The Underrated Legacy of Evander Holyfield
Kosport Magazine – By Stephen “Breadman” Edwards
The boxing world is full of debates and discussions about the greatest fighters of all time. Names like Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, and Mike Tyson are often mentioned, but one name that is often overlooked is Evander Holyfield. In recent years, there has been a trend to label Larry Holmes as the most underrated fighter in boxing history. However, I must respectfully disagree. In my opinion, Evander Holyfield holds that title.
Don’t get me wrong, Larry Holmes was a great fighter and an all-time great. But when it comes to legacy and accomplishments, Holyfield surpasses him. Holmes may have 20 title defenses, but Holyfield has fought and defeated better opponents. And let’s not forget, Holmes had his fair share of missed opportunities. He missed out on fights with George Foreman, Joe Frazier, and other top contenders. These fights could have solidified his legacy, but they never happened.
On the other hand, Holyfield faced and defeated top contenders like Lennox Lewis, Riddick Bowe, and Mike Tyson. He also fought in one of the greatest heavyweight trilogies of all time against Bowe. Holyfield’s resume speaks for itself, and he deserves more recognition for his accomplishments.
One of the biggest factors that contribute to Holyfield’s underrated status is his lack of trash-talking and showmanship. In today’s world, where fighters like Rolly Romero get more attention for their talking than their performances, Holyfield’s quiet demeanor may have worked against him. But in the ring, he was a true warrior and one of the most courageous fighters I’ve ever seen.
Another reason for Holyfield’s underrated status is the controversial decision in his fight against Nikolai Valuev. Many believe that Holyfield deserved the victory, but the powers that be wanted to push the younger prospect. This is a common occurrence in boxing, and unfortunately, it has affected Holyfield’s legacy.
But let’s not forget, Holyfield is the only four-time heavyweight champion in history. He also holds the record for most wins in heavyweight title fights. These are accomplishments that cannot be overlooked.
In contrast, Holmes has been labeled as underrated so many times that he has become overrated in my opinion. There is a thing in this world called AGENDA DRIVERS, and they pay to influence the narrative they want. At some point, an agenda to make Holmes better than Ali started to arise. People started repeating this ridiculous term, “He was more skilled!” But when it comes to comparing results and production, Holmes falls short.
Holmes may have been more skilled, but that doesn’t necessarily make him the better fighter. Some fighters have other intangibles that allow them to win more and outperform more “skilled” fighters. And let’s not forget, Holmes tried to emulate Ali, but he just wasn’t as graceful, handsome, athletic, or talented.
Furthermore, Holmes has made some questionable comments about Ali, Tyson, and Joe Louis. He has called Ali overrated and claimed he took it easy on him in their fight. But anyone who watches that fight can see that Holmes did not take it easy on Ali. He also downplayed Tyson, who brutally knocked him out, and said he would outbox Joe Louis. While he has a right to his opinion, it’s unnecessary to down talk others to elevate oneself.
In conclusion, Evander Holyfield is a true warrior and one of the most underrated fighters in boxing history. He may not have been the most skilled or the most outspoken, but his accomplishments and legacy speak for themselves. He deserves more recognition and respect for his contributions to the sport. As for Larry Holmes, he is a great fighter, but he is not underrated. Most historians have him ranked right after Ali and Louis, and that speaks volumes. Let’s give credit where credit is due and recognize Evander Holyfield as the underrated legend that he is.
Bread’s Response: Interesting Comment
Kosport Magazine – By Stephen “Breadman” Edwards
In response to my previous article, a reader brought up an interesting point about the underrated legacy of Evander Holyfield. While I stand by my opinion that Holyfield is indeed underrated, I can see where the reader is coming from. There is a thing in this world called AGENDA DRIVERS, and they pay to influence the narrative they want. At some point, an agenda to make Larry Holmes better than Ali started to arise. People started repeating this ridiculous term, “He was more skilled!” But when it comes to comparing results and production, Holmes falls short.
Holmes may have been more skilled, but that doesn’t necessarily make him the better fighter. Some fighters have other intangibles that allow them to win more and outperform more “skilled” fighters. And let’s not forget, Holmes tried to emulate Ali, but he just wasn’t as graceful, handsome, athletic, or talented.
Furthermore, Holmes has made some questionable comments about Ali, Tyson, and Joe Louis. He has called Ali overrated and claimed he took it easy on him in their fight. But anyone who watches that fight can see that Holmes did not take it easy on Ali. He also downplayed Tyson, who brutally knocked him out, and said he would outbox Joe Louis. While he has a right to his opinion, it’s unnecessary to down talk others to elevate oneself.
In conclusion, Evander Holyfield is a true warrior and one of the most underrated fighters in boxing history. He may not have been the most skilled or the most outspoken, but his accomplishments and legacy speak for themselves. He deserves more recognition and respect for his contributions to the sport. As for Larry Holmes, he is a great fighter, but he is not underrated. Most historians have him ranked right after Ali and Louis, and that speaks volumes. Let’s give credit where credit is due and recognize Evander Holyfield as the underrated legend that he is.
