Larry Holmes, when?

[NYDominican]

Larry Holmes professional boxing record was 69 wins, with 44 of his victories coming by way of knockout. Larry had only 6 losses.


1. From what year to what year would you say Holmes' prime was?



2. The years of Larry's prime, do you think that he could have beaten any boxer from any decade? If so, why?


If any top boxers from any other era's could have beaten Larry Holmes, who would you say these boxers were?


Please explain.

[DrDuke]

1. From what year to what year would you say Holmes' prime was?

In 1978 he had defeated his first big names, so it's logical to call that time a moment, when he had proven to be real deal. So let's say, it was the beginning of his prime. The ending of it is harder to be found. His first controversial fight was in 1981 against Snipes. Larry looked good after it against Cooney. Then there was Witherspoon in 1983, it was more controversial. After that Holmes' next tough opponent was Smith in 1984 and Larry had some troubles in that fight also. In 1985 he had his next and last tough challenge before his first loss, it was Williams and the fight was controversial again. I'd say, that time it was already a clear robbery, Williams had won that. So, in my opinion, Larry's prime was over in 1983 with Witherspoon fight, since then Larry had troubles with every tough challenge.

2. The years of Larry's prime, do you think that he could have beaten any boxer from any decade? If so, why?


If any top boxers from any other era's could have beaten Larry Holmes, who would you say these boxers were?

As styles make fights, in my opinion, those, who had the biggest chances to win prime Holmes, could have been such fighters as:

Muhammad Ali - he was more elusive to outbox Larry.

Joe Frazier - he was a nighmare for such type of fighters like Ali and Holmes. Just as Norton. And Larry had a tough fight against Norton, while Frazier was better than Kenny.

Evander Holyfield - he was too skillful and tough to deal with Larry's jab and make Larry brawl, where chances would have become more equal.

Lennox Lewis - he was bigger and no less skillful, he could rationally use those advantages.

W. Klitschko - the same as Lennox Lewis.

V. Klitschko - he was less skillful, but bigger and with too awkward style and the same good jab. His chin was also very good. He could outjab and outbrawl Larry.

And in the match-ups against Tyson and Foreman I'll pick prime Larry to win.

[Kalan]

1. From what year to what year would you say Holmes' prime was?

In 1978 he had defeated his first big names, so it's logical to call that time a moment, when he had proven to be real deal. So let's say, it was the beginning of his prime. The ending of it is harder to be found. His first controversial fight was in 1981 against Snipes. Larry looked good after it against Cooney. Then there was Witherspoon in 1983, it was more controversial. After that Holmes' next tough opponent was Smith in 1984 and Larry had some troubles in that fight also. In 1985 he had his next and last tough challenge before his first loss, it was Williams and the fight was controversial again. I'd say, that time it was already a clear robbery, Williams had won that. So, in my opinion, Larry's prime was over in 1983 with Witherspoon fight, since then Larry had troubles with every tough challenge.

2. The years of Larry's prime, do you think that he could have beaten any boxer from any decade? If so, why?


If any top boxers from any other era's could have beaten Larry Holmes, who would you say these boxers were?

As styles make fights, in my opinion, those, who had the biggest chances to win prime Holmes, could have been such fighters as:

Muhammad Ali - he was more elusive to outbox Larry.

Joe Frazier - he was a nighmare for such type of fighters like Ali and Holmes. Just as Norton. And Larry had a tough fight against Norton, while Frazier was better than Kenny.

Evander Holyfield - he was too skillful and tough to deal with Larry's jab and make Larry brawl, where chances would have become more equal.

Lennox Lewis - he was bigger and no less skillful, he could rationally use those advantages.

W. Klitschko - the same as Lennox Lewis.

V. Klitschko - he was less skillful, but bigger and with too awkward style and the same good jab. His chin was also very good. He could outjab and outbrawl Larry.

And in the match-ups against Tyson and Foreman I'll pick prime Larry to win.

The wrong style for Ali.. Holmes had a better jab and more versatile game.. He could attack the body and work inside..

Holmes was too tough for Frazier -- and not vulnerable to left hooks... A very quick right hand counter Joe was open for.

