Arguably, Evander Holyfield was one of the smartest heavyweights in boxing history. And against big punchers like George Foreman and Mike Tyson, a prime Holyfield was able to adjust and find a way to defeat these two greats. But against a prime Joe Frazier, it would have been more difficult for the Real Deal as Smokin' Joe was the embodiment of forward movement and relentless punching. Though Holyfield might have been able to see the Frazier's left hook, I don't know if he would have been able to counter the overly aggressive Frazier and his ability to take punches (aside from the ones George Foreman destroyed him with in Kingston, Jamaica). Given that, Frazier would have had a difficult time against the arguably faster Holyfield, who likely would have fought him from a comfortable distance and with a piston-like jab. In effect, I think it would have been a chess match with neither man really becoming decisively effective over the other. Yet, if Frazier constantly lands his punches and gets Holyfield on the ropes to work him over, I could see the decision barely going to Smokin' Joe. Nevertheless, it wouldn't be easy because Holyfield always showed a tendency to get away from perilous positions and impose his will on opponents.

Simply too hard to call.

Frazier vs. Holyfield would be hard to watch. Holyfield would be perpetually on defense until the fifth or sixth round when he finally stayed on the canvas. Frazier as an agressor and offensive fighter was so far out of Holyfield's class that I would really fear for Holyfield's safety.

I like Evander but he never fought someone like Joe. You needed to be smart to beat Fraizer, you couldn't just pound on him till he broke. I'd have to give this one to Joe, Evander never had to deal with a jab like Joe's coming from another heavyweight.

As much as I like Holyfield, and as good as I think he was. I would have to favor Frazier in this dream fight. This would be a battle of two of boxing's biggest hearts. Joe's advantage would, of course be his left hook. Holyfield was an ultimate warrior, who when hurt, refused to be knocked out and refused to lose. They both fought George Foreman with drasticly differant results and at differant times in Georges career and Holyfield did win in a close fight with Foreman. But I think in the long run Holyfield's big heart would betray him, and his lack of a big heavyweight punch would fail to keep Frazier from working his body and slowly grinding him down. Styles make fights.

This should be a helluva war. Frazier wouldn't have to worry about getting hit by an atomic puncher like he was with Foreman-and even when Holyfield was still basically in his prime and competitive,he was in serious trouble and almost stopped by 'Smokin' Bert Cooper,who I think Frazier worked with in his Philadelphia gym.

Frazier has a stronger punch. Holyfield is too light. Holyfield is a good modern heavyweight but Frazier would have broken his Jaw - just like he did to Ali.