How would a motivated Buster Douglas have done against Holyfield?

Holyfield was really motivated to win the Title that night. Douglas just wasn't ready to defend it.

 

If we take the Buster who turned up for Tyson ,then Holy's in for a tough night. He'd struggle to get past his jab and take a lot of full on shots. But if he gets tagged by Holy like he did against Tyson in the 8 th ,then he's in more trouble. I'll go Holyfield by decision and it's close .

 

Buster destroys him too.

 

Holyfield wins. He was ridiculously sharp when they fought.

 

Buster wins on points .the jab is the key .Holmes did well and he was a old bloke .Great fight.

 

Holyfield wins regardless.

Buster would have his moments but Evander is too fast, aggressive and complete and wears Buster down for a late stoppage.

Buster was great against Tyson but it wasn't some mythic performance (although the result has become so). Buster was always capable and had skills, jab and a massive reach advantage that he used expertly against Tyson. Tyson had a terrible training camp, inept corner, had already peaked as a fighter (but no way known he was past prime either) and basically found a guy with the tools and physical prowess to make his night a disaster. Tyson was a one dimensional fighter essentially and couldn't adjust to the problems Douglas posed just as he couldn't adjust to Holyfield when they met.

 

Buster wins. Holyfield at this time frame got hit a lot and was too willing to trade and slug and it nearly cost him in his fight with Cooper and it did cost him in his fight with Bowe. His leaky defense and shorter height/reach means he'll eat dozens of jabs and have some swelling before the 6th round. And buster had a nasty uppercut too, I wouldnt be shocked if he dropped an overly aggressive holyfield.

Ironically, i think the more mature, technically sound older holyfield would neutralize many of busters abilities and win a clear decision.