Larry Holmes - Underappreciated Genius?

[Jamie Albrecht]

Larry Holmes: Underappreciated genius?
By Jamie Albrecht

Larry Holmes, the Easton assassin should arguably feature in any hardcore boxing aficionado’s top 5 greatest of all time. There can even be a valid case made for an inclusion in the top 3. Instead of this, Holmes’ reign as the world heavyweight boxing champion, an honour historically associated with respect for a man seen to be the best of the best, the prime gladiator of the sports’ flagship division, was somewhat charred with a sense of contempt and resentment, emotions that presented themselves after Holmes somewhat upsetting “dissection” of ring idol Muhammad Ali in 1980. Ali was a media darling and American hero, ironically for making the same stand for his religious beliefs that had previously led to the stripping of his championship 13 years earlier. Public opinion had changed, and with it came the readjustment of attitude towards Ali, who was now admired for protection his principles rather than avoided for partaking in the practise of “draft dodging” that had so often been negatively raved about by the American media.

Holmes himself was in awe of Ali and acknowledged this during the press conference held after his battering of the former champion. He stated “He was the greatest fighter in the world...”He's one hell of an athlete, one hell of a man. Even trying to win a fourth title is one hell of an achievement. He had a two-year layoff and then tried to fight the baddest heavyweight in the world." Indeed it is very hard to discredit the claim made by Holmes after this fight. The World Boxing Council Heavyweight champion had in 1978 dethroned champion Ken Norton over 15 great rounds. It was discovered after the fight that Holmes had suffered an injury to his left tricep muscle, an injury that was initially thought to have been sustained in training five days before the fight. This magnifies Holmes achievement immensely. To put things into perspective, it must be remembered that Norton had given Muhammad Ali two of his toughest battles, including breaking Ali’s jaw en route to a points decision win in March 1973. To be able to beat such credible opposition with only one hand in operation deserves serious respect.

Holmes was no stranger to this kind of adversity however. The Easton assassin possessed arguably the best jab in heavyweight boxing history, honed after an accident involving his right hand that left him only able to train with the left. The jab allowed him to pile on the points against Norton, to humiliate Ali in 1980 without the need for a knockout and beat very capable contenders such as Earnie Shavers, (who is regarded by many as boxing hardest hitter pound for pound of all time) twice. Fights such as these also displayed an iron chin. Holmes was only knocked out once in his 29 year career that began with a points win in 1973 against one Rodell Dupree and ended in a circus like affair against former IBA super heavyweight champion, Eric “Butterbean” Esch in which Holmes won by unanimous decision, once again employing the famous jab to rack up the points.

Holmes was also no stranger to controversy. During his quest to emulate the record of former undisputed Heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano, Holmes declared that the “Brockton Blockbuster” “is not fit to carry my jockstrap” after losing his coveted 48-0 record against Michael Spinks in 1985. This comment has been attributed as by some as the reasoning behind the public falling out of love with the former champion. One remark, made out of bitterness in reaction to an extremely disputed unanimous decision, seems to have left a permanent smudge on a man who should, in my view, be more widely appreciated, appreciated for his hard slog on the way up, and for his reign as champion that included 17 defences of the WBC crown and 3 of the IBF, which he adopted in December 1983. However, Holmes was used to playing the villain, whether that role be self-imposed or by way of media storm.

1982 saw the rise of Gerry Cooney, who was being hyped for greatness. The boxing and even the American media in it’s entirety seemed to be intent on taking the focus away from the boxing and focusing it on the wrongful values of old; race. Cooney was an Irish-American blue collar type of fighter. He became immensely popular with the white working class of America and was showcasing knockout power to accompany his popular persona. Wins over Ron Lyle and Jimmy young, good contenders of the time, plus a knockout of Holmes former rival Ken Norton suggested that the New Yorker was ready for the big time. Following the arrangement of the fight, Cooney was immediately touted as “a great white hope”, someone who was able to make history by becoming the first white heavyweight champion since Rocky Marciano retired in 1956. This darker tone to proceedings increased racial tensions for the fight. Holmes was seen as something of a bad guy and was even dismissed by the president of the United States as a loser in the fight, which was present in order for President Carter to congratulate the “winner” after the fight. The total dismissal by the public of the champion for a reason based on skin colour only served to add fuel to Holmes’ determination.

