Holyfield's Greatest Victory at Heavyweight

People forget how big and important that Tyson win was. That's what faded Tyson into oblivion and never being a serious champion fighter.

Although, I could very well see the argument for a prime Bowe. However, that Bowe was slightly overweight, and 96 Tyson wasn't as foregone as most exaggerate. So I voted Tyson...

 

His prime performance was against Douglas ... his biggest win was Tyson 1.

 

The most competent opponent he beat as a heavyweight was probably Bowe in their second fight but all things considering it must have been Tyson.

Holyfield had been counted out as a fighter, Tyson was receiving all the hype and Holyfield ended up giving Tyson a decisive beating.

 

Whilst the Tyson win is not as good in hindsight, Holyfield's performance was fantastic in that fight, mixing up boxing, punching and headbutting to a perfect formula. (and I'm not dissing him, I'm glad he did what he had to do, I see it as ring savvy)

But for me, the 2nd Bowe fight, when you consider the shellacking he received in the first, showed off his boxing ability as well as his grit. It was a tough fight too, and, fan man aside, a very good fight indeed against a big, powerful, fast and well-rounded heavy.

Holyfield didn't make as many mistakes 2nd time round. For me, the 2nd Bowe fight :good

 

I would think a prime Bowe would top this list but problem here is that the prime Bowe was slightly overweight so I might have to vote Mike Tyson

 

I'll take slightly overweight over one-dimensional. Especially when you watch Bowe's performance in that 2nd fight, if Holy turned up and slugged it out with him he would've lost again. Holy mixing things up under Steward's tutelage is what won that fight IMO.

 

the bowe win is the best i think but my favourite is the 1st tyson fight

 

In terms of legacy - Probably the first Tyson fight

In terms of Quality - Probably Riddick Bowe

Remember, Tyson had never before beaten Holyfield, whereas Evander had a loss to avenge against Riddick in a fight where he was a very heavy underdog. He was also facing a prime, undefeated opponent who was holding the lineal title. Both Tyson and Holy were past their best when they met, but the name recognition of beating Tyson was huge...

 

this is why i voted tyson:good it was epic, an upset and a knockout. as great as his performance against bowe was, it wasn't the same bowe as the first fight