Prime Hvy Holyfield vs Havanna Willard, 45 rounds

I wonder what Holyfields KO record would be if he was allowed to stand over fighters he had just knocked down - - - And I wonder how Dempsey would have done against Willard if he had to go to a neutral corner

 

The only factor that is in Willards favor is the the 45 round distance seeing that he went 26 with Johnson but I think I'm still gonna go with Holyfield. Evander would probably take the fight to Jess from the opening bell. Willard would be forced to pick up the pace early on and would have to deal with Holy's combination punching and pressure. Against Johnson, Willard was able to take his time as there was a lot of posturing with each man looking to land a punch then clinch. Against Holyfield Willard would be looking at salvos of punches coming at him instead of single shots/occasional flurries from an older fighter not at his best anymore. Plus Holyfield isn't going down from a single shot from Willard. If Jess wants to hurt Evander he'd better get used to throwing punches in bunches instead of hanging back and trying to set up a right with a pawing left. If Willard can drag Holyfield into the later rounds his chances increase but I tend to think Holy would punish him enough to force a late round (10 to 12) stoppage.

 

Holyfield wont let it go that far, and force Willard to fight his fight. High pace. Even if Willard makes it past 10, he will be almost as tired as Evander. Holyfield will lose past 30 rounds in any case. But I think the fight will be stopped around 15 rounds via cuts or damage for Evander.

 

Yes, I think so. We're talking about prime Evander Holyfield.

 

A lot harder ? Based on what ?

 

Holyfield maybe the harder hitter, he's stopped countless champions. Plus he's far fitter than Willard.

 

My take is Holyfield punches harder and has a better chin than any version of Johnson, let alone the one of 1915.

I don't agree with the "sub-novice" putdowns of Willard, but Holyfield should win this and might well be able to handle the best punch Willard could throw at him.

Could Willard soak up punishment for 20 rounds and still be there to come on. I think it possible off his performance in Havana, but not likely.

Holyfield by KO or TKO around round 15.

 

In before Seamus laughs at anybody even thinking Willard has a chance

 

Schedule it for 100 rounds, it will be over in 6 all the same.

 

Willard goes to work planning for a 45 round day, and punches out early before lunch.

 

We can only go on their result against opponents, and the traumatic damage they inflicted.

Given those variables, it is hard to see how you would go about constructing a case for Holyfield.

 

Holyfield fought tougher opponents. I seem to remember him busting a lot of them up and knocking plenty of them flat.

Traumatic damage, I don't know. Dempsey had different gloves and wraps, and referees were more inclined to let traumatic damage occur in those days.