Such an atmosphere would have no doubt reminded him of the appalling rhetoric surrounding both of the Louis-Schmeling encounters decades earlier. As Cooney acknowledged, skills and technical ability should decide the outcome of the fight, not race. Such an admission did nothing to dampen Holmes’ anger and come the night of the fight he put on a great display. The second round saw Cooney hit the deck, perhaps with the realisation of the mammoth task at hand. This was not the end by any means though, Cooney did not fold, and pushed the champion hard, trading back and forth through the middle rounds. The progression of the fight saw Cooney fatigue. In the 9th round he landed a low blow to Holmes’ midsection. This may have indicated an element of desperation. However, after the fight Cooney maintained that the illegal contact was purely accidental. The contest turned in the champion’s favour from the start of the 11th round. The tenth saw Cooney’s’ last stand, using up what was left of his energy in giving Holmes the best he could offer. The two exchanged blows throughout the round, providing exciting viewing. The end saw a mercy stoppage and the end of one of the greatest spectacles, both for the outside actions and in-ring courage. Holmes knocked down the no longer game challenger, who was by now surviving on fighter’s instinct only. This signalled the end for the challenger’s corner, who dived in to stop the fight. The president along with millions of others that night never saw the outcome they had hoped for.

This fight proved that the Easton Assassin had a champions will when it came to dealing with adversity. Yet another great quality that should encourage any boxing fan to show him more appreciation. During his career, Holmes racked up a title defence record second only to the great Joe Louis (20) this alone should afford Larry more credibility. His Jab, iron chin and stubborn nature (he fought on until 52!) made him a boxing writers dream. And that ladies and gents is why Larry Holmes WAS indeed as the title suggests: an underappreciated genius.

Constructive criticism would be appreciated :)

[Counter-puncher]

i always think the jockstrap comment should be quoted in full, jamie, to my knowkledge holmes said 'technically speaking, Marciano wasn't fit to carry my jockstrap' which, if true, makes Holmes seem a little less harsh.

[Jamie Albrecht]

i always think the jockstrap comment should be quoted in full, jamie, to my knowkledge holmes said 'technically speaking, Marciano wasn't fit to carry my jockstrap' which, if true, makes Holmes seem a little less harsh.

Thanks CP, will edit that in my word document :-D

[Goodnight, Irene]

I think you've a rather sound manner of writing, to your credit.

On the other hand, I think your article has missed the boat by a good few years. Holmes as the underdog has passed by --- he now gets the recognition he deserved. He's no longer under-rated.

[Bricks]

No offence to the thread starter at all, but I'm getting really really sick of the constant Larry Holmes "underappreciated genius" fundamentalism thats constantly on the net. Its like Larry himself has stooges on each website paid to tell us how he was the greatest HW ever!

I dont understand where there was "genius" in Holmes.

Genius is a quantity defined as "someone of exceptional talent, origionality ,intellect or creativity"...............on those grounds I would consider Ali a genius, or a Ray Robinson or Sugar Ray or Roy Jones jnr or Tommy Hearns......but not Holmes...

To me he was a very good champion but pretty much inferior to Ali at every stretch of Ali's championship career that wasnt ravaged by drugs, old age and early parkinsons.

Holmes had a very good jab but he never had to hold off a Joe Frazier, Sonny Liston or George Foreman with it. He had speed but he never had to pit his speed with a Floyd Patterson.

I sat down to watch when Larry met Ali on ESPN HD this Sunday. I genuinely wanted to like Holmes. As I saw clips of Holmes in 1980, as the family man lying down on his couch and lovingly looking at his devoted wife and young baby. I felt myself warm to him and especially his kind devoted humble wife who has stood with him all these years.

I thought of Holmes clean living and talent and his record as champion of 48-0 at one stage. I thought of how he hadnt indulged in drugs and drink and how he with little formal education had managed to save his money and avoid hangers on and corrupt lawyers and build a $100 million property fortune.

For all those things Holmes deserves respect as well as the talent , heart and dedication he showed as a very good champion. Someone who is in anyones top 12 HW's of all time.

Larry shouldnt need to mouth off and be so loud and vulgar and egomaniacal everytime a member of the media or press asks him a question.Yes he is successful and an all time great and yes he should be given respect as a role model to young black men who frankly need guidance but instead all of Larrys mind is convincing others as loudly as possible that he was better than Ali. Larrys big problem is he refuses to give any respect to other HW champions and refuses to accept it if anyone says Ali was better than him. Holmes wants to be considered number 1 and he constantly says with glib well "I beat Ali" to back up his demented argument with anyone who disagrees. But when the name Tyson is bought up and it is argued that The HOlmes who lost to Tyson was still a guy who would have beaten the rest of the HW top ten in early 1988 , Holmes gets angry and irrational.
The truth is Larry was old and out of shape when he met Tyson but in my mind the early 1988 Tyson would have beaten the 1982 Holmes just as bad as well.

