It reminds me with Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson, I think people were not wrong for saying Mike was still on shape and able to beat Jake, during the match, Mike was only holding his punch and defending in order to keep getting punched by Jake.
How about the recent fight between Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios? Does this also have a negative impact on the so-called nostalgia? I think the negative impact of nostalgia in this fight was nullified by the judges by giving a majority draw. Lol.
Anyway, I also agree that if one bet because of the nostalgia feeling, he might end up losing the bet in most cases. What is past is past, especially in sports where the young ones replace the old. the old one may have the best attribute during his prime but remember this old one had already diminished all of his exlusive attributes that made him a star during his prime. We cannot think that the performance would be the same since the body of the old isn't as reactive as he was younger.
We should take ex athletes or pro players for fun when they back, you know their "motivation" already different. When they were athletes, their motivation is to be the best. When they weren't, their motivation is for making money.
I agree, just bet for them for fun and do not put a serious amount to think that they can always pull a stunt to win against the younger, stronger generation.