, Ruiz, Rahman, and others.

I think Holyfield could handle Louis power. Unlike Bowe and Lewis, Louis would not be able to lean on Holyfield or wear Holyfield out with his extra weight... Holyfield would be able to maintain his stamina like he did vs. Tyson. Louis was dropped more than a few times by lesser fighters but to his credit he usually got up and stopped his opponent.

I think Holyfield wins a close hard fought decision.