I have Holmes at the very lower end of the HW top 10 or 12 and he goes down for me as one of boxings great champions , competitors and success stories despite his vulgar loudmouth personality since the mid 80's and his constant sniping on Ali and jealousy of Foremans success in his second career. I dont understand how he is underrated when most people , unlike me,have him around 4-6 when recalling the greatest HW champions. I have him much lower than that but hey thats my considered opinion.

As a businessman I think Holmes is great and should have a TV show like Oprah on TV, to dispense advice to young black men. But than again Larry probably isnt the giving kind, apart from FIST which Cooney started anyway, its just my impression he is the kind who wasnt given any quarter and doesnt give any back.

Also we need to remember everytime Larry has a camera shoved in his face he seems to go into assholle mode so maybe forget the tv show idea!

[Jesus]

Larry Holmes was a good boxer he was just unfortunate to be involved in the piss poor post-ali era of heavyweight boxing......never really followed his career much, only ever see one of his fights against cooney but other then that i can't name 1 person who he has beat (other then old, washed up, half crippled Ali of course but that dont count).

[Goodnight, Irene]

Larry Holmes was a good boxer he was just unfortunate to be involved in the piss poor post-ali era of heavyweight boxing......never really followed his career much, only ever see one of his fights against cooney but other then that i can't name 1 person who he has beat (other then old, washed up, half crippled Ali of course but that dont count).

Like someone round these parts once said of Holmes' opposition...

"Hey, someone had to stop Scott LeDoux's reign of terror..." D

[Jesus]

Larry Holmes was a good boxer he was just unfortunate to be involved in the piss poor post-ali era of heavyweight boxing......never really followed his career much, only ever see one of his fights against cooney but other then that i can't name 1 person who he has beat (other then old, washed up, half crippled Ali of course but that dont count).

Like someone round these parts once said of Holmes' opposition...

"Hey, someone had to stop Scott LeDoux's reign of terror..." D

[Jamie Albrecht]

I think you've a rather sound manner of writing, to your credit.

On the other hand, I think your article has missed the boat by a good few years. Holmes as the underdog has passed by --- he now gets the recognition he deserved. He's no longer under-rated.

good point, and i did have reservations when writing this piece, though I used this topic as a sort of starter to writing when applying, so using a well worn topic seemed like the sensible option, so i could just concentrate on the style of writing and showcase my journalistic value

Im glad you enjoyed it though, so thanks :-)

[Darling]

Larry Holmes was a good boxer he was just unfortunate to be involved in the piss poor post-ali era of heavyweight boxing......never really followed his career much, only ever see one of his fights against cooney but other then that i can't name 1 person who he has beat (other then old, washed up, half crippled Ali of course but that dont count).

If you enjoy boxing, and it is hard to tell from your posts, get a copy of Holmes vs Witherspoon.

[BoxBuzz]

........ that might not be an overly enjoyable fight for a Holmes fan.

[Darling]

........ that might not be an overly enjoyable fight for a Holmes fan.

Why?

It was a great fight. Holmes was pushed hard....................... and responded.

Both guys gave 100%.

The 9th (I think it is) where both are hurt is a great round.

Why wouldn't a fan of boxing want to see a great fight, Buzz?

[BoxBuzz]

OK OK you're right. And you know I wouldn't say that unless it was true.

[Goodnight, Irene]

........ that might not be an overly enjoyable fight for a Holmes fan.

Why?

It was a great fight. Holmes was pushed hard....................... and responded.

Both guys gave 100%.

The 9th (I think it is) where both are hurt is a great round.

Why wouldn't a fan of boxing want to see a great fight, Buzz?

He has taken on Granberry's one-line-at-a-time writing style

[Goodnight, Irene]

I think you've a rather sound manner of writing, to your credit.

On the other hand, I think your article has missed the boat by a good few years. Holmes as the underdog has passed by --- he now gets the recognition he deserved. He's no longer under-rated.

good point, and i did have reservations when writing this piece, though I used this topic as a sort of starter to writing when applying, so using a well worn topic seemed like the sensible option, so i could just concentrate on the style of writing and showcase my journalistic value

Im glad you enjoyed it though, so thanks :-)

Your style of writing is easy to read

[Darling]

........ that might not be an overly enjoyable fight for a Holmes fan.

Why?

It was a great fight. Holmes was pushed hard....................... and responded.

Both guys gave 100%.

The 9th (I think it is) where both are hurt is a great round.

Why wouldn't a fan of boxing want to see a great fight, Buzz?

He has taken on Granberry's one-line-at-a-time writing style

I see you had a bash at starting another thread.

I didn't bother reading it, for obvious reasons. The headline was something about building yourself a man wasn't it?

That figures...

[allworld80]

Larry Holmes was a good boxer he was just unfortunate to be involved in the piss poor post-ali era of heavyweight boxing......never really followed his career much, only ever see one of his fights against cooney but other then that i can't name 1 person who he has beat (other then old, washed up, half crippled Ali of course but that dont count).

