Former world heavyweight champion, Evander Holyfield, has recently shared some intriguing insights into the ever-evasive world of professional boxing. Holyfield candidly expressed his thoughts on the possibility of Deontay Wilder regaining his championship status, and the prospects of Anthony Joshua knocking out Francis Ngannou.
Basking in the nostalgic air of his historic career, Holyfield chatted openly about fellow American boxer Deontay Wilder. The latter lost his WBC heavyweight title in February 2020, succumbing to Tyson Fury in a thrilling seven-round clash. Fans and critics alike have since wondered if the Alabama native can reclaim the world champion title. On this, Holyfield asserted, “Of course, Wilder can be champ again.”
According to the boxing icon, Wilder’s powerful right hand and his implacable tenacity are two weaponries enough to take him back to the championship glory. “It’s not like he can’t fight. Wilder is still the hardest puncher in boxing history,” Holyfield added.
Evander Holyfield, hailed as “The Real Deal” in the ring, also stirred up excitement when discussing British fighter Anthony Joshua and Cameroonian heavyweight, Francis Ngannou. Joshua, the two-time unified world heavyweight champion, is an undeniable force to be reckoned with. Ngannou, on the other hand, is not just a knockout artist, but also the reigning UFC heavyweight champion with an imposing record.
Amidst the hypothetical match-ups presented to Holyfield, one sparked his interest, namely, a collision between Joshua and Ngannou. When quizzed about the probability of Joshua overcoming Ngannou, Holyfield shared some calculated perceptions. “I think Joshua would get him out there. He would knock Ngannou out,” he said frankly, implying Joshua’s superior boxing skills over the UFC titan.
Holyfield’s confident assertion shouldn’t be taken lightly, considering his legendary stature and wealth of first-hand boxing experience. He believes Joshua’s disciplined boxing prowess would give him an upper hand, especially as Ngannou is a proven striker but not necessarily a boxing specialist. The crisper punches and better footwork of Joshua might just be overpowering for the UFC champion.
Holyfield’s comments have undoubtedly stirred the pot, heating up debates amongst fans and pugilistic pundits. On Wilder’s potential to regain the championship title, history could indeed repeat itself, as Wilder is certainly no stranger to bouncing back. And when it comes to the Joshua-Ngannou face-off, only time will tell whether his prediction rings true. However, it is important to note that any such showdown would require crossing the boundaries between boxing and mixed martial arts, a step not many fighters or promoters have willingly taken.
Regardless, one thing’s for sure: Holyfield’s assertions have added an extra layer of intrigue to the world of professional boxing. These words, coming directly from a man who’s been in the ring with some of the sport’s all-time greats, surely hold substantial weight. It’ll be interesting to see how these predictions unfold, potentially crafting new chapters in the evolving narrative of combat sports. Evander Holyfield, with his boxing wisdom and straightforward approach, has given us a thrilling glimpse into what the future could potentially hold for Deontay Wilder, Anthony Joshua, and Francis Ngannou.
