Quote Originally Posted by Taeth
Quote Originally Posted by shooter
Louis would probably be a couple of inches taller and 225-230lbs if he was a modern era fighter. Look at Holyfeild: a very short 6'2" and a natural cruiser who bodybuilt his way to heavyweight.

Louis was an accurate combination puncher like Evander with a better jab and more power. If Moorer and Cooper amd ancient versions of Foreman and Holmes can be competitive against a "prime' Holyfield, Lous would handle him IMO. Probably stop him because of Evander's heart for a brawl.
I really think this is a total mismatch. It doesn't matter what Louis would be like nowadays... we don't know. Holyfield now definitely would have beaten Louis of then.

I think when comparing heavys from different eras you can sometimes assume that the older heavys were smaller but this isn't always the case. Holyfield, Tyson & Louis, for example, all fought at around 15 to 15 & a half stone.

My thinking is that if you think Tyson has a shot at beating anybody on the all time heavyweight list then you have to consuder Louis as well because they didn't weigh that much differently. Louis against Holyfield is a complete mismatch as far as I'm concerned. Louis hits faster & harder. His combination punching & range of punching is far better, his jab is better & he is the best finisher in heavyweight history.

The point has been made that if Tyson can't hurt Holyfield then Louis can't. Why? I wouldn't assume that Tyson punches harder than Louis because I don't think he does. Louis punches harder IMO & throws a better variety of combination punches at roughly the same speed.

The only argument that I can think of that helps Holyfield is his heart but that wouldn't get him far in this fight I would pick Louis within 5.