Holyfield was making an "A side" argument in 1998

[Coverdale]

In my quest for information about the sanctioning bodies' mandatory rotation I stumbled upon this. Holyfield was holding up the Lewis fight claiming "A side" status as far back as 1998. In the event, the eventual split for the first fight ended up being $20mil/$10mil in Holyfield's favour according to the documentary "The Undisputed Truth".

Why should I take less money to fight him. I didn't work this hard to come down two levels to prove myself. The only thing that is stopping Lewis from fighting me is that he knows it is safer to talk than to get in there. If you fight, you've got nothing more to talk about. Why should I have to take a pay cut or go across the street [to HBO] to make things work.

Boxing: Holyfield puts the blame on Lewis | The Independent | The Independent

[Bennyleonard99]

They were both A sides at that point. Just like Foreman/Ali were both A sides, Ali/Frazier were both A sides. Holyfield knew Lennox was his worst nightmare and played the split angle to dodge the fight for two years. He finally stopped running and fought him in March 1999. Lennox even had to resort to calling him "Evader Holyfield" at one point. King also was deserving of blame as he controlled Holyfield and he KNEW Lennox was too much for Holy to handle.

[QueensburyRules]

They were both A sides at that point. Just like Foreman/Ali were both A sides, Ali/Frazier were both A sides. Holyfield knew Lennox was his worst nightmare and played the split angle to dodge the fight for two years. He finally stopped running and fought him in March 1999. Lennox even had to resort to calling him "Evader Holyfield" at one point. King also was deserving of blame as he controlled Holyfield and he KNEW Lennox was too much for Holy to handle.

- - When Lewie got his first shot, he fought like a school scared school grrl.

He sorta finally manned up to the 2nd fight where he figured he could easily outbox Field.

[billeau2]

- - When Lewie got his first shot, he fought like a school scared school grrl.

He sorta finally manned up to the 2nd fight where he figured he could easily outbox Field.

Listen you... Oh wait that is true. The Btard Maker called Lewis out in it as well.

[Bennyleonard99]

- - When Lewie got his first shot, he fought like a school scared school grrl.

He sorta finally manned up to the 2nd fight where he figured he could easily outbox Field.

If you watch the first LL-EH fight closely it looked like Holyfield boxed careful and didn't try anything bold or aggressive - because he KNEW King has the judges in his pocket and he would get a draw at worst to keep his titles. Where was the usually brave bold Commander Vander who attacked Tyson and Bowe? Holy was as careful and cautious vs. Lennox as Floyd vs Pac, another fight where it looked like the one guy boxed a certain way to steal the decision with the help of bought judges. Holy did nothing vs Lennox. It takes two to tango, full blame on Holy.

[Coverdale]

This thread in microcosm demonstrates why there was no conspiracy in either fight, just differing perspectives and possible incompetence.

I thought Lewis won the first fight easier than the second.

[Coverdale]

If you watch the first LL-EH fight closely it looked like Holyfield boxed careful and didn't try anything bold or aggressive - because he KNEW King has the judges in his pocket and he would get a draw at worst to keep his titles. Where was the usually brave bold Commander Vander who attacked Tyson and Bowe? Holy was as careful and cautious vs. Lennox as Floyd vs Pac, another fight where it looked like the one guy boxed a certain way to steal the decision with the help of bought judges. Holy did nothing vs Lennox. It takes two to tango, full blame on Holy.

Holyfield was always an inconsistent performer.

[Bennyleonard99]

Holyfield was always an inconsistent performer.

He was pretty reliable and consistent as Evander Holyfield but "Evan Fields" was another story )

[Dr Z]

Holyfield was always an inconsistent performer.

He has a substance abuser who had his team make excuses. Lewis won both fights by 2-3 rounds. Still some people says Holy won the 2nd. They should have fought two years sooner but they both played games.