Prime Holmes Vs Prime Holyfield?

Holmes in a decision but Holyfield is close enough to him … Holmes is No. 3, Holyfield No. 11 on my ATG list … to have his hand raised if they fought more than once.

 

Holmes by close decision. Would be a great fight.

 

Even old Holmes was crafty against prime Holyfield. Prime Holmes takes this by decision in a fun tactical fight.

 

Holmes dec.

 

Holmes

 

Holmes in a fun fight. Looks similar to the Norton fight

 

I feel like Holmes is poison for Holyfield prime for prime.

 

Probably Holmes in a tough bout

 

I’m leaning towards Holmes by decision but I think it’s a good fight.

 

Larry UD

 

I think they'd have tough fights personally. I'd favor Holmes in a trilogy but wouldn't be surprised to see Holyfield take one. The best Holyfield would be the best fighter Holmes ever beat. I'd put him a touch above an aging Norton.

 

Fight Advantages:
Hand Speed-No Advantage, Boxing Ability-Holmes, KO Power-No Advantage, Chin- No Advantage, Size-No Advantage, Defense-No Advantage, Endurance-No Advantage, Adaptability-No Advantage, Foot Speed- No Advantage, Strength-No Advantage, Jab-Holmes, Cuts-No Advantage, Reach-Holy(78) and Holmes(80) No Advantage, Body Attack-Holyfield
Total: Holmes 2-1-11

By Moontan, Boxing Expert
After viewing a great deal of material I have to agree with the general population on this fight. Holmes has the better jab and I would have to give him the advantage in a great fight because both fighters have the heart of a lion. I have little doubt that the fight would go the limit because neither fighter would be able to stop the other. I think both fighters would be hurt during the fight but each had great recovery power. Holmes by split-decision over 12 rounds.

By Mark Elf, Dallas Radio and Boxing Historian
I feel in their prime, the Holmes/Holyfield fight could have been a trilogy. This fight could become Ali/Norton or Ali/Frazier like. Holmes jab and boxing prowess would allow him to build up points and Larry was pretty good at holding when needed. Evander could keep punching and coming. He was a better boxer than most thought but eventually would fall back into brawl mode. Give me Evander by split decision. Where Holmes and Norton put on a terrific fight and Larry came out ahead, similar fight between Holyfield and Holmes but Evander wins it by a split decision.

By Paul Gallender, Writer and Boxing Historian
Excellent match-up of two very good fighters. Looking at the competition they faced, I believe Holyfield's opponents were a lot more formidable than those fought by Holmes. Larry had good size and an excellent jab, both of which enabled him to avoid taking too many telling punches from almost everybody he fought. He didn't punch all that hard and he could be hurt. Holyfield impressed me early in his career as a very polished boxer who took on name fighters - even if they were cruiserweights - soon after he turned pro. Had he been a puncher as well, he might have been remembered as a top 5 heavyweight. As it is, both boxers could stake a claim to being a legitimate top 10 heavyweight. I would anticipate a close, action-filled match for the first 10 rounds. However, I think Holmes would begin to tire in the later rounds and would be looking for a way to go the distance. I just don't think he would have hurt Holyfield. Evander's punches, on the other hand, would probably have been just as fresh in the later rounds as they would have been early in the fight. I see Holyfield either stopping Holmes in the last couple of rounds on a TKO or winning a unanimous decision.

Experts Predicted Outcome: Holyfield winner 2-1
Moontan Holmes 12-D split Decision
Mark Elf Holyfield 12-D split Decision
Gallender Holyfield 12-D

Source: Heavyweight Action-consolation

Lol at Gallender knowing sfa about boxing. I do think Holy takes at least one fight in a trilogy.

 

I'm taking Holyfield UD.