Why do we harp about "natural size and strength" as opposed to built up size and strength

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Aug 31, 2024.


  1. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

    16,297
    11,747
    Sep 21, 2017
    Mike Tyson was naturally bigger than Holyfield. He weighed approximately a solid 220 pounds at age 20 when he won the heavyweight title from Berbick. Holyfield weighed 190 pounds at age 25 when he won the cruiserweight crown from Deleon.

    But when they fought in 1996, Tysons "natural size and strength" meant **** all when he was getting pushed around the ring by Holyfield . Yes, Holyfield's size and strength was manufactured, but it was still size and strength. Holyfield at a bulked up 215 pounds was stronger than a natural 220 pound Tyson.
     
    Bronze Tiger likes this.
  2. Bronze Tiger

    Bronze Tiger Boxing Addict Full Member

    4,339
    5,259
    Jun 23, 2018
    That to me was the difference in the fight …it wasn’t a masterful boxing performance by Holyfield …and it didn’t have anything to being scared or not …he just bullied Tyson around the ring …and was able to move him backwards
     
  3. Marvelous_Iron

    Marvelous_Iron Active Member Full Member

    1,127
    1,417
    Jul 9, 2022
    I mean it was some of the best technical toe to toe action of the time, Holyfield's timing and counters were in fact masterful, he came out on top every time they were in close
     
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta likes this.
  4. SixesAndSevens

    SixesAndSevens Gator Wrestler Extraordinaire Full Member

    1,279
    1,728
    Aug 28, 2024
    There are too many variables to have solid answers for either side of this argument. For every Foster at heavyweight, there's also an Usyk at heavyweight- Certain men have their size and strength carry up, and others simply don't for unknown reasons. Genetics, training, natural strength, whatever you want to say it's from, certain men will be stronger. Compare it to the difference in strength between two brothers if you will, there's an intangible bit in each person that makes the difference.
     
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta likes this.
  5. Journeyman92

    Journeyman92 MONZON VS HAGLER 2025 Full Member

    19,057
    21,102
    Sep 22, 2021
    I’m so sick of this myth debunking… listen and learn - Holyfield pushed Tyson around for the same reason most people do in a boxing ring,… positioning of the feet, hips or shoulders, this isn’t a strongman activity, you are either heavier or have the superior position it has nothing to do with how much you can press IMO.
    Holyfield had issues making 190lbs, starving himself he was big there but drained,
    Evander Holyfield wasn’t a skinny guy at cruiserweight lol where does this come from? Can’t you see? I’d bet the vast majority of this forum would be lucky to be so “skinny” he was a regular sized heavyweight who wanted to be bigger, before PEDs on the way up he was bigger then Louis smaller then Ali - all strength is manufactured for the love of God a bed ridden man’s legs will shrink to nothing does walking produce manufactured strength?
    Yes because every ounce of muscle and strength is an adaption beyond a certain point of hormonal intervention.
     
    Overhand94 likes this.
  6. The Undefeated Lachbuster

    The Undefeated Lachbuster On the Italian agenda Full Member

    4,900
    7,574
    Jul 18, 2018
    When the weight starts hampering on mobility and boxing skill and endurance and starts causing bodyfat to get higher, thats when its attacked

    obviously holyfield gained weight without doing any of that, because he was on drugs. Natural weight gain of that magnitude is infinitely harder
     
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta likes this.