First of all let me say that comparing athletes from different generations is silly. They’re from different times, had access to technology, different information, different competitors.
Secondly no one knows how Lewis would measure up to an opponent that is more elusive because he’s never really faced one. [Not to mention the “elusive style” has probably disappeared from the heavy weight division for a reason - but thats a whole other topic].
Thirdly, if “experts” were actually capable of predicting the outcome of a sporting event successfully there would be no need to actually compete. But legends do fall… underdogs to win -Regularly.
Fourthly, as for it being hard to dispute Ali’s performances captured on film I like to share this perspective with you. When my buddy looks at his girlfriend he told me he sees the most beautiful creature who’s ever walked the face of the Earth. I’m glad for her [sweet girl], but he’s in the minority. Get my drift? Admiration and respect for an athlete can blind as much as love.
And lastly, I like Ali as much as anyone else. I respect him because he is a source of inspiration and for his accomplishments. Not for what he could have been or what he should be able to do =)
I think you need to check your facts. Try out any popular boxing website. Just look at one of Holyfield’s sites to see that he beat Bowe twice.
Yes, comparing athletes from different generation is silly, but we’re dong it anyways. As far as a persons perspective being distorted, I understand your point, however it does not apply in this case. I study fight footage to learn from it. There is no distortion.
The only thing we seem to have in common is that we both watch fight footage to improve our own game. So let’s agree to disagree;)
Sometimes people say things in the heat of the moment that they don’t necessarily realize the impact of. Has Foreman reiterated his statement? If he has, then I think you have to take his comment seriously, otherwise… it seems ridiculous to come to that conclusion after facing a staggering, aged, over-the-hill Tyson.
Sounds good.
BULLSHIT !!
jason here are bowes fights;
March 6 Lionel Butler Reno, Nev. TKO 1:55 2
April 14 Tracy Thomas Atlantic City TKO 1:57 3
May 9 Garing Lane Atlantic City W unan 4
July 2 Antonio Whiteside Fayetteville, N.C. TKO 1:19 1
July 5 Lorenzo Canady Atlantic City TKO retr 3
Sept. 3 Lee Moore Pensacola, Fla. KO 2:13 1
Sept. 15 Tony Hayes Brooklyn, N.Y. KO 1:21 1
Sept. 19 Earl Lewis Jacksonville, Fla. TKO 1:26 1
Oct. 19 Mike Acey Atlantic City TKO 2:26 1
Nov. 4 Garing Lane Atlantic City TKO 1:50 4
Nov. 18 Don Askew Washington, D.C. TKO 1:37 1
Nov. 28 Art Card Buffalo, N.Y. TKO retr 3
Dec. 14 Charlie Woolard St. Joseph, Mo. TKO 2:46 2
1990
Feb. 20 Mike Robinson Atlantic City TKO 1:52 3
April 1 Robert Colay Washington, D.C. TKO 0:49 2
April 14 Eddie Gonzalez Las Vegas, Nev. W unan 8
May 8 Manny Contreras Atlantic City TKO 1:18 1
July 8 Art Tucker Atlantic City TKO 1:41 3
Sept. 7 Pinklon Thomas Washington, D.C. TKO retr 8
Oct. 25 Bert Cooper Las Vegas, Nev. KO 3:09 2
Dec. 15 Tony Morrison Kansas City, Mo. KO 2:20 1
1991
March 2 Tyrell Biggs Atlantic City TKO 2:17 8
April 20 Tony Tubbs Atlantic City W unan 10
June 28 Rodolfo Marin Las Vegas, Nev. KO 1:45 2
July 23 Phil Brown Atlantic City TKO 2:47 3
Aug. 9 Bruce Seldon Atlantic City KO 1:48 1
Oct. 29 Elijah Tillery Washington, D.C. W disq 3:00 1
Dec. 14 Elijah Tillery Atlantic City TKO 1:14 4
1992
April 7 Conroy Nelson Atlantic City KO 1:16 1
May 8 Everett Martin Las Vegas, Nev. TKO 2:28 5
July 18 Pierre Coetzer Las Vegas, Nev. TKO 2:59 7
Nov. 13 Evander Holyfield Las Vegas, Nev. W unan 12
(Won World Heavyweight Title)
1993
Feb. 6 Michael Dokes New York, N.Y. TKO 2:19 1
(Retained World Heavyweight Title)
May 22 Jesse Ferguson Washington, D.C. KO KO 2
(Retained World Heavyweight Title)
Nov. 6 Evander Holyfield Las Vegas, Nev. L maj 12
(Lost World Heavyweight Title)
1994
Aug. 13 Buster Mathis, Jr. Atlantic City NC 2:11 4
Dec. 3 Larry Donald Las Vegas, Nev. W unan 12
(Won WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight Title)
1995
March 11 Herbie Hide Las Vegas, Nev. KO 2:25 6
(Won WBO Heavyweight Title)
June 17 Jorge Luis Gonzalez Las Vegas, Nev. KO 1:50 5
(Retained WBO Heavyweight Title)
Nov. 4 Evander Holyfield Las Vegas, Nev. TKO 0:58 8
1996
Jul 11 Andrew Golota New York, New York W-DQ 7
Dec 14 Andrew Golota Atlantic City W-DQ 9
1997
Apr. 20 – Announced retirement
notice these dates, nov 4 95 he KNOCKED holyfield out
nov. 6 93, he lost decision to holyfield
nov 13 92, he won title from holyfield by decision.
Rev i is correct, Holyfield lost to Bowe twice.
My bad, I will admit that I was wrong on the Holyfield-Bowe thing, but I still think that Lewis would have beat him. It would have been a good fight though.
Re-play of the Gatti/Ward fight (we’re taping it). AND Barera/Morales II.
NEXT week, Klitschko v. Mercer.
Just thought I'd add a kind reminder for all the boxing fans. Patricia :-)
Something to think about. Ali was still developing when he was stripped of his license.
Those of you who are in the game know that you can not leave the ring for those four years, and be the fighter you could have been. When Ali returned to fight, his best years were gone, yet he still beat the best. We will never know how good he could have become. There may have never been another champion, from the 60’s through the 70’s.
First off, who the fuck did Lewis everbeat. An old out of prime Holyfield. And an out of prime Tyson, who admitted he needed a few more fights before a title shot. Lewis knowing this pressured Tyson into the before he was ready. Oh yeah, and Lewis did duck Riddick Bowe just like he ducked Tyson until he knew Mike was not in shape. As for Ali, he beat legendary fighters in their prime including Sonny Liston, George Foreman, Joe Frazier, Ken Norton, Leon Spinks. Lewis has only beaten bums and fighters who were not at their best.