Evander Holyfield vs. Lou Savarese - Fight Preview and Bodog Odds

On Saturday, June 30th, four-time heavyweight champ Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield will take on Lou Savarese at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas. It is being billed as The Road to the Heavyweight Championship.

The fight will be shown on pay-per-view, which is a real shame considering that both these fighters are well past their prime. No doubt, viewers will be asked to shell out upwards of $30 to $40 for a boring fight in the wrecked heavyweight division. It’s this sort of blind greed which has helped reduce boxing to its current state.

But before I go off on a long rant, let’s take a look at both of the fighters and then see what kind of odds they’re getting.

EVANDER HOLYFIELD

Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, Evander Holyfield has a record of 41-8-2 with 27 KO’s. He is 44 years old, stands 6’2 ½” and weighs 218 pounds. He is a former WBA, WBC and IBF cruiserweight champion, as well as the former holder of the WBC, WBA and IBF heavyweight titles. Ring Magazine selected him as Fighter of the Year for 1996-1997.

Holyfield has fought numerous wars over his career, including three tough fights with Riddick Bowe and a pair of bouts with Mike Tyson. During his career, he’s fought everyone from Lennox Lewis to James Toney. He’s always fought the best, but his competition lately has been a step down. We’re talking fighters like Vinny Madalone and Fres Oquendo.

Also keep in mind that all of Holyfield’s recent fights have taken place in Texas. This is because most other states will no longer grant him a license to compete in the sport.

Strengths

Holyfield is still strong at 44 and can close the show with the best of him. He’s very dangerous inside, and he’s a master at using his head as a weapon to stun or cut opponents. His left hook is particularly effective. Even if everyone else has given up on him, Holyfield truly believes that he will once again be a world champion. This burning desire makes him very dangerous despite his eroding skills.

Weaknesses

Holyfield turned pro back in 1984, and he doesn’t have much tread left on the tires. In fact, some might say that he’s been running on the rims for several years. Most of those close to him are urging him to retire, but he seems intent on getting permanent brain damage. The major states for the sport of boxing will no longer grant him a license to fight. That should have been his first clue that something’s wrong.

LOU SAVARESE

Savarese is from Houston, Texas and has a record of 48-6 with 36 KO’s. He is 41 years old, 6’5” and 249 pounds. While he has held a couple of minor heavyweight belts, he has never won a major title.

While he has fought George Foreman, Mike Tyson and Michael Grant, Savarese has usually lost when faced with quality opposition. In fact, the bulk of his wins were strung together by beating men like Larry Givens, who retired from boxing with a record of 3-46. He has won his last 3 fights, but his opponents were once again suspect.

Strengths

Savarese still has power in his big right hand, so he’s still dangerous. He’s got a puncher’s chance, but that’s about it. Oh, and he usually comes to his fights in excellent condition.

Weaknesses

Savarese is slow and lacks defense. While his chin has usually been pretty durable, it usually just means that he’ll stay in a fight long enough to absorb more punishment than is advisable. His level of competition has been very low for years, and he’s past the 40-year mark.

BODOG ODDS

So what does Bodog have to say about each fighter’s chances? Let’s take a look. Keep in mind that the maximum bet is $500.

Winner of the Fight

Evander Holyfield -700

Lou Savarese +400

Over/Under for the Fight

Over 9 ½ Rounds -110

Under 9 ½ Rounds -130

PREDICTION

Look for Holyfield to get inside and use his head to open up Savarese. As his visibility becomes impaired from the blood, Savarese will eat big punch after big punch until he goes down in the 6th and doesn’t get back up. Holyfield by KO in Round 6.

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Evander Holyfield vs. Lou Savarese - Fight Preview and Bodog Odds