MUHAMMAD ALI never met Evander Holyfield in the ring – but a simulated fight has answered the age-old debate for boxing fans.
Over 150,000 supporters tuned in to watch the two heavyweight legends battle it out as part of the eWorld Boxing Super Series.
Muhammad Ali secured his spot in the semi-final of the tournament
All British Boxing has been suspended until at least the end of April due to the outbreak of coronavirus.
Sport-deprived fans have decided to get their fix by watching simulated fighters battle it out for the first eAli trophy.
Holyfield famously once claimed that Ali was “quick but looked beatable” due to his fighting style.
But it was a different story when the two heavyweight legends virtually collided on EA Sports’ Fight Night Champion.
It was an aggressive start from both fighters, but Holyfield managed to land the cleaner shots in the early stages.
Ali looked rocked after a brutal combination from The Real Deal in the second round.
But the American, aptly nicknamed The Greatest, battled his way back into the fight before he dropped his opponent in the fifth round.
Holyfield rose at the count of five, before Ali sent him crashing to the canvas again to win via stoppage.
After the simulated fight, Ali said: “I’m young, I’m handsome and I’m fast.
“If you even dream of beating me you’d better wake up and apologise.”
Ali ended his professional boxing career with a record of 56-5-0, while Holyfield put an end to his fighting days with 44-10-2.
eWorld Boxing Super Series chief boxing officer, Kalle Sauerland, was delighted with the performance.
She said: “What a storming performance by the GOAT.
“A scorching first fight to get us under way.”
Tuesday’s quarter-final will see Lennox Lewis square off with Joe Frazier before Mike Tyson takes on Butterbean on Wednesday.
Muhammed Ali beat his opponent by knockout on Tuesday
Earlier this month, Tyson was put through his paces in a simulated showdown against Deontay Wilder.
George Foreman will face David Haye on Thursday before the semi-finals commence on Friday and Saturday.
The winner of the first ever eAli trophy will be crowned on Sunday after the highly-anticipated final.
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Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
