Evander Holyfield vs Vitor Belfort: Analysis and Prediction
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Evander Holyfield (44-10, 29KO) vs Vitor Belfort (1-0, 1KO)
Heavyweight (200+)
Evander Holyfield
I could sit here and write an essay of just how good Evander Holyfield was in his prime, and his twilight. Career juicer or not, The Real Deal established himself as the first Cruiserweight GOAT before enjoying a lengthy and successful stint at Heavyweight. While his chin was legendary, Holyfield’s creativity in the ring was perhaps his bread and butter. Beautiful flowing footwork, Holyfield was a never-ending force that continued to dance in and out of striking range. An elderly Larry Holmes was left unable to land his patent jab due to Holyfield’s total control over distance. Off this movement, Holyfield set a fearsome pace that opponents had to match or eventually switch off to the erratic movements. In the former, Holyfield would win based on volume or breaking down the opponent through superior physical gifts. For the latter, Holyfield would snap into rapid counters on a lazy opponent unable to time The Real Deal.
This isn’t the same Holyfield of today, however. The Holyfield of today is a plodder in comparison. In his last fight against Brian Nielsen, taking place over a decade ago, Holyfield still attempted his bouncing footwork but was too slow to keep himself on the outside of Nielsen’s punches. There is no denying that Evander is in incredible visible shape for a man of his age, but he looks weak hitting the pads these days. The hips don’t snap with ease, the combinations are strained and there is no real knowing just how well his chin will hold up anymore. I will say though, the pull counter is pretty crisp. Owing to his superb technique throughout his career, Holyfield’s efficient mechanics most likely mask his natural deterioration.
Vitor Belfort
Vitor Belfort, the big Brazilian juice box, was once the scariest man on the planet. Since starting his MMA career back in 1996, Belfort has racked up one of the flashiest highlight reels ever seen. Destructive knockouts over Wanderlei Silva, Rich Franklin, Michael Bisping and Luke Rockhold – there is a reason no one wanted to fight TRT Vitor. Sure, Belfort can transfer over some of the same striking principles to boxing, but he was never the most polished boxer.
Based on freshness and considerably less brain trauma, Belfort should be considered a heavy favourite in this match-up. He may not have fought since 2018, but Belfort still appears powerful in the pre-fight workouts. Belfort is a hard-hitting Southpaw who is more than happy to pile on the pressure when he has his opponent wobbled. Man, this exhibition is a sad state of affairs. Just writing this makes me sick. Hopefully, this is an exhibition fix in which Holyfield can get a light workout.
Predicted Result: Belfort Decision
Eight rounds is a lot of time for either man to keep up a respectable pace, yet hopefully, the exhibition nature of the fight indicates this could be a ‘light spar’ or even a fix. As I’m sure all are aware, Evander Holyfield has looked dreadful in the build-up to this fight. Speculation over financial issues suggests Holyfield’s motivations in returning to the ring are more than just a burning passion for the sport. There is no denying that Evander is in incredible visible shape for a man of his age, but he looks weak hitting the pads these days. The hips don’t snap with ease, the combinations are strained and there is no real knowing just how well his chin will hold up anymore.
Based on freshness and considerably less brain trauma, Belfort should be considered a heavy favourite in this match-up. A hard-hitting Southpaw, Belfort is more than happy to pile on the pressure when he has his opponent wobbled. There isn’t much reason to talk about the Great Holyfield of the past. The seamless positioning, bouncing footwork and liquid combinations won’t be there to see on Saturday night, so what is the point? Please just let this be a fix.
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