I'm picking Holyfield. By stoppage too. An ancient Holyfield cut the ring off, took his jab away, hurt him multiple times and out-worked him late. And this was a version of Holyfield he didn't have the speed and stamina of a younger version. Plus the pre-Bowe I Holyfield still had Benton in his camp and corner. I'm sure together they'd know exactly what to do.
I agree, prime Holy would stop even Steward-era LL. I don't see it happening early, though, and it would be a very entertaining fight, much more than two past-its meeting up. Pre-Steward LL gets stopped in 5 by Bowe (only the 1991-1992 Bowe) and 8 by prime Holy.
IMO, it would have been close. Probably have Lewis 55-45, just because of the physical advantages. Lewis had 3 versions, the lazy one, the explosive one (that he used to blast away potentially dangerous rookies or fighters whose power and grit he didn't rate), and the boring/cautious one. In the big fights, he'd show up. Against Holy, he'd always fight cautiously, so win or lose, the fights would be very close, if not rather unspectacular due to Lewis' often exaggerated caution. No KO from either. Lewis has the skills to box and keep the range, and also the know-how to not allow close combat. Hollyfield is a warrior, though, and with a great chin + an awesome work rate. He could get close and it then depends if he lands enough once there to get the decision. It's a pick' em. In 3 matches I can see a win for each + a draw.
That's lacklustre Lewis who took Holyfield easily imo. Lewis with real determination is too consummate and big for the extreme warrior Holyfield.
When is Holyfield'd prime? He was spanked by Bowe and lost to Moorer in his prime. Lewis is the pick.
Lewis knocks him out or stops him. Holyfield was quicker when he was younger but also less saavy. He would throw a little more leave more openings in the process. I don't think Evander was as strong in 90 or 91 as he was mid 90s. As a vet he picked up some tricks on the inside that helped him negate size.
