Neither man was at there best at this point, but ali had enough to beat Norton and shavers and holyfield ruiz. So who takes it?
Ali wins. Assuming Ali of 1976-78 versus the Holyfield of 2000-'02 Holyfield was struggling to beat Ruiz over 12 rounds. He then struggled with Rahman and lost to Byrd. Even Leon Spinks beat Ali only with insane work rate over 15 rounds. Holyfield no longer had work rate, nevermind 15 round stamina.
I actually see it ali but been quite close. They were both in a similar time of their career s but ali, like you said a little more left. But holyfield puts up the best fight he's done for years and comes away with a split decision loss.
Holyfield style of fighter and heart was similar to Frazier and this type of fighter always troubled Ali. However as stated this is not Holyfield of decade earlier. Ali as always was a cerebral fighter and knows how to win the close rounds . Ali on pts.
