Can Holyfield make History?

[Kid Achilles]

It's a simple concept that even the fighters find confusing at times. I bet Shannon Briggs refers to himself as "the" heavyweight champion of the world. I know Roy Jones did.

[PBDS]

.....Even though Evander is one of my top three favorite fighters of all time, I see it as a bad thing that he won. It's just going to keep him fighting until he gets seriously hurt and ends up brain damaged.

[kayjay]

then Wlad is'nt even a champion once if you look at it that way

Wlad himself has said as much.

[Mr. Ryan]

Nah, George Foreman was 45 when he KO'ed Moorer to win the title. Truth is that this is more a commentary on Oquendo's career than it is on Holyfield's. Oquendo's career is done, if he can't beat a faded Holyfield than he doesn't need to be boxing anymore. Oquendo was not aggressive enough to force the action, he didn't make Holyfield's age show. Holyfield stands little to no chance against a guy like Wladimir or Briggs, he could beat Maskaev and I have a feeling that is going to be the route he takes towards another belt.

Let's see what kind of integrity Jose Sulaiman has in picking the next WBC mandatory.

[Mr. Ryan]

.....Even though Evander is one of my top three favorite fighters of all time, I see it as a bad thing that he won. It's just going to keep him fighting until he gets seriously hurt and ends up brain damaged.

This win fuels his delusions of winning another title, only opening him up to more punishment from better fighters than Oquendo.

[Kid Achilles]

Little to no chance against Briggs yet he can beat Maskaev? C'mon, Briggs is clearly inferior to Maskaev in skill, handspeed, and conditioning. I know you're a New Yorker and all but you need to give Oleg credit. He really rose to the occassion against Rahman and is a legit top five heavyweight. I cannot say the same for Briggs, who was pretty much handed a victory in a reluctant unmotivated Sergei.

Oleg beating Rahman was ten times more of an impressive showing than Briggs losing on the scorecards and knocking an exhausted Sergei through the ropes.

[Mr. Ryan]

Little to no chance against Briggs yet he can beat Maskaev? C'mon, Briggs is clearly inferior to Maskaev in skill, handspeed, and conditioning. I know you're a New Yorker and all but you need to give Oleg credit. He really rose to the occassion against Rahman and is a legit top five heavyweight. I cannot say the same for Briggs, who was pretty much handed a victory in a reluctant unmotivated Sergei.

Oleg beating Rahman was ten times more of an impressive showing than Briggs losing on the scorecards and knocking an exhausted Sergei through the ropes.

Oleg has some serious back issues and can't even bend his knees. Maskaev is also a fragile heavyweight, and I would be shocked to find any reputable pundit who would place Maskaev in the upper half of the heavyweight champion rankings.

1. Wladimir Klitschko, IBF
2. Shannon Briggs, WBO
3. Nicolay Valuev, WBA
4. Oleg Maskaev, WBC

[hugh grant]

I loved Evander in his day, but i dont think he can do a george foreman and become a champ in his 40's. Foreman had the killer punch in his arsenal and i dont think Evander has ever had it let alone now.
I think he should retire, because i care for the guy. But it would be a sad day his retirement becasue he wouldnt have achieved his goal and i dont want Evander upset.

[Mr. Ryan]

I loved Evander in his day, but i dont think he can do a george foreman and become a champ in his 40's. Foreman had the killer punch in his arsenal and i dont think Evander has ever had it let alone now.
I think he should retire, because i care for the guy. But it would be a sad day his retirement becasue he wouldnt have achieved his goal and i dont want Evander upset.

That's exactly it, you can't do a George Foreman unless you have a big punch. Also remember that Foreman wasn't severely punished in his career up to that point. Holyfield has more miles on him than a 1974 El Dorado.

[Kid Achilles]

Briggs over Valuev and Maskaev on the basis of one fight? IMO he's clearly the weak link and will lose his title before the others do. The next guy he defends against beats him, assuming he's a top contender. Sultan, Peter, I don't care who, they'll beat Briggs. With stamina like that, you can't hang with the big dogs.