boxwood backbudding

So just how well will these back bud on old wood? I have found 2 monsters for sale (they are over 7 feet tall, so im assuming they are the old fashioned english boxwoods maybe. I have not seen them in person yet but Im guessing with how big they are there will be lots of cutting back (likely to the point that no green will be left). Since the people need them out of their way possibly I could cut them back enough to retain green then put them in my garden and start reducing them later once they regain their vigor?. Once they are vigorous again do you think hard chops would be safe, or would it be better to gradually chop them back forcing buds more inward? Mostly what Im trying to figure out is if I remove all foliage from a limb or trunk, will that section die or not.

I remember there was an extensive discussion about this earlier in the year, and a range of opinions were presented. If you didn't see that thread, it's Monster buxus That's the best I can do as I've never collected a boxwood or cut one back past all growth.

thanks coh, I remember that thread now, I hope jim provides some updates although it seems everyone has random results with whether they back bud or not. Have any of you ever collected them in late summer or early fall?

I just collected a couple of big boxwood and they back budded well. IMHO, it highly depends on the existing dormant buds your tree already have.

They are shown here.
https://ibonsaiclub.forumotion.com/t10505-added-2-big-boxwood-4-ilex-to-my-collection-d-pics-added

Alex, first you need to determine the species. All of our discussions have been about B. microphylla. I wouldn't assume anything with sempervirens. The only big sempervirens I've seen on this forum were from Europe. You may need Will B for this.