At The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, WV

At The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, WV
(PPV) Evander Holyfield (43-10-2) vs. Sherman Williams (34-11-2)

Sherman Williams- Bahamian-born veteran, nearly 40 years old himself, is a good test for prospects, who does not sport any skills that Holyfield has not seen a hundred times. Showed improvement when trained by Buddy McGirt and is pacing himself by only fighting twice in the last two years. Lost one of those appearances to 12-bout novice Manuel Charr, a good German prospect, but went the distance and took some early rounds. Williams has never beaten a top 20 heavyweight- sorry, Tye Fields does not count- but is adept defensively having only been stopped once in 11 losses. Early in his career, showed mental toughness, coming back from losing two of his first three bouts, but knows his place now as a respected steppingstone and sparring partner. At 5’11” with a 76-inch reach, Williams is not a big heavyweight and a moderate puncher with a 40% kayo ratio. He is sufficiently accurate though and early in fights, throws combinations. A predictable slowdown is part of Williams entering fights at over 250 pounds, which hampers him just as much as dulling reflexes. Should be given credit for clawing his way to the position of a fighter that tests prospects making the jump to contender, which is more of a compliment than I give him credit for.

Evander Holyfield- When does dedication and desire become ignorance and obstinacy? In boxing, I would argue it is the milestone age of 40, except with very rare cases such as Bernard Hopkins and Archie Moore. Does Holyfield really think he can win another world title or has he simply conditioned himself to say that and expect us to believe him? I am not going to waste much time on this “event,” since Team Holyfield is so sure of victory, a fight against Brian Nielsen is already scheduled for March in Denmark. I will simply state where Holyfield is today instead of retelling Holyfield’s Hall of Fame achievements. At 48, Holyfield is two decades removed from his prime and most hoped a yearlong absence from the ring in 2009 would be permanent. Produced a credible performance against Nicolay Valuev, his last title fight, but lack of punch output by both men and the booing audience told the real story of the fight. Holyfield remains entertaining when he enters a ring, throwing punches instinctually and flashing memorable combinations against slow foes. Also enters fights in great shape, around 220 pounds, which is one of the few good things Holyfield can still show heavyweights of today how to do. I just do not want to see Holyfield eating punches at his age, which he continues to absorb, no matter the level of opponent. Simply put, Evander has overstayed his welcome. The former great still gives 100%, which is not 10% of what Holyfield used to be.

Verdict- Honestly, in my righteous indignation, I did not want to review this fight. I was asked more about this fight by fans than I expected and credit that to Holyfield’s media team for flooding boxing websites and reporters with press releases. That being said, Holyfield by decision. Evander’s volume and Williams’ pacifistic stance will allow him to soak up punches while retreating to the final bell. Williams’ refusal to get into firefights will limit the excitement. Because Holyfield’s feet are slowing, he won’t be able to cut off the ring and force a fight either. Holyfield wins every round but continues to lose supporters.

Prediction record for 2011: 100% (4-0)
Prediction record for 2010: 85% (218-40)

You can contact Marty at mmulcahey@elpasotel.net or visit him at www.facebook.com/fivedogs

Can Williams Derail Holyfield’s Quest? By Beau Denison

Can Williams Derail Holyfield’s Quest? By Beau Denison

The next chapter in the legendary career of five-time world champion and four-time World Heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield begins this weekend as the 48 year old future Hall of Famer steps into the ring against grizzled veteran Sherman Williams at The Greenbrier Hotel and Casino in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.
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Evander Holyfield - Photo Courtesy of ARK Promotions

Holyfield (43-10-2, 28 Knockouts) who last fought on April 10, 2010 scoring an eighth round stoppage of former IBF Heavyweight champion Francois Botha has been plagued in recent months by numerous attempts to stage this bout with Sherman Williams falling through. This has resulted in the former Heavyweight champion being unable to follow through on his intentions to remain active in his campaign to earn another shot at the Heavyweight title.

With the bout with Sherman Williams finally coming to fruition Holyfield now finds himself hoping to fight twice in a six week period, something he has not done since 1986 when he was a contender in the Crusierweight division. Holyfield is scheduled to face popular Danish Heavyweight Brian Neilsen on March 5 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Holyfield faces what could be a tough test in Heavyweight veteran Sherman Williams. Williams (34-11-2,19 Knockouts) is a veteran of forty-seven bouts and is no doubt entering the biggest fight of his career on the biggest stage of his career.

Williams an extremely heavy-handed aggressive fighter will likely be looking to put pressure on Holyfield from the opening bell and will no doubt be looking to impose his will on Holyfield whom has been known for starting slow in recent bouts. Williams will be looking to force the fight into a slugfest by pressuring Holyfield.

In his prime, Holyfield was a fighter who was able to use effective lateral movement by bouncing off his toes and throwing crisp combinations to effectively execute his offense, against an aggressive brawler like Williams it will be interesting to see if Holyfield can box effectively from the outside.