Holyfield was open to overhand rights.. A young Holmes would beat him.

Lewis would be tough.. Good jabber and big overhand right bombs Holmes would have trouble with...

Holmes would have trouble with Wladimir's quick jab and quick straight right... The size difference would be a bitch.

Unless Vitali suffered an injury.....this would be a really tough fight for Holmes.

Tyson ran over boxers... He'd beat Holmes --- Foreman even had terrible trouble with Jimmy Young... Holmes beats him.

[DrDuke]

1. From what year to what year would you say Holmes' prime was?

In 1978 he had defeated his first big names, so it's logical to call that time a moment, when he had proven to be real deal. So let's say, it was the beginning of his prime. The ending of it is harder to be found. His first controversial fight was in 1981 against Snipes. Larry looked good after it against Cooney. Then there was Witherspoon in 1983, it was more controversial. After that Holmes' next tough opponent was Smith in 1984 and Larry had some troubles in that fight also. In 1985 he had his next and last tough challenge before his first loss, it was Williams and the fight was controversial again. I'd say, that time it was already a clear robbery, Williams had won that. So, in my opinion, Larry's prime was over in 1983 with Witherspoon fight, since then Larry had troubles with every tough challenge.

2. The years of Larry's prime, do you think that he could have beaten any boxer from any decade? If so, why?


If any top boxers from any other era's could have beaten Larry Holmes, who would you say these boxers were?

As styles make fights, in my opinion, those, who had the biggest chances to win prime Holmes, could have been such fighters as:

Muhammad Ali - he was more elusive to outbox Larry.

Joe Frazier - he was a nighmare for such type of fighters like Ali and Holmes. Just as Norton. And Larry had a tough fight against Norton, while Frazier was better than Kenny.

Evander Holyfield - he was too skillful and tough to deal with Larry's jab and make Larry brawl, where chances would have become more equal.

Lennox Lewis - he was bigger and no less skillful, he could rationally use those advantages.

W. Klitschko - the same as Lennox Lewis.

V. Klitschko - he was less skillful, but bigger and with too awkward style and the same good jab. His chin was also very good. He could outjab and outbrawl Larry.

And in the match-ups against Tyson and Foreman I'll pick prime Larry to win.

The wrong style for Ali.. Holmes had a better jab and more versatile game.. He could attack the body and work inside..

Holmes was too tough for Frazier -- and not vulnerable to left hooks... A very quick right hand counter Joe was open for.

Holyfield was open to overhand rights.. A young Holmes would beat him.

Lewis would be tough.. Good jabber and big overhand right bombs Holmes would have trouble with...

Holmes would have trouble with Wladimir's quick jab and quick straight right... The size difference would be a bitch.

Unless Vitali suffered an injury.....this would be a really tough fight for Holmes.

Tyson ran over boxers... He'd beat Holmes --- Foreman even had terrible trouble with Jimmy Young... Holmes beats him.

For Ali Holmes would have been a very tough call, yes, but I give to Ali slight advantage, because he was more elusive, as I've said before. Holmes was an Ali-version with better physical characteristics and probably with a better jab. Holmes had no problem with brawling also. But still Ali had a more creative approach to fighting, so it's not very clear here.

Frazier had not only left hook. Holmes, like Ali, prefered to box, but Frazier wouldn't let it happen. Despite Holmes is better than Ali in brawling, I still give Frazier more chances in a such kind of fight. Frazier could work on Holmes body and then land left hooks to the head.

As for Holyfield, Larry wouldn't have stopped Evander even if he had landed a right hand on him. Nobody was able to stop prime Holyfield actually. A one single punch against such level of fighter like Holyfield isn't enough obviously.

Tyson ran over journeymen in most cases. Tucker and Smith hadn't been easy at all. Even Thomas wasn't backing up, until he hadn't been caught badly.

[Tony1244]

Larry Holmes professional boxing record was 69 wins, with 44 of his victories coming by way of knockout. Larry had only 6 losses.


