Columnist Dean Juipe: Holyfield in trouble, once again

Dean Juipe

Friday, Nov. 12, 1999 | 9:48 a.m.

Dean Juipe's column appears Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. His boxing notebook appears Thursday. Reach him at juipe@vegas.com or 259-4084.

This has gone on long enough.

Never regarded as indestructible, Evander Holyfield looked to be past his prime at the age of 30 after losing the undisputed heavyweight championship to Riddick Bowe in 1992.

Bowe was 25 at the time and a big hitter. His reign began as Holyfield's ended and most saw it simply as a matter of evolution, of youth supplanting age.

But what wasn't known at the time was that Holyfield was a modern-day Lazarus. A year after losing to Bowe he turned the tables and won a decision in an exciting fight that generally surprised.

Yet just one fight later, Holyfield lost again, this time to Michael Moorer. And this time he really did appear to be finished, at least in terms of winning championship fights.

That seemed especially true when Holyfield lost a second fight to Bowe in 1995, this time by eighth-round knockout.

While admittedly fighting top-caliber opponents, Holyfield was a mere 3-3 during that three-year stretch. No one would have believed he would proceed to defeat Mike Tyson twice, defeat Moorer in a rematch and manage a draw with Lennox Lewis.

But now Lewis (34) and Holyfield (37) fight again, Saturday at the Thomas & Mack Center before a sold-out crowd and an additional pay-per-view audience that is expected to number 800,000, and Holyfield is once again either one step away from his recliner or one step away from still another miraculous resurrection.

And therein lies the appeal of a fight that will also unite the three major heavyweight championships for the first time since Bowe -- whose lack of desire and family problems short-circuited his career -- could claim them in '92.

While neither physically imposing nor extremely powerful, Holyfield has conclusively proven his resolve. If a man can will himself to victory when all other variables are more or less equal, Holyfield is that man.

But how many times can he do it? How often can he bathe in the fountain of youth?

Chances are he has had his last fling, although even if he is defeated by Lewis there is the possibility of a third big-money fight with Tyson. Yet seeing Holyfield this week and hearing him talk confidently of victory is a reminder that it has been a mistake to count him out in the past.

He is one victory -- this one right here -- away from cementing a legendary reputation as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. Considering that he was perceived to be only a temporary champion earlier this decade, that's quite an achievement no matter how Saturday's fight plays out.

Lewis should win, there isn't any doubt about it. His physical advantages are substantial and this is, after all, a sport where a few pounds and a little height can determine the winner.

But, to date, Lewis is no match for Holyfield when it comes to heart and determination. He also has a questionable chin, and, as a result, those banking on Holyfield envision the older man utilizing his experience, guile and fortitude to expose Lewis' shortcomings.

Lewis supporters claim their man is keenly focused and, besides, he isn't as calendar-challenged as Holyfield.

The criteria is in place for a good fight, maybe even a great one. While giving Holyfield his due, it's there for Lewis to win.