The Battle of the Heavyweights: Holyfield vs Holmes
When it comes to ranking the greatest heavyweights of all time, there are two names that often come up in the discussion: Evander Holyfield and Larry Holmes. Both men have impressive resumes and have made their mark in the sport of boxing. But when it comes down to it, who truly deserves the title of the greatest heavyweight of all time?
Let’s start with the numbers. Holmes holds the record for the most consecutive title defenses in the heavyweight division with 20, while Holyfield has only 10. However, when you look at the quality of opponents they faced, Holyfield’s resume shines brighter. He fought and beat better fighters than Holmes did, including some of Holmes’s own misses like Dokes, Tillis, Foreman, and Thomas.
But it’s not just about the numbers. Holyfield’s style and tenacity in the ring were unmatched. He was a warrior who never backed down from a challenge, and his fights were always exciting to watch. On the other hand, Holmes was known for his technical skills and jab, but his fights were often criticized for being boring.
So, if we were to compare their best five wins, Holyfield would come out on top with victories over Qawi, Tyson, Bowe, Moorer, and Foreman, while Holmes’s best wins include Norton, Mercer, Cooney, Witherspoon, and Berbick. It’s clear that Holyfield’s wins were against tougher opponents and hold more weight.
But what about their head-to-head matchup? In 1992, Holyfield and Holmes finally faced off in the ring, with Holyfield coming out on top by unanimous decision. Many argue that this fight should have been closer, and some even believe that Holmes deserved the win. However, when you look at the overall body of work, Holyfield’s resume is more impressive.
It’s time to give Holyfield the recognition he deserves. He is often ranked behind Holmes on all-time greatest heavyweight lists, but he has a legitimate case for being rated above him. Holyfield may not have the title defense numbers, but he beat better fighters and won the title more times. It’s time to give credit where credit is due.
Kosport Magazine’s Take
When it comes down to it, Evander Holyfield’s resume speaks for itself. He may not have the numbers that Holmes has, but he fought and beat better opponents. Holyfield’s style and tenacity in the ring make him a true warrior and a fan favorite. It’s time to recognize him as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time.
The Cut That Changed Everything: Tim Tszyu vs. Brian Castano
It was a fight that had everyone on the edge of their seats. Tim Tszyu, the rising star of Australian boxing, facing off against the tough and experienced Brian Castano for the WBO super welterweight title. The anticipation was high and the atmosphere was electric as the two fighters stepped into the ring.
But just a few rounds into the fight, everything changed. A nasty cut opened up above Tszyu’s eye, causing concern for his corner and the fans watching. It was a cut that would ultimately determine the outcome of the fight.
As the fight continued, it was clear that Tszyu was the better fighter. He was dominating Castano and it seemed like he was on his way to a victory. But then, the cut worsened and the referee had no choice but to stop the fight. Castano was declared the winner by technical decision.
Many fans and experts have speculated that without the cut, Tszyu would have won the fight. But Tszyu himself made no excuses and showed great sportsmanship in defeat. However, the question remains – what would have happened if the cut hadn’t occurred?
Bread’s Response: First off, I have to give credit to Tim Tszyu’s corner for having one of the best cutmen in the business, Mike Rodriguez. They have worked together for years and have never had a fight stopped due to a cut. Unfortunately, this time was different.
But this is not the first time a cut has changed the outcome of a fight. In 2013, Julian Williams was dominating Hugo Centeno in a fight for the WBC Continental Americas super welterweight title. But an accidental headbutt in the fourth round caused a cut above Centeno’s eye. The fight was immediately stopped, even though the cut was not severe. This decision was questioned by many, including myself.
On the other hand, we have the example of Tszyu fighting through a horrible cut for 10 rounds. This shows incredible determination and heart, and I have nothing but respect for him. It’s impossible to say whether I would have stopped the fight or not in that situation. It’s a tough call and you have to live with whatever decision you make.
But let’s also consider the circumstances. This was the first PBC card on Prime and no one wanted a 3 round No Contest. Tszyu’s team probably thought he would knock out Castano soon after the cut occurred. And if he had, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. So let’s show some grace to Tszyu’s corner and not judge them too harshly.
Now, let’s shift our focus to the future. Who do you think is the best fit for Errol Spence as a trainer? Spence’s style and the padwork he did with Derrick James seems like the perfect fit. Do you think he will try a totally different approach or get someone similar to James?
Bread’s Response: Choosing a trainer for an elite fighter is not just about their training style, but also about chemistry and personality fit. Errol Spence is a laid back guy, but also very smart. He will pick someone he gets along with and who’s style fits his. Derrick James has a unique pad work style, so it will be interesting to see who Spence chooses. It’s a big decision and I’m just as curious as you are.
The Last Man Standing at 140lbs
With the current crop of talented fighters at 140lbs, it’s hard to predict who will come out on top. Some say Subriel Matias, but I have my doubts. I believe Teofimo Lopez and Devin Haney would both beat him, and I also think Gary Antuanne Russell is better. But ultimately, it’s not about who is the last man standing, as fighters often move up in weight or lose before they have a chance to face each other.
