Would the fight Dokes vs Holyfield have turned out differently if Dokes were in his prime?

I don't think so

 

I think Holyfield/Dokes would have been a great style match-up, whenever the fight had taken place.

A prime Dokes would have been able to last the distance, in my opinion, but would also have most likely dropped a decision, nonetheless.

 

The thing about matchups like this is they tend to ignore the reality of one fighter being an ill-disciplined disgrace and the other fighter being always ready and in-shape. So Dokes being prime is a complete red herring. Holyfield wins this one every time they meet.

 

Also, Dokes probably knew that it was last chance saloon.

 

Well by that logic you can make the same case for Bert cooper. In reality it was more just Holyfield’s awful habit of fighting down to the level of his competition

 

Evander would have struggled more but edged out a very tough decision.

 

He was markedly slower of hand...from 1982-83 to1988-1990.

Holyfield beat a slower version with less stamina and desire.

Nevertheless Holyfield himself was improving with every fight at HW he still wouldve won in similar fashion imo

 

Always getting in a pisssing contest with a skunk

 

If Cooper wasn't prime for Holyfield when would you say he was?

 

It would have been a more competitive fight,but with the same winner,imo.

 

Honestly Dokes was in one of his best forms here. He was off the drugs, very motivated and in great shape. He didn’t have his youth here but he had experience. I’m not sure he ever does much better vs Holyfield than he did here.

 

Right. It would have been a completely different fight, style-wise. I'd still favor Holyfield.

 

I remember this was the best heavyweight fight in years. Dokes was as sharp as he could be at that point but his legs were gone I think. He probably would’ve avoided some shots if he’d been in his prime. His hand speed was still really good though. He landed some great combinations. He moved like he was in quicksand but his hands were still blazing.

Unfortunately, he just didn’t have good power. I don’t know if he could’ve beaten Holyfield but he would’ve have a good shot.

 

It is Holyfield's third heavyweight fight; he is not prime either. Peak Vs. peak Holyfield wins .

 

All day money.