1. From what year to what year would you say Holmes' prime was?

1975-1982

2. The years of Larry's prime, do you think that he could have beaten any boxer from any decade? If so, why?

I think he could have beaten anyone but a prime Ali and Lennox Lewis. If the Marcianos, Dempseys, Louis' were 220 LBS instead of under 200, I may add some of those names, but they weren't so I won't.


If any top boxers from any other era's could have beaten Larry Holmes, who would you say these boxers were?

Similar question to #2 but I'm glad you asked because Joe Frazier comes to mind. Holmes may have had a very difficult time with that level of aggression and power. I love Foreman, but I believe George is tailored made to lose to Holmes.

Please explain.

[elmersalsa]

Larry Holmes professional boxing record was 69 wins, with 44 of his victories coming by way of knockout. Larry had only 6 losses.


1. From what year to what year would you say Holmes' prime was?

The Easton Assassin's prime was at the 1978-83 time frame.

2. The years of Larry's prime, do you think that he could have beaten any boxer from any decade? If so, why?

The great Larry Holmes and with that jab could have beaten any heavyweight of any era. He was smart, with great ring generalship and had great stamina. The ONLY knock off of his arsenal could be that he was not as good fighting inside, but he could hold his own.

If any top boxers from any other era's could have beaten Larry Holmes, who would you say these boxers were?


Please explain.

Well, anybody that is very good could beat any other given fighter in any given day. It's hard to tell. In my opinion, only great fighters like Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier and Evander Holyfield and a Buster Douglas of Tokyo form could beat him. If Earnie Shavers decked him, then probably the great Mike Tyson wouldn't let him go off the hook when he got you in trouble. Tyson was a big finisher. The thing is who would have won the series of 3 or 5 fights? Not too many would have beaten him in a 3 or 5 fight series if you ask me. It makes me laugh when people say that Lennox Lewis was in his class. That is MIND BOGGLING to me. This guy Holmes I consider him the best heavyweight after Ali in the last 50 years.

[Kalan]

[For Ali Holmes would have been a very tough call, yes, but I give to Ali slight advantage, because he was more elusive, as I've said before. Holmes was an Ali-version with better physical characteristics and probably with a better jab. Holmes had no problem with brawling also. But still Ali had a more creative approach to fighting, so it's not very clear here.

Frazier had not only left hook. Holmes, like Ali, prefered to box, but Frazier wouldn't let it happen. Despite Holmes is better than Ali in brawling, I still give Frazier more chances in a such kind of fight. Frazier could work on Holmes body and then land left hooks to the head.

As for Holyfield, Larry wouldn't have stopped Evander even if he had landed a right hand on him. Nobody was able to stop prime Holyfield actually. A one single punch against such level of fighter like Holyfield isn't enough obviously.

Tyson ran over journeymen in most cases. Tucker and Smith hadn't been easy at all. Even Thomas wasn't backing up, until he hadn't been caught badly.

Face it!! .... Ali-Holmes was a tough call for some when it was fought!!!! That's how overblown an idol Ali was.

ELUSIVE????? .... Ancient Sonny Liston reached Ali with a severely injured left shoulder and arm... Held him even through 6.... The super awkward, super small, and super hittable Karl Mildenberger (who wouldn't last as long as Marvis Frazier with Holmes and was well outboxed by short, 5'11" X 204, club footed Bonavena) popped Ali with jabs and follow up shots for 12 rounds... Little Henry Cooper (185) caught Ali consistently with left hooks... He bloodied Ali's nose in the first round (easily winning the round) and nailed him flush in the 4th... Cooper would be another Marvis Frazier job for Holmes...

A green Joe Bugner beat a veteran Henry Cooper... A green Marvis Frazier boxed a veteran Joe Bugner to death.... His dad Joe Frazier was super impressed!!! Joe said Marvis was ready for the great Larry Homes!!!!! .... Poor kid got POLE AXED immediately... Joe didn't know any better... He was a wide open left hooker not a manager.

Prime Holyfield was stopped by a slow, mentally retarded swinger... But he COULDN'T stop 43-year-old Holmes.

Tucker and Smith had height, WEIGHT, STRENGTH, and reach on Iron Mike... Holmes DID NOT... Iron Mike ran him over.

