Holyfield was a light heavyweight bronze medalist at the 1984 Olympics, turned professional at cruiserweight and, like Usyk, became undisputed champion. The two rightly vie for the top spot as the greatest cruiserweight of all time. Holyfield transitioned to heavyweight and beat an ill-prepared Buster Douglas for the championship, then defended his titles against aged veterans Larry Holmes and George Foreman. He faced Riddick Bowe three times, Lennox Lewis twice and is of course known for losing a chunk of his ear to Mike Tyson, though Holyfield won both of their encounters. With his indomitable will, the Real Deal was always tough to beat. This would have the makings of an all-time classic. Diaz: “What a fight. Very similar in every department, including the will to win. Who wants it more? Holyfield’s inside game is amazing and his nonstop action would be too much for Usyk. Holyfield by KO 10.” Rotonda: “Prime Evander Holyfield is a problem for any heavyweight in any era, especially if you give him someone more his size. As good as Usyk is, I think he would have a hard time in the later rounds keeping Evander off of him.
Mizzone: “This one is interesting, since I think this fight is a mental fight, like most of Tyson’s fights. If Usyk isn’t intimidated before he gets in the ring, he will box circles around him and win a 12-round unanimous decision.” USYK: 2-1 USYK VS. EVANDER HOLYFIELD
exploded onto the heavyweight scene in the mid-1980s, using his fearsome demeanor, freakish speed and power, as well as underrated skill and technique, to wreak havoc on the division over the second half of the decade. The youngest heavyweight champ ever earned hundreds of millions en route to becoming one of the most famous people in the world. His downfall was equally dramatic. In his prime, however, Tyson’s skills were almost
always overlooked alongside his reputation, which in itself was a formidable weapon.
Diaz: “The excitement prior to the fight is second to none. However, that wouldn’t last long once the bell rings. Tyson wins by KO 3.” Rotonda: “Such a tough fight to call. I am going to have to lean toward Usyk in this one. He has faced monster punchers before – Briedis, Dubois, Joshua, Gassiev, etc. He has done a great job of controlling the pace of the fight and neutralizing his opponents with his jab. I don’t think this would be much different. Mike would make it very interesting early on, but once Usyk gets into his rhythm, I think he would frustrate Tyson and coast to a decision win.”
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