Remember, the top guys at 135lbs didn’t clear out the division before moving up, and the same could happen at 140lbs. But as a fight fan, I would love to see these top fighters face each other and determine who truly is the best at 140lbs.
Hi Breadman – I’m a long-time reader of your posts. I was wondering how you would put together your perfect boxer based on categories: Boxing IQ, jab, left hook, right cross, body attack, chin, hand/foot speed, endurance, defense, showmanship and DOG.
Here’s my list (I tried to mix eras):
Boxing IQ: Sugar Ray Leonard
Jab: Muhammad Ali
Left Hook: Sugar Ray Robinson
Right Cross: Joe Louis
Body Shots: Mike McCallum
Chin: George Chuvalo
Hand/Foot Speed: Roy Jones Jr./Manny Pacquiao
Endurance: Salvador Sanchez
Defense: Roberto Duran/Pernell Whitaker
Showmanship: Prince Naseem Hamed
DOG: Evander Holyfield
Bread’s Response: I like your list, but I have a few disagreements. I don’t think Wilfred Benitez should be considered for Boxing IQ, as his defensive talent was more about reflexes than actual IQ. I also think Ali’s jab was more versatile and effective than Quartey’s. And for hand/foot speed, I prefer Roy Jones Jr. and Manny Pacquiao over Meldrick Taylor.
As for Terence Crawford, it’s hard to say where he goes from here. With Canelo unlikely, Tszyu losing, Fundora likely fighting Spence, and Charlo seemingly missing in action, there aren’t many big fights for him at the moment. A belt at 154lbs may be the most appealing option, but it may not be a big fight. As a fight fan, I would hate to see him not get another big fight before he retires. Only time will tell what the future holds for Crawford.
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Summary:
In a highly anticipated fight between Tim Tszyu and Brian Castano, a nasty cut above Tszyu’s eye changed the outcome of the fight. While many speculate that Tszyu would have won without the cut, he showed great sportsmanship in defeat. Moving forward, the question remains – who is the best fit for Errol Spence as a trainer? And with a talented group of fighters at 140lbs, it’s hard to predict who will come out on top. In terms of creating the perfect boxer, opinions may vary, but it’s clear that each category requires a unique set of skills. As for Terence Crawford, it’s uncertain where he goes from here, but as a fight fan, we hope to see him in another big fight before he retires.
Welcome to the Exciting World of Extreme Sports
Are you tired of the same old sports? Do you crave something more thrilling and adrenaline-pumping? Look no further, because extreme sports are here to fulfill your need for excitement and adventure. From snowboarding to skydiving, these sports push the limits and provide an unforgettable experience. So buckle up and get ready to dive into the world of extreme sports with Kosport Magazine.
Extreme sports are not just for the daredevils and thrill-seekers. They are for anyone who wants to break out of their comfort zone and try something new. These sports require physical and mental strength, as well as courage and determination. But the rewards are worth it. The feeling of accomplishment and the rush of adrenaline are unmatched.
One of the most popular extreme sports is snowboarding. It combines the thrill of skiing with the freedom of skateboarding. With the wind in your hair and the snow beneath your feet, you can carve your way down the mountain and feel like you’re flying. And with the rise of indoor snowboarding parks, you can experience this sport all year round.
But if you want to take it to the next level, try snowboarding in the backcountry. This involves hiking up the mountain and riding down untouched slopes. It’s a test of endurance and skill, but the breathtaking views and untouched snow make it all worth it.
For those who prefer the water, there’s surfing. Riding the waves and feeling the power of the ocean is an exhilarating experience. And with the advancements in technology, surfers can now ride bigger and more dangerous waves, making it even more thrilling.
But if you want to take it to the extreme, try big wave surfing. This involves riding waves that can reach up to 100 feet tall. It takes a special kind of person to conquer these waves, and the rush of adrenaline is unmatched.
And let’s not forget about skydiving. Jumping out of a plane and freefalling through the sky is not for the faint of heart. But for those who dare to try it, the feeling of flying and the rush of adrenaline is unlike anything else. And with the option to do tandem jumps, anyone can experience the thrill of skydiving.
But extreme sports are not just limited to land and air. There are also water sports like white water rafting and bungee jumping off bridges. And for those who prefer a more motorized experience, there’s motocross and rally racing.
In the world of extreme sports, the possibilities are endless. And with the constant evolution and innovation, there’s always something new and exciting to try. So why stick to the same old sports when you can push yourself to the limit and experience the thrill of extreme sports?
In summary, extreme sports are not just about adrenaline and danger. They are about pushing yourself to new heights and experiencing the world in a whole new way. So whether you’re a seasoned adrenaline junkie or someone looking for a new adventure, extreme sports are waiting for you. And Kosport Magazine will be here to bring you all the latest news and updates from the world of extreme sports. Stay tuned for more thrilling content!
