Fantasy matches : Holyfield (1996) vs. present day HWs ?

[Enlightened-One]

I think Ortiz would be the toughest challenge for Holyfield, not sure how that would play out because Ortiz is pretty smart.

The 210lbs version of Evander Holyfield that competed in 1992 would dominate Luis Ortiz, by throwing twice as many punches as the Cuban, with far more accuracy, combinations and punch variety, resulting in an eighth round TKO or a one-sided decision victory (depending on the level of ambition and aggression shown by King Kong).

If Holyfield can cope with Ortiz’s southpaw stance, then the fight wouldn’t be remotely competitive.

For the record, in the context of today’s heavyweight scene, I think that Ortiz is an excellent fighter, but despite the size advantage he would hold against the 1992 version of Holyfield, he doesn’t possess the power, punch variety or work-rate of the similar-sized Lewis and Bowe.

[jezzamundo]

I think Ortiz would be the toughest challenge for Holyfield, not sure how that would play out because Ortiz is pretty smart.

The 210lbs version of Evander Holyfield that competed in 1992 would dominate Luis Ortiz, by throwing twice as many punches as the Cuban, with far more accuracy, combinations and punch variety, resulting in an eighth round TKO or a one-sided decision victory (depending on the level of ambition and aggression shown by King Kong).

If Holyfield can cope with Ortiz’s southpaw stance, then the fight wouldn’t be remotely competitive.

For the record, in the context of today’s heavyweight scene, I think that Ortiz is an excellent fighter, but despite the size advantage he would hold against the 1992 version of Holyfield, he doesn’t possess the power, punch variety or work-rate of the similar-sized Lewis and Bowe.

Good post, I agree.

[amwsnw]

1996 Holyfield destroys the current heavyweights. The only version of holy who wouldn't would be the heavily declined version later in his career - then again he beat valuev ( I know the bs decision) late so even that version would go ok.

[crusader]

1996 Holyfield destroys the current heavyweights. The only version of holy who wouldn't would be the heavily declined version later in his career - then again he beat valuev ( I know the bs decision) late so even that version would go ok.

Doubt late Evander would beat any of today's top guys, and I imagine that a few would bust him up. Don't forget the near shutout losses to Ibragimov and Donald, as well as the questionable win over Oquendo.

[amwsnw]

You give this current crop too much credit. Those versions of ibragimov and Donald would be reigning world champs today.

[crusader]

Lol....Donald couldn't even beat Ray Austin a few months later. Let me guess, big Ray would be a long-reigning champ against today's guys? Oquendo too right?

[amwsnw]

Lol....Donald couldn't even beat Ray Austin a few months later. Let me guess, big Ray would be a long-reigning champ against today's guys? Oquendo too right?

Donald had one good fight I take it

[jezzamundo]

You give this current crop too much credit. Those versions of ibragimov and Donald would be reigning world champs today.

Now you're going too far - the current crop of top heavyweights are largely unproven, but they are certainly better than the likes of Ibragimov and Donald. I would say in its current state the division is probably the strongest it has been about about 15 years.

[lazboy]

I think Ortiz would be the toughest challenge for Holyfield, not sure how that would play out because Ortiz is pretty smart.

The 210lbs version of Evander Holyfield that competed in 1992 would dominate Luis Ortiz, by throwing twice as many punches as the Cuban, with far more accuracy, combinations and punch variety, resulting in an eighth round TKO or a one-sided decision victory (depending on the level of ambition and aggression shown by King Kong).

If Holyfield can cope with Ortiz’s southpaw stance, then the fight wouldn’t be remotely competitive.

For the record, in the context of today’s heavyweight scene, I think that Ortiz is an excellent fighter, but despite the size advantage he would hold against the 1992 version of Holyfield, he doesn’t possess the power, punch variety or work-rate of the similar-sized Lewis and Bowe.

Good post, I agree.

I also agree. This is a generalization but I feel the work rate of today's heavyweights has dropped (i.e. Number of punches thrown). Either it's a new mentality or maybe lack of roids. Holyfield would have out worked all them, from the opening bell to the final bell.

[ValMar]

You give this current crop too much credit. Those versions of ibragimov and Donald would be reigning world champs today.

Now you're going too far - the current crop of top heavyweights are largely unproven, but they are certainly better than the likes of Ibragimov and Donald. I would say in its current state the division is probably the strongest it has been about about 15 years.

Yes ! You are right !

[SaadOffTheDeck]

1996 Holyfield destroys the current heavyweights. The only version of holy who wouldn't would be the heavily declined version later in his career - then again he beat valuev ( I know the bs decision) late so even that version would go ok.

Doubt late Evander would beat any of today's top guys, and I imagine that a few would bust him up. Don't forget the near shutout losses to Ibragimov and Donald, as well as the questionable win over Oquendo.

The Holyfield that fought Savarese would ice Fury.

[jezzamundo]

1996 Holyfield destroys the current heavyweights. The only version of holy who wouldn't would be the heavily declined version later in his career - then again he beat valuev ( I know the bs decision) late so even that version would go ok.

Doubt late Evander would beat any of today's top guys, and I imagine that a few would bust him up. Don't forget the near shutout losses to Ibragimov and Donald, as well as the questionable win over Oquendo.

The Holyfield that fought Savarese would ice Fury.

We'll have to agree to disagree on that one - I think Fury shuts him out, although I wouldn't surprised if Evander knocked him down and won maybe two rounds.

[SaadOffTheDeck]

Just a match up thing. Evander is such a great counterpunch.