Evander Holyfield picks Mike Tyson to win in a hypothetical fight against James Toney. The former undisputed cruiserweight and heavyweight champion shared his thoughts based on his experience fighting both boxers.
Holyfield, Tyson, and Toney are three of America's most decorated boxers. Each man has multiple world championships to his name. Holyfield stands out as one of only four men to win undisputed titles in two weight classes and the only four-time world heavyweight champion in history.
Holyfield fought Tyson twice, winning both times. The first fight ended with a stoppage, while the second ended in disqualification after Tyson bit a chunk out of Holyfield's ear. Later in his career, in 2002, Holyfield lost to Toney by stoppage.
Tyson, who became the youngest heavyweight belt holder at 20, retired in 2005 after two losses. He's set to make a controversial return to the ring next month against Jake Paul in Arlington, Texas, in an eight-round exhibition.
Toney won multiple world championships in three weight classes, including lineal middleweight titles, the IBF super middleweight title, and the IBF cruiserweight title. He tried his hand at heavyweight twice but fell short both times. Toney retired in 2017 after a 92-fight career.
When asked about a potential Tyson-Toney matchup, Holyfield didn't mince words. In an interview with ESNEWS, he said:
"Mike would kill him. Mike would kill him. When Mike realised that he can hit you, he gonna get you out of there. I know when he hit me he had that power on the punch, Mike will clear you up."
Holyfield's prediction comes from firsthand experience with both fighters' styles and power. He emphasizes Tyson's punching power and ability to finish fights quickly once he lands his shots as the deciding factors in this hypothetical matchup.
While we'll never see this dream fight play out in reality, Holyfield's insight gives fans a glimpse into what might have been if these two boxing legends had met in their primes.
