Betting Tip - Nikolai Valuev vs. Evander Holyfield
Published December 20, 2008 by Martin Bean
All time great, Evander ‘Real Deal’ Holyfield continues his seemingly impossible task of lifting the World Heavyweight Crown for the fifth time as he takes on ‘The Beast from the East’ Nikolai Valuev in Zurich tonight (20th December 2008).
Holyfield, now 46 years of age, brings a proud 42-9-2 (27 KO’s) but is a shadow of the man who once destroyed Buster Douglas to win the Heavyweight Title, the man who overcame the impervious Riddick Bowe to win a thrilling rematch and the man who broke down Mike Tyson in what seemed an impossible victory beforehand.
Nowadays, Holyfield is not facing such illustrious foes with Lou Saverese, Chris Byrd, Larry Donald and Fres Oquendo more accurately representing the level Holyfield has fallen to – in his younger years Holyfield would have dispatched these opponents with ease, but now it is a struggle to overcome them, if he can overcome them at all – as highlighted by his 12 round decision loss to Chris Byrd.
Valuev on the other hand brings an impressive 49-1 (34) record to the ring at the age of 35 and is quite simply, a physical freak of nature; standing 7’0 tall (compared to Holyfield’s 6’2), holding an 85 inch reach (to Holyfield’s 78 inches) and weighing over 300lbs (to Holyfield’s 220lbs).
So just how can Holyfield overcome all of these significant physical advantages to regain the Heavyweight Title for a record fifth time? In days gone by, Holyfield would have been able to do this with his excellent footwork and hand speed. But now, those attributes are not what they once were and Holyfield faces a long and possibly painful night.
Valuev will dominate from long range and Holyfield will only have sporadic success, which will come in the first three rounds. After that, expect it to be all Valuev as he gradually breaks down the legendary former champion to succeed by late stoppage, with Holyfield’s corner throwing the towel in to stop the one way traffic.
BOXING CAPITAL TIP – Nikolai Valuev to Win by KO @ 4/6 with Skybet)
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