One of the keys to this bout in my mind will be how quick Evander Holyfield can get his punches off. One thing that a fighter faces as they get older are the effects of gradually slowing reflexes which can have an effect on a fighter’s ability to sustain a consistent offensive rhythm. Holyfield had some difficulty in his last fight against Francois Botha in the early rounds because Botha was able to box effectively in spots and tie Holyfield up on the inside before Holyfield could effectively return offense. Botha accomplished this by throwing punches in sporadic bursts as he came forward and would clinch Holyfield.

As the fight went on Botha began to tire and Holyfield was able to gradually get in an offensive rhythm and was able to throw his right hand effectively. Holyfield was able drop Botha in the eighth round with a right hand and was able to score a stoppage later in the round.

A key to this bout will be whether Holyfield is able to dictate the pace of the fight. If Holyfield can establish his pace and force Williams into his type of fight then it will likely be to Holyfield’s advantage because he will not have to fight for a full three minutes of a round where he can likely be effective by throwing punches in bursts.

Another question that surrounds this fight is in regard to Holyfield’s preparation for the bout. In a conference call to promote the fight earlier this week I asked Holyfield what affect if any have the multiple postponements and cancellations have had on his preparations for this bout with Sherman Williams.

Holyfield stated quote “It has been very difficult, This fight should've been five or six months ago, but people didn't do what they said they was going to do. And I'd like to thank Sherman for not getting frustrated. Things like this happen. It’s not on my behalf that it happened this way. I'd have done anything to have this fight three months ago.”

The bout which was last scheduled to take place on December 9 in Detroit was cancelld in November and with all the negotiations to get the bout back on as well as Holyfield already scheduled for another bout six weeks following this fight, it can certainly have an affect on any fighter’s preparation.

Holyfield stated following his TKO victory over Francois Botha that he was intent on staying active, during the conference call I also asked Holyfield if he had any concern with fighting two bouts in such a short period of time with his bout with Brian Neilsen scheduled for March 5 in Denmark. Holyfield stated quote “When I accepted the Nielsen fight, I didn't even know if this fight was going to happen, Hopefully this fight won't take so much out of me that I can't fight the next one."

Holyfield has always been an extremely well conditioned fighter however, with being out of the ring for eight months as well as problems with securing his next bout one has to wonder whether or not he has had adequate time to prepare for this fight given that he is 48 years old.



Williams faces a similar scenario in that he like Holyfield has had to sit out and wait for the problems which have stood in the way of this fight taking place to be resolved. Williams will also be coming off nearly a year and a half of inactivity so ring rust may also be a factor for him in this fight.



Williams is ten years younger than Holyfield and is coming into this fight having built some momentum compiling a record of 9-1, 4 Knockouts in his last ten fights. The thing that some may view as a negative against Williams however is that although he has fought several notable Heavyweight contenders and former Heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev, he has been unable to successfully step up in class and is not a top ten contender. What may work to Williams’ advantage however is the potential of being overlooked by Holyfield and Holyfield’s camp.



After all, Holyfield already has another bout scheduled following this fight and, that can serve as quite a motivator for a fighter whom may be considered an after thought. One can not dismiss the potential for an upset here that should Williams be successful would certainly catapult him into the mainstream of the Heavyweight division.



In the same conference call earlier this week, when asked his thoughts about being overshadowed in the promotion of this fight Williams stated “Evander is a tough guy, But I'm a tough cookie as well. I ain't no pushover. He's got a lot of experience and a lot of wisdom on his side. So do I. And once we get into the ring, whatever it takes to accomplish what I need to get done is what I'm willing to do.”

During the conference call I asked Williams if he saw anything from Holyfield’s last bout with Francois Botha, where Botha fought effectively early that he might be able to use to his advantage. Williams stated quote “I don’t concern myself with that, I don’t study tapes or anything like that.” This in my mind suggests that the normally aggressive Williams will be right in front of Holyfield from the outset which may have the ingredients for an exciting fight for Boxing fans.



The focal point of this fight however is of course Evander Holyfield’s continuing quest to regain the Undisputed Heavyweight championship. Whether or not his fight with Williams or his upcoming bout with Brian Neilsen will serve as a way to springboard himself back into the Heavyweight title picture is up for debate.

What is indisputable however is the notion that even the greatest of fighters can be caught and in this case Holyfield is the fighter whom all eyes will be focused on. The pressure is on him to not only emerge from this fight victorious but also to fight in such a way that he makes the best argument possible for a shot at the Heavyweight title. For Sherman Williams it is an opportunity to make a name for himself against a living legend.



What Williams may fail to realize is Evander Holyfield is waging his own private war. The war to once again capture the Heavyweight crown. He’s lost a few battles yet he continues on. Yes he is 48 years old, yes he has a suspect left shoulder, yes some of his boxing skills have slowed, but there is one thing. We should not forget and Williams should definitely take notice of Evander Holyfield’s heart.



Evander Holyfield has the heart of a gladiator and does not accept defeat. Williams has stated that he does not review tape of his opponents which ultimately in the case of Holyfield may be a disastrous mistake. If Williams would review Holyfield’s career he will see that it will take more than boxing skills and power punches to defeat him. Holyfield even when you have him in trouble continues to fight on, a champion tried and true, has snatched victory from presumable defeat.



So who will come out the victor in the Holyfield-Williams bout? All questions will be answered this Saturday night, January 22nd.