When did Evander Holyfield fall off?

I think that's just a passive aggressive shot at Big James Toney. Holyfield's prime was ended in 2003 by the best fighter he faced.

 

Anyone saying after the Lewis fight are surely just trying to big up Lewis. Holy’s peak years were 89-92.. the Lewis fight was 1999!!!! Evander was just a shell of his prime by then. He was falling off around the time of Moorer 1, injuries and the numerous wars he engaged in were taking their toll.

 

The papers at the time were pretty much calling Holyfield the next ATG after Tyson 1. Some even compare him to Ali as a 3 time champ and all that. Had Evander just called it quits after the bite, people would argue he was a top 3 ATG. Ali and Louis are pretty much locks at 1 and 2. The Lewis fights, the Ruiz fights and even when Tony ko Holyfield, his stock took a major drop during that point.

 

Ring magazine had him 3rd all time after the 2nd Tyson fight.

 

Well that amazes me I have to say. Considering he was 1-2 vs Bowe and 0-1 vs Moorer. And Tyson was his only real big win outside of winning 1 out of 3 vs Bowe.

 

I have to admit I wasn't even born then, but that does amaze he was rated top 3. I certainly wouldn't of rated him that highly. As I said before I don't see how you can be 1-2 vs Bowe and 0-1 vs Moorer, and then beat Tyson and suddenly sky rocket up the rankings like that.

But people were obviously so blown away, by the Tyson win then.

 

Tyson was still view as "Tyson" even after prison and Douglas. After the blowout wins over Cooney and Seldon, Tyson was "Back baby". You really got to be there to understand it. So when Holyfield upset Tyson, it took the world by storm. As I said, had Evander just retire after the Tyson fights, we would be talking about him as some boxing god like Ali.