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By Lyle Fitzsimmons - Sorry folks, but I’m coming up empty on the search for outrage.
While other writers, fans and analysts seem unanimous in their righteous condemnation of Evander Holyfield’s quest for the WBA heavyweight title this weekend in Zurich, I’m having a hard time finding anything other than misguided optimism he might actually pull it off.
And if nothing at all else, I think he at least warrants a chance.
For at least a couple of reasons.
First of all, speaking merely of the fight itself, I’m not so sure it’s the ridiculous mismatch that those so quick to judge have branded it.
For those who haven’t seen him – and in spite of the gaudy 49-1 record and two reigns as champion – Nikolay Valuev ain’t Ivan Drago.
Oh sure, he’s 7 feet tall and, yes, he weighs in somewhere north of 300 pounds, but in terms of actual in-ring prowess he leans far more toward Barnum and Bailey than Ali and Frazier.
And though he’s admittedly won seven of eight fights over the last three years – perhaps leading to his billing as a 9-to-1 betting favorite – the opposition he’s faced is hardly head and shoulders above Holyfield, even at age 46.
Valuev’s decision wins over John Ruiz were at least questionable – and to some, criminal – while TKO defeats of Monte Barrett, Owen Beck and Jameel McCline don’t clearly mandate any more confidence than Evander’s recent beatings of Fres Oquendo, Vinny Maddalone and Lou Savarese. [details]
While other writers, fans and analysts seem unanimous in their righteous condemnation of Evander Holyfield’s quest for the WBA heavyweight title this weekend in Zurich, I’m having a hard time finding anything other than misguided optimism he might actually pull it off.
And if nothing at all else, I think he at least warrants a chance.
For at least a couple of reasons.
First of all, speaking merely of the fight itself, I’m not so sure it’s the ridiculous mismatch that those so quick to judge have branded it.
For those who haven’t seen him – and in spite of the gaudy 49-1 record and two reigns as champion – Nikolay Valuev ain’t Ivan Drago.
Oh sure, he’s 7 feet tall and, yes, he weighs in somewhere north of 300 pounds, but in terms of actual in-ring prowess he leans far more toward Barnum and Bailey than Ali and Frazier.
And though he’s admittedly won seven of eight fights over the last three years – perhaps leading to his billing as a 9-to-1 betting favorite – the opposition he’s faced is hardly head and shoulders above Holyfield, even at age 46.
Valuev’s decision wins over John Ruiz were at least questionable – and to some, criminal – while TKO defeats of Monte Barrett, Owen Beck and Jameel McCline don’t clearly mandate any more confidence than Evander’s recent beatings of Fres Oquendo, Vinny Maddalone and Lou Savarese. [details]
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