Muhammad Ali .Vs. Evander Holyfield

I just feel that Holyfield lacks any edge over Ali. Ali would need to be on top of his game since Holy's always a strong competitor, but in the end I feel Ali takes a quite comfortable UD.

 

Not cut and dried this one. The Evander of Bowe 2 gives anyone a hell of a fight. With his endurance, chin, workrate and 'never say die' attitude, you cannot discount him against anyone.
On the other hand, he was fairly hittable throughout his career and could be made to look ordinary by less-than-stellar opposition at times.

But if he comes in 100% (and against a legend like Ali you can bet the house he would) it's a tough fight to call. Ali might have a little too much class though, ultimately.

 

I don't think Holyfield is that similar to Norton. Norton had an awkward, crouching style, while Holyfield was more straight backed and orthodox. I also think that Norton's stamina and workrate was somewhat better than Holyfield's. Holyfield had a better chin and stood up better against punchers, but that doesn't really play a part here.

 

I'm gonna stick my nose out and say peak Holyfield beats 70's Ali with combination of size, speed, sharpness, workrate and sheer will to win.
60's Ali outboxes Holyfield comfortably for a points decision.

 

I am going to suggest that the cruiserweight Holly should come to this party.

Simply because workrate is going to be critical.

 

I don't think that's controversial. Many would probably agree.

Personally, I think that Ali on his best nights in the 70's was faster, sharper and had better work rate than the best version of Holyfield at HW. This might well be a hotly contested fight, but I think even early 70's Ali ultimately pulls it off.

Which was the best boxer Holyfield beat at HW? An old Holmes? Even that version of Holmes made a fight of it, but he was a far cry from the Ali who beat Frazier, Foreman, Ellis, Quarry etc. not to mention the one who beat Liston, Williams and Terrell.

 

You don't think the heavier version's workrate is good enough Janitor? It was very impressive at times...and with the additional strength the extra size would bring, it could help in the clinches.

Still, and interesting thought...

 

You know what. He might have a better chance than the HW version. Excellent call. There's not a big chance of a KO, so speed and work rate is more cucial than power here.

 

I think that the cruiserweight Holyfield was busier than the heavyweight version (admitedly I havnt looked at the punch stats).

Ali would certainly try to clinch either version and that could make the extra muscle important, but I just dont see any way for Holyfield to win except by a verry high punch output.

 

Personally, I don't think outright boxing wins this one. To me, it'll be decided on stamina and guts, simply because Holyfield will be better at pressurising Ali than many think.
His corner was undoubtedly one of the best prepared ever, in terms of forumating gamelans.
Of course, if Ali changes tack (which is possible) then I'm not sure Holyfield can adapt on the fly.

 

I think Ali uses superior speed and longer reach to do Holyfield in. Also, there's the factor that Holyfield is a bit of a rhythm fighter, (reflected in how he tends to unconsciously bounce on his feet) and he would have a tough time getting into his rhythm in this fight between having to keep up with Ali's movement and being smacked with Ali's jab every time he's trying to find his pattern.

Add in the fact that Holyfield has to act as the aggressor in this fight but would probably be unable to hit Ali with enough to seriously hurt him, and I think you have a long night for Holyfield leading to an Ali decision.

The plus side for Holyfield is that he has a good defense (which could help him against Ali's long jab and 1-2) and can potentially make this a tough fight if he can get inside enough to force Ali to engage and slow down. Still, I'd feel pretty comfortable in betting on an Ali unanimous decision.

 

I think that is a very interesting point. I think this version is more suited to 60's Ali. He weighs in at cruiser, 190-200 by fight time. Holyfield showed a lot of his best form round this time when he first made the jump. He's better than anyone else Ali fought in the 60's and that includes Liston.

 

AlFrancis, intersting thought, that Holyfield was better then anyone Ali fought in the sixties. Ali on those greyhound legs would have won his share of rounds with jabs and straight rights. Evander didn't move ahead enough like Frazier to win the rounds when Ali was dancing and throwing. Holyfield would catch Ali more then Chuvalo who put Muhammad on the ropes a number of times with body shots in their first match. I see Ali edging Evander and it may have taken a last round to do it.