I think most people see Holmes as edging Witherspoon, based on his early lead and the fact that Witherspoon blew a couple of the later rounds. But either way, it was an epic fight that is really a credit to both men.
I definitely agree that Holmes won, but it was a terrific performance from both men.
I don't think you're giving him enough credit. Moorer was a beast, an extremely talented fighter and one of the best things to come out of the Kronk gym. And Morrison was very, very good himself and he fought a smart, disciplined fight against George. As far as Holyfield, even at cruiserweight, people were talking about him as the next big challenge to Tyson. Giving a great fight to a guy who was already an undisputed cruiserweight and heavyweight champion seems to me an undeniably impressive feat by George. And the fact that George hurt Holyfield but was never hurt himself, even when Holyfield landed something like 20 or so consecutive punches to him, says a lot. Foreman had his limitations in his comeback, but he also had incredible strengths.
Those types of decision fights are the reason they say you have to really beat a long time champion, Ali had a few, Joe Louis had Walcott. It's probably less true in modern times but if you're trying to earn a title you have to do a lot more than what's being done to you. It's one problem I always had with the Hagler Leonard fight, which was close, but Hagler was the longtime champ, he should have kept his title if we're going with protocol.
Read the intro years ago, great intro. Doesnt seem that long ago.Don't know if you guys are aware, but Shavers put out an autobiography about 20 years ago. Guy was always working an angle, but in a good way. Really interesting read and insight into the boxing world of the 70's and 80's.
