12/03/24
August 19, 2006
He has done it again: at 43 years old, and possibly on his way to an unprecedented five time heavyweight champ. Holyfield has won his first fight in the comeback trail.
Did you see the fight? I've seen better form from two drunks in a bar. Yes, Evander was the better fighter, by a long length, but any trained professional fighter looks good going against a career bouncer. He'll beat up a couple more tomato cans, and then he'll get his ass handed to him by the first marginal professional he meets. I understand he's delusional, and he may need the money, but he's not winning a damn thing. Listen to how slurred his speech is now. He's literally killing himself in there. I just wish he'd stop.
posted by chicobangs at 03:37 AM on August 19, 2006
Foreman was in a lot worse shape when he came back and talked a lot worse. Still does. Hollyfield looked in pretty good shape and because of the competition in the heavyweight division I can see him doing exactly what Foreman did. Win the championship!
posted by kidrayter2005 at 06:31 AM on August 19, 2006
I still believe it is no good for boxing to have an over 40 boxer make a run at the title. It doesn't say much for the quality of competition now days While I understand what you are saying here, I would say tell George Foreman that. Foreman was in a lot worse shape when he came back and talked a lot worse. First of all, shut up is frowned upon here. Secondly, Foreman continues to be the spokesman for several products and businesses. He doesn't speak bad at all. Do you have him confused with someone else?
posted by Bishop at 07:27 AM on August 19, 2006
all i say is, the heavyweight division is in sad shape and has been for a long,long time
posted by ptluigi at 08:04 AM on August 19, 2006
Actually I agree with Chico, this whole comeback is more sad than anything else. I just hope he doesn't do any permanent damage to himself while trying this "comeback" Evander has always been a quality guy, and a consummate professional. A nice addition to a sport full of idiots like Mike Tyson. There is a reason that other states have pulled his license and refused to let him fight there. He needs to bow out and ride off into the sunset. He has already proven all he needs to in this sport and this comeback try is only going to serve to tarnish the image of a once great fighter.
posted by T.C. at 08:30 AM on August 19, 2006
Even with the horrible state of the heavyweight division Evander won't even come close to being champ again. His skills are deteriorated beyond even the 2nd tier fighters in the division.
posted by ggermanctl@sbcglobal at 10:35 AM on August 19, 2006
Foreman was in a lot worse shape and talked a lot worse. Still does. I assume you are talking about the foreman on your job site, not the illustrious boxer turned pitchman for this product, arguably the most succesful of it's kind, due to George's smiling face and his ability to appeal to all types of people. Another thing about George, despite lingering a little longer than most of his true fans would have liked him to, his comeback was not forced due to financial insecurities, (because of his successful business ventures) he fought because he still thought he could be competive, and clearly was, but I would add, that he was losing badly on all cards when knocked out Michael Moorer in the 10th round to win the IBF and WBA belts. George was a much bigger man, and a MUCH harder puncher, and never appeared as addled as Holyfield does, and did not have a history of heart problems. Good luck Evander, you're gonna need it.
posted by mjkredliner at 10:53 AM on August 19, 2006
I saw the fight, and it was obvious that Holyfield would win. When you make a comeback, you dont fight a top notch fighter, you start on the low end of the totem pole. This guy is a insurance agent, who is reaching the twilight of his less than spectacular career. If Holyfield didnt win in hte first 4 rounds, then it woulds have been a major upset. Thats why he looked so quick, plus his reach dwarfed his opponents. On the plus side, he looks like he's still in great shape.
posted by Kendall at 10:56 AM on August 19, 2006
Sorry about the bad link.
posted by mjkredliner at 10:57 AM on August 19, 2006
At least Holyfield let his hands go this time. His previous few fights, he couldn't even do that. He says it's because he was hurt. I know one thing-I'm 43 like him and I sure as hell wouldn't get in the ring with him!
posted by Desert Dog at 11:15 AM on August 19, 2006
I'm all in favor of this gladiator's return to the ring. He's a fighter. He's one helluva fighter ... and if that's how he wants to go out---swingin'---then all the power to ya, 'vander!!!
posted by Spitztengle at 11:40 AM on August 19, 2006
This guy (Bates) is an insurance agent. We used to call 'em "bums".
posted by mjkredliner at 12:03 PM on August 19, 2006
I'm 43 like him and I sure as hell wouldn't get in the ring with him! If I got paid what this guy got paid, for what, five minutes' work, I'd get in with Evander. I wish the fight never happened, but if it has to, then sure, I'll take that money. A couple more sweet tats and maybe a bangin' new ride to score the honeys in my Coverage District, for what, one non-lethal beating? That's a fair trade.
posted by chicobangs at 12:36 PM on August 19, 2006
There is no way Hollyfield needs the money. Is he going to be like Streisand and see how many comeback tours he can make. He has no business in the ring. I'm 43 and used to play football and rugby, but you wouldn't catch me on the field except to gongradulate guys on a good game. There HAS to be younger contenders out their that are just not being promoted right.
posted by Psycho at 01:58 PM on August 19, 2006
A couple more sweet tats and maybe a bangin' new ride to score the honeys in my Coverage District, for what, one non-lethal beating? That's a fair trade. Channeling Herbert Kornfeld?
posted by dusted at 09:54 PM on August 19, 2006
Ya know I read all of that link dusted and only understood about 10% of it. Thank God! LOL!
posted by commander cody at 09:56 PM on August 19, 2006
He beat a black "Willy Loman".big wow.who's next a pet store clerk?
posted by mars1 at 11:16 PM on August 19, 2006
Wake me when he fights somebody of importance!
posted by daddisamm at 06:17 AM on August 20, 2006
If it had not been for George Forman in his comeback, The heavyweight divison would have died out along time ago. So if Holyfield can make a comeback more power to him.
posted by ron59 at 11:47 AM on August 20, 2006
You can't compare Geogre Foreman to Holyfirld. Geogre has hands the size of hams, he makes knocking fighters down look easy. Holyfield is a boxer he moves and strikes. I wish him the best, but it really is a young man's sport.
posted by redwolf at 02:15 PM on August 20, 2006
Foreman was in a lot worse shape when he came back and talked a lot worse. Still does. Have you heard them talk lately? Foreman is on TV hawking his grill, and he talks like a person whose medulla oblongata is still attached to the rest of his brain. Holyfield, on the other hand, is on the fast track to permanent punch-drunkenness. Listen to the man talk, and you can hear his cognitive gears grinding themselves into mush as the wheels turn slower and slower. Plus, for everyone who buys the company line that Holyfield is a "great guy," because of his "Warrior" image and public embrace of religion, let's not forget, this is a man who signs autographs with a bible verse, then spreads his seed far and wide, regardless of who he's married to.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 05:28 AM on August 21, 2006
Although I do not agree with it as I have stated in previous threads related to this. A second round TKO is pretty impressive for an "old man" in the sport. I still believe it is no good for boxing to have an over 40 boxer make a run at the title. It doesn't say much for the quality of competition now days.