Holyfield: Past His Prime Or On The Verge Of Resurgence?

Photo © Carlos Kalinchuk

Carlos "Stiff-jab" Kalinchuk

03.10 - General George S. Patton once said, "If a man does his best, what else is there?" His incredible insight should be more remembered than forgotten when it comes to boxing circles everywhere. In a sport of blood and guts and life and limb, this should be on the doors of the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota New York and engraved on every title belt. Unfortunately for many a former Champ, they feel glory and stardom are once again around the bend. This Saturday will be no different. Evander "The Real Deal" Holyfield will once again lace them up as a pro for the 47th time. Although he will not be fighting for a legitimate or Alphabet title, he will as his moniker states, put on a Warrior like performance. However, if he doesn't watch out, James "Lights Out" Toney may retire the aging former Champ for good. Vegas odds have it a close fight with a slight edge to Holyfield. Let's examine what Holyfield must do to win.

To win, Holyfield must go to the body early and often. With Toney, finding empty real estate around his hips and stomach should be no problem. Head movement will be pivotal for Holyfield to win this fight. His patented jab and hook to the body must include head movement after each exchange. Holyfield must keep the fight in the middle of the ring as much as he can early on. He needs to do this so as the fight progresses; Toney tires and does more leaning than working off the ropes. There's a major difference! Salvador Sanchez worked off the ropes. Sugar Ray Leonard worked off the ropes. Against Jirov, Toney worked off the ropes. Strategizing to keep Toney in the middle of the ring early on will be the key. This will enable Holyfield to maximize his advantage in power later in the fight. Getting Toney tired is critical to Holyfields success. However, letting the fight go to the ropes early will spell Holyfields doom.

If for some reason Holyfield let's Toney work off the ropes early on, Toney will be able to conserve his energy. This is what Holyfield needs to avoid at all costs. In the middle of the ring, Holyfield has the reach and power advantage. In close exchanges, the cagey Toney has the advantage with his counter punching and defense. Hence, for Holyfield to win, the fight needs to stay in the middle of the ring until about round 9. After this, Toney will be spent and will be there for the taking. Letting the younger Toney conserve energy early on, will end Holyfields climb to super-stardom once again. Holyfield is too smart though, and he will win this one by KO in round 11.

In spite of this, Holyfield needs to leave boxing because his once great boxing skills have eroded like the plateaus of New Mexico. If he were arrested and charged with "being the best boxing has to offer," we'd be hard pressed to find any footage over the last 2 years that would make this charge stick. Perhaps Holyfield will listen to his body and someone will pass along General Patton's once famous quote. But most likely it wouldn't make a difference.

Boxing doesn't want is another Meldrick Taylor, Riddick Bowe, Muhammed Ali,or Thomas Hearns struggling to form a sentence. No, boxing needs it's best to be able to feed themselves and speak without an interpreter. This is what boxing needs. Not some Mad TV or Best Damn Sports Show Ever moron doing a spoof about the 4 time Heavyweight Champion of the world struggling through an interview.