Usyk currently holds the WBC, WBA, and WBO heavyweight titles. He's proven himself as the best heavyweight of his time, having beaten Tyson Fury twice. His last win against Fury was in December.
On the other hand, Holyfield, known as "The Real Deal," had a remarkable 27-year career. He was the undisputed champion in both cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. Holyfield also made history as the only boxer to win the world heavyweight title four times. His list of wins includes big names like George Foreman, Michael Moorer, and Mike Tyson.
Holyfield retired in 2011 after beating Brian Nielsen in his 57th pro fight. In 2021, at 58 years old, he stepped back in the ring for an exhibition match. The fight ended quickly when Vitor Belfort knocked him out in the first round in Florida.
Despite this, Nelson still picks Holyfield over Usyk. In an interview with talkSPORT, Nelson said:
"I can easily answer that. You look at a prime Evander Holyfield jumping up to heavyweight with a prime Oleksandr Usyk, I'd go for Holyfield."
Nelson explained his choice, saying Holyfield could be "destructive" and "concussive." He added that Holyfield would figure things out until the very end of each round.
He went on to say, "It would have been an amazing fight but I would have sided with Evander Holyfield, because of his power, stamina and pace."
While it's fun to imagine this match-up, we'll never know for sure how it would play out. Both fighters have left their mark on boxing history in their own unique ways.