Larry Holmes/Ken Norton. Watch and enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDXZQral ... ure=search

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xrlyacf0 ... re=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-TXnp-h ... re=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lLsCKSW ... re=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jW6ZgeL8 ... re=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I11HmOut ... re=related

[Goodnight, Irene]

Why?

It was a great fight. Holmes was pushed hard....................... and responded.

Both guys gave 100%.

The 9th (I think it is) where both are hurt is a great round.

Why wouldn't a fan of boxing want to see a great fight, Buzz?

He has taken on Granberry's one-line-at-a-time writing style

I see you had a bash at starting another thread.

I didn't bother reading it, for obvious reasons. The headline was something about building yourself a man wasn't it?

That figures...

Of course you didn't read it. Why would you do that? It's like Kid Azteca...you don't need knowledge for your opinions, do you, Collie?

If only you had an imagination, Collins, we'd see a thread from you on this forum. Lack much?

[The Chap]

Larry Holmes has never been under appreciated or valued but in his head he has and i don't know why as he gets showered with accolades everywhere he goes but the man has a constant habit of letting himself down, on a BBC boxing show a few years ago all he did was drag down George Foreman and Lennox Lewis to which the co commentators (Richie Woodhall) said he made himself look stupid and the recent (if true) story at his induction at the IBHOF where he was asking 5 dollars for an autograph is a disgrace, he sounds like a bitter man but to the rest of us "WHY"

[Robinson]

I don't think I even need to say how I feel about Larry on such
a thread.

[man]

nobody cried out when ali said dempsey was no match for him ...
the outcry in holmes' case was not the cause but rather the result
of him being discredited ...

i think there were three reasons for holmes lack of real respect:

1. he started late as a pro, after having been sparring partner for
years ... not a great endorsement.
2. he was too good to be not compared to ali and not good enough
to be better than ali.
3. he himself felt so underrated and treated unfairly. that doesn't help.
makes the heavy weight champion seem to whine too much. he should
have chosen not to give a ...

the real amazing thing to me about holmes is that he made it. he is
in a way the true - and lasting - cinderella man. starting as a pro in your
mid twenties is hardly an indication you make it to top ten of all time.
in my eyes this is an amazing achievement. overcoming your own doubts
and what have you ... in this respect he is actually GOAT. just imagine
he had his first title bout in his late twenties ... at this age ali was considered
almost past prime, marciano was contemplating on retirement, louis and tyson
looked back at almost a decade of prime time fame ...

[Goodnight, Irene]

nobody cried out when ali said dempsey was no match for him ...
the outcry in holmes' case was not the cause but rather the result
of him being discredited ...

i think there were three reasons for holmes lack of real respect:

1. he started late as a pro, after having been sparring partner for
years ... not a great endorsement.
2. he was too good to be not compared to ali and not good enough
to be better than ali.
3. he himself felt so underrated and treated unfairly. that doesn't help.
makes the heavy weight champion seem to whine too much. he should
have chosen not to give a ...

the real amazing thing to me about holmes is that he made it. he is
in a way the true - and lasting - cinderella man. starting as a pro in your
mid twenties is hardly an indication you make it to top ten of all time.
in my eyes this is an amazing achievement. overcoming your own doubts
and what have you ... in this respect he is actually GOAT. just imagine
he had his first title bout in his late twenties ... at this age ali was considered
almost past prime, marciano was contemplating on retirement, louis and tyson
looked back at almost a decade of prime time fame ...

I take your point about starting late & becoming a great, but in this instance, I think that loses some steam when Holmes' decidedly-late beginnings saw him effectively bypass the best era ever --- he completely missed the boat with Foreman & Frazier, got an old Norton, & a shot-to-bits Ali.

[man]

I take your point about starting late & becoming a great, but in this instance, I think that loses some steam when Holmes' decidedly-late beginnings saw him effectively bypass the best era ever --- he completely missed the boat with Foreman & Frazier, got an old Norton, & a shot-to-bits Ali.

i think it only looks that planned in retrospect. i believe holmes
simply did not believe himself that he could be great. i think this
is more likely than him having a plan to wait five years until the
greats are gone. and i guess he is still calling out foreman ... :).

but i do get your point.

[m1kee50]

I think you've a rather sound manner of writing, to your credit.

On the other hand, I think your article has missed the boat by a good few years. Holmes as the underdog has passed by --- he now gets the recognition he deserved. He's no longer under-rated.

You aren't going to correct his grammar?

[alexpaterson]

He was a really good fighter, I think its a shame he came in after Ali or he could of been bigger imo