Evander Holyfield

[BKM-]

What I don't like is when people say things like Holyfield was not really gifted, had minimal pysical ability etc. And that his heart and will was made him succesfull. Partially true, but Holyfield was a VERY gifted athlete. If it wasn't for his size and Boxing skills, he would have been a professional football player.
The man was an unbelievable pound for pound specimen. His legs were lean and skinny compared to the big guys, his waist and the rest of his frame were clearly smaller than your average heavyweights, yet he still was one of the physically strongest fighters ever lived(I've even seen him hold his own against the beast that is Foreman) able to push anyone back, even the likes of Lewis, Bowe, Mercer, Tyson etc.
He could slug with the BIG men, had a chin that stayed iron all the way up to heavyweight. And even after all the battles he's been trough, he can still fight decent fighters.
That is what impressed me the most about Evander Holyfield. To me, he's the ultimate evidence that size is not everything.

[QueensburyRules]

I like him as a fighter, but certain things need to mentioned. He beat an overweight clubfighter to take the title. He struggled with Foreman, Holmes, and almost got knocked out by Bert Cooper. Prior to winning the title, he struggled with over-the-hill Michael Dokes, and a journeyman in Alex Stewart (twice). Yes, he beat Mike Tyson, but pretty much everyone agrees that Mike was a shot fighter in disguise by then.

- -Yup, pretty much dead on, but I wouldn't call Buster a clubfighter.

By that time Mike was more legend than fighter and closing in on a 4rd circus sideshow.

[JAB5239]

What I don't like is when people say things like Holyfield was not really gifted, had minimal pysical ability etc. And that his heart and will was made him succesfull. Partially true, but Holyfield was a VERY gifted athlete. If it wasn't for his size and Boxing skills, he would have been a professional football player.
The man was an unbelievable pound for pound specimen. His legs were lean and skinny compared to the big guys, his waist and the rest of his frame were clearly smaller than your average heavyweights, yet he still was one of the physically strongest fighters ever lived(I've even seen him hold his own against the beast that is Foreman) able to push anyone back, even the likes of Lewis, Bowe, Mercer, Tyson etc.
He could slug with the BIG men, had a chin that stayed iron all the way up to heavyweight. And even after all the battles he's been trough, he can still fight decent fighters.
That is what impressed me the most about Evander Holyfield. To me, he's the ultimate evidence that size is not everything.

Did Holy have like a 28" waist?

Edit: it was 32"waist. Very slender for a heavyweight, but he had the goods.

[billeau2]

Great fighter

BKM is right, it is not true to say Holly was not a talent. the guy could box when he wanted. He could punch and KO, and he had the chops to fight at all ranges.

Holly also fought great comp.

I have no problem calling him an atg.

[QueensburyRules]

- -28-10-2 hvy record with an approx 30% KO record is what passes as great on this forum.

[The Old LefHook]

Holyfield will go down as a good little fighter who won multiple championships with his whiskers. He was just a notch behind Dempsey & Marciano as a bridgerweight.

[billeau2]

- -28-10-2 hvy record with an approx 30% KO record is what passes as great on this forum.

Consider his competition. Had a much better resume than virtually all the otner contemporaries..

[QueensburyRules]

Consider his competition. Had a much better resume than virtually all the otner contemporaries..

- -Is 28-10-2, 14 KO with a 35% KO ratio a better resume?

Marvin Hart has a 28-7-4, 20 KO record and beat Jack Johnson.

Is a10-7-2 title record, the most title losses in heavyweight history, a good thing?

[billeau2]

- -Is 28-10-2, 14 KO with a 35% KO ratio a better resume?

Marvin Hart has a 28-7-4, 20 KO record and beat Jack Johnson.

Is a10-7-2 title record, the most title losses in heavyweight history, a good thing?

Talking the quality of his competition. It is something to consider. I wouldn't say it cancels out everything.

[thebrownbomber_]

Great Heavyweight warrior. Loved his fights with Bowe and Tyson. I study him alot.