Joe Louis vs. Evander

I wouldn't say either of these things are true. Any difference in handspeed seems pretty negligible to me and Holy could move about quicker. Holy's lateral movement, for as long as he could stick to it, could pose issues and he could jab with Louis. Evander's probably the physically stronger man, though that may depend on which version of Holy we're talking about.

 

I don't think Louis is much faster. Maybe he puts punches together better. And yes Holyfield moves quicker (although I give Louis the edge in footwork). As for stronger; what makes you think Holy was significantly stronger? I don't recall Louis being outmuscled by anybody including giants like Carnera and Baer.

 

I don't think it'd be significant. Not really. I just think more often than not, when push came to shove, Evander would be doing more of the shoving. I seriously doubt it'd make much a difference in the fight though. It's something to consider at least.

Anyway, I think Holyfield could do quite well moving laterally and jabbing, tying & roughing up a bit when Louis got too close and started ripping combos. I think he'd win plenty of rounds like that, but the war would come eventually. Even if Evander didn't just slip into a brawl on his own accord, Louis would force the fight to turn that way and he'd hold an edge there. I don't think he stops him though, and it's not like he couldn't be hurt and shook up himself. Still, Louis probably sweeps the last few round and hurts Holy pretty bad somewhere in there. Not sure who would get the decision, but most observers probably come away with the impression that Louis was the better man.

 

All I will say is this: To me, I don't see one heavyweight in the history of the division that isn't likely to lose at least 1 of 3 to a prime Holyfield. That includes my top three heavies in Ali, Louis and Holmes. Maybe not the most consistent, maybe sometimes played down to his opponents, maybe went to war unnecessarily with the wrong guys or even surprising guys, but I think he's that good in the department of boxing when it's about technical ability, fighting when it descends into nothing but a hurt game and playing dirty when it goes there (or he decides to take it there). He's just a near-perfect mix of know-how and nasty mother****er.

 

From now on, this is how he is to be described. By everyone.

That's great.

 

Agreed

 

Not many people are beating the best of the best version of Vander. This is an olympian 4 time heavyweight champ we're dealing with here. I think Holy would rough Louis up, land the right over the top en route to a KD and a UD victory.

 

Fair enough points. But watching the max baer fight, louis' hands look much faster to me than holyfield from dokes-bowe 1, which may be his prime. I thinl his speed went down as he bulked up for bowe 2

 

I literally disagree with everything except that Louis hits harder and size won't be an advantage. It won't be an advantage for either guy, but Louis is not going top be bullied. I don't think Holyfield couldn't fight; I just don't think he has any clear advantage over Louis other than his chin.

 

No.1 Evander is not bigger - 208 against 203ish and Holy was a natural cruiser weight in the region of 185 so I'd actually say Louis is the bigger man naturally - both are in the region of 6'1"/6'2"

No.2 Evander did not have a better left hook than Joe Louis - no way - for me the only punch I'd give an edge to Holy on would be the uppercut (maybe)

But overall Louis was leagues ahead of Holy in terms of destructiveness - he was devastating to any and every fighter he faced in his prime and Holy was all too hittable - Louis was a MUCH better boxer too

Plus Holy's chin was not infallible he was knocked bandy by Bert Cooper and a slow as hell Foreman shook him badly and Holy's physical strength in his peak is over rated - most heavys proved difficult for him to push back physically - plus Louis turned iron chinned Max Baer (a much more powerful fighter than Holy) into a bouncy ball - hell in what I would call Louis' best year - spanning 35 fighters from Carnera up to Abe Simon only two men took Louis the distance - every other man was KNOCKED OUT - cant see Holy miraculously breaking the mould here

Holy proved an easy mark for Bowe's jab which was used in a similar way and with a similar technique and power

And Holy wouldn't catch Louis by surprise enough to drop him or confuse him

LOUIS BY KO IN 9

 

I don't know if I'm on board with the idea that Evander can hurt Joe but not vice versa...seems to be the tone taken on skimming through here...

 

This is a very good match up. 60/40 for Louis. If Steward was in Evander's corner I might even pick Holyfield.

Holyfield was a very good counter puncher, ( like Schmling was ) and could be dirty at times.

 

I think their skills overlap to a great degree. They are at the weight both top 5 counter punchers and combination punchers. I give Louis the edge but its not big. One thing I actually forgotthat would come up Holy is better on the inside. Damn you classic let me make a pick without thinking it through!