Witherspoon replacing dokes against holyfield and Bowe?

A young Carl "The Truth" Williams appeared to outpoint Holmes over 15 rounds. I wouldn't pick him over Evander Holyfield, either.

Maurice Harris appeared to outpoint Larry Holmes over 10 rounds. I wouldn't pick Maurice Harris over Evander Holyfield, either.

Who cares how bad Holmes did against someone?

How were Witherspoon and Holyfield performing in the ring leading up to a fight in March 1989? That's what matters.

Holyfield would beat up Witherspoon in 1989 like Evander beat up Pinklon Thomas in 1988. That's what THAT Evander Holyfield did to slow heavyweights who relied on a jab and a long right. Witherspoon didn't have Dokes' fast hands or throw Dokes' combinations on the inside. That's how Dokes kept it competitive. Until he got starched.