With those massive arms, it was very good for protecting his head despite diminished reflexes. He wasn't able to protect both his head and body anymore.

But fortunately for him, anyone close enough to punch him to the body was also close enough to be clubbed back even harder. Those were the moments where he really got Holyfield.

Of course, he would have had trouble with the bigger, rangier fighters being able to get at his body. How 'lucky' he was to never come across one.

My observation is that ordinarily that sort of guard is used by fighters whose tactics force their opponents to head-hunt. Like crouching inside fighters Moore and Frazier.

 

http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2014/6/1...armed-guard-solving-styles-part-1-reverse-engineering-the-lock-history-analysis

http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2014/6/1...ng-styles-reverse-engineering-cross-armed-guard-the-lock-part-2-boxing-analysis

Read these two articles; as detailed a breakdown as this guard as you'll ever find, I promise.

 

http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2014/6/1...armed-guard-solving-styles-part-1-reverse-engineering-the-lock-history-analysis

http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2014/6/1...ng-styles-reverse-engineering-cross-armed-guard-the-lock-part-2-boxing-analysis

Read these two articles; as detailed a breakdown as this guard as you'll ever find, I promise.

That was a very good read. Thanks.