Steward: "Bowe had better boxing ability than Holyfield"

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Bokaj, Oct 14, 2011.


  1. Bokaj

    Bokaj Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

    28,144
    13,101
    Jan 4, 2008
    Emmanuel Steward in a recent interbiew with ESB (http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=29519&more=1): "... when I worked with Holyfield for the second fight with Riddick Bowe, I realized that Bowe was bigger, had better physical strength, and better boxing ability believe it or not, and better inside fighting, and youth, and size! But the thing that he was weak in was his footwork was not as good as Evander’s. So we had Evander work on winning the fight by moving, changing directions, punching in spots, moving, changing, and so it worked in after twelve rounds we were fortunate and had the championship again."

    Thoughts on that?
     
  2. PowerPuncher

    PowerPuncher Loyal Member Full Member

    42,723
    269
    Jul 22, 2004
    Cocaine's a hell of a drug, he also said something to the effect of Duran being only able to brawl and he was suprised Julio Cesar Chavez actually had some boxing ability
     
  3. Unforgiven

    Unforgiven VIP Member banned Full Member

    58,748
    21,578
    Nov 24, 2005
    Steward's been taking underhand swipes at Holyfield ever since Holyfield dumped him.

    But arguably Bowe had equal or better boxing ability, so it's not an outrageous statement. Bowe clearly outboxed Holyfield on the inside.
     
  4. Goyourownway

    Goyourownway Insanity enthusiast Full Member

    2,667
    21
    Feb 13, 2011
    He has an argument for being a superior inside fighter,but Holyfield generally got the better of Bowe whenever they boxed at a distance.


    The fact that Holyfield was able to compete in a prolonged inside battle with somebody with such a significant advantage in weight is a testament to just how tough and versatile a fighter he was.
     
  5. MagnaNasakki

    MagnaNasakki Boxing Junkie Full Member

    7,658
    78
    Jan 21, 2006
    Bowe absolutely had more ability, he just never used it consistently. He was way weaker minded than Evander, who could actually stick to a gameplan and box a disciplined controlled fight. Riddick felt the need to turn up the heat whenever he really got hit, or thought he'd been fouled, and many of his fights devolved into slugging contests because he simply ceased to control them.

    Whenever they fought at distance with Riddick in rhythm and using his jab, he got the better of Evander. Evander was easily better at moving around, finding the spots that worked, and stick it with him. Threw the same combinations the entire second fight. His discipline is often underrated.
     
  6. Mendoza

    Mendoza Hrgovic = Next Heavyweight champion of the world. banned Full Member

    55,255
    10,354
    Jun 29, 2007

    Bowe had better boxing ability? It really depends on how you define it. Holyfield had superior counter punching ability, footwork and foot speed, much better defense, and better hand speed. Steward put together the perfect game plan to win a razor thin adhesion over a prime Riddick Bowe. Bowe from a technical standpoint had a better uppercut, right hand, and was the superior infighter. His natural size and power dominated Holyfield in the first match.


    I must admit I remember the pre fight build up on this one, and felt Bowe would win as easily as he did in the first match. I also think the fan man incident made this two 6 round matches with a 17 minute break in-between. This allowed an sometimes gassed Holyfield time to refuel. Holyfield's corner here played a huge role. Bowe's corner, run by psycho Rock Newman was a mess. Newman, who was way out there felt the fan man was trying to assassinate the leader of the nation of Islam, and also had to deal with Bowe's pregnant wife passing out.
     
  7. Briscoe

    Briscoe Active Member Full Member

    941
    6
    Sep 19, 2009
    Bowe did have better ability. Which is why Holyfield took on Steward for the Holyfield-Bowe 2. He taught him not to do what he did in the first fight. Instead of being a combo throwing warrior he attempted to shore up Evander's skill. Taught him to use the right punches with the correct angles.
     
  8. he grant

    he grant Historian/Film Maker

    25,442
    9,428
    Jul 15, 2008
    I'd like Steward to fully define his view ... It's ambiguous read this way ...
     
  9. PetethePrince

    PetethePrince Slick & Redheaded Full Member

    28,760
    84
    May 30, 2009
    Miracle Holyfield won I guess, then. It's just a subtle way for Steward to compliment himself for leading Holyfield with the plan to victory.
     
  10. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

    113,016
    48,121
    Mar 21, 2007

    Yeah.
     
  11. Robbi

    Robbi Marvelous Full Member

    15,221
    173
    Jul 23, 2004
    Steward, also picked Chavez to beat Duran.
     
  12. Muhammad Ali

    Muhammad Ali Member Full Member

    442
    0
    Oct 14, 2011
  13. MAG1965

    MAG1965 Loyal Member banned

    34,796
    65
    Dec 1, 2008
    he must be talking about natural boxing ability, but I think Evander had better technique and game plan and stamina and heart. The second fight Evander was lucky that fan man landed on the ring and gave him a little rest.
     
  14. frankenfrank

    frankenfrank Boxing Junkie Full Member

    13,965
    68
    Aug 18, 2009
    do u c d contradiction between d red part and d green part ?
     
  15. My2Sense

    My2Sense Boxing Junkie Full Member

    11,935
    92
    Aug 21, 2008
    This. :deal