STYLES make fights dude.

[DrDuke]

Face it!! .... Ali-Holmes was a tough call for some when it was fought!!!! That's how overblown an idol Ali was.

ELUSIVE????? .... Ancient Sonny Liston reached Ali with a severely injured left shoulder and arm... Held him even through 6.... The super awkward, super small, and super hittable Karl Mildenberger (who wouldn't last as long as Marvis Frazier with Holmes and was well outboxed by short, 5'11" X 204, club footed Bonavena) popped Ali with jabs and follow up shots for 12 rounds... Little Henry Cooper (185) caught Ali consistently with left hooks... He bloodied Ali's nose in the first round and nailed him flush in the 4th... Cooper would be another Marvis Frazier job for Holmes...

A green Joe Bugner beat a veteran Henry Cooper... A green Marvis Frazier boxed a veteran Joe Bugner to death.... Joe was super impressed!!! Joe said Marvis was ready for the great Larry Homes!!!!! .... Poor kid got POLE AXED immediately... Joe didn't know any better... He was a wide open left hooker not a manager.

Prime Holyfield was stopped by a slow, mentally retarded swinger... But he COULDN'T stop 43-year-old Holmes.

Tucker and Smith had height, WEIGHT, STRENGTH, and reach on Iron Mike... Holmes DID NOT... Iron Mike ran him over.

Need more caps and exclamations to convince!!!

Prime Holyfield was never stopped. Holmes was past prime and after hiatus, when he was battered by Tyson, just like with Ali and himself before. You bringing some irrelevant facts here, while forgetting the main ones.

[Kalan]

NO dude... You're twisting facts... Holyfield said he fought his best career fight against Tyson... He was big, powerful, fast, and smart... He was younger when Bowe stopped him... That's just a fact... STYLES man.

Bowe wasn't too bright, but he was big and tall -- and had a big overhand right swing in close and Holyfield could be reached with that shot... Watch their 3 fights -- it wasn't age that stopped Holyfield.

[DrDuke]

NO dude... You're twisting facts... Holyfield said he fought his best career fight against Tyson... He was big, powerful, fast, and smart... He was younger when Bowe stopped him... That's just a fact... STYLES man.

Bowe wasn't too bright, but he had a big overhand right swing in close and Holyfield could be reached with that shot... Watch their 3 fights -- it wasn't age that stopped Holyfield.

Tyson fight can be the best for Evander in the sense, that Holyfield had faced and won the biggest name in his career. But he was past prime, just like Mike, by the way. Holyfield had already been not in the best conditions in the 1st Moorer fight. And in the Bowe fight #3 Evander was caught with right hook, while he was careless swinging hooks himself, so maybe it wasn't the age, but a mistake. Yet he had already been past prime.

[Kalan]

Wow.... To suit your agenda you make somebody's prime super short...

You sound like the Tyson and Ali advocates.... Tyson was already past his prime at 23 for Douglas

[DrDuke]

Wow.... To suit your agenda you make somebody's prime super short...

You sound like the Tyson and Ali advocates.... Tyson was already past his prime at 23 for Douglas

I'd say, Holyfield's prime is 1984-1993. Is it short for you?

[SenorPipino]

Tyson's mental prime ended in 1988 when he crushed Spinks.

So yes, when he met Douglas, Tyson's head was barely in the game any longer.

Physically, at 23, he might still have been near his peak, but as we all know boxing is probably 20% physical and 80% mental.

Tyson's best days as a hungry, focused determined destroyer were well in his past when he caved in in Japan.

[HomicideHenry]

According to Holmes he was easily outboxing Ali as early as 1974, the year he left the Ali training camp. I tend to believe him, as Ali wasn't the speedster he once was and relied on other tactics to get through fights. Personally, I think Holmes was probably the greatest heavyweight of all time. Him and Holyfield are the only guys I can think of who could have beaten Ali in a series of fights.

[Counter-puncher]

Wow.... To suit your agenda you make somebody's prime super short...

This coming from the man who slates Leonard for losing to Terry Norris.

Your hypocrisy is pitiful, either that or your lack of self-awareness is pathetic.