What's the earliest that Larry Holmes would have defeated Ali ?

[goose 5]

In 1976 I'd take Holmes to beat Ali. What do you guys think ?

[elmersalsa]

I believe at any time, The Easton Assassin could have beaten the great Muhammad Ali's phase of his career. The great Larry Holmes had the tools to match The Greatest's set of skills.

[goose 5]

I'm talking in real time, when their careers overlapped. I doubt you think Holmes wins in 1974-do you ?

[elmersalsa]

I'm talking in real time, when their careers overlapped. I doubt you think Holmes wins in 1974-do you ?

I think that The Easton Assassin could have beaten The Greatest in 1974 or 1964 if the great Larry Holmes would have been fighting in that era.

Holmes is one of the most underrated and underappreciated fighters in history at any weight class.

[HomicideHenry]

If you watch Ali's career, it's quite clear from 1975 onwards that he was vulnerable. I think 1976-1978 Holmes beats him. Basically everything that Ali could do Holmes did it better and he would have not got sucked into Ali's mind games.

[Caractacus]

wasn't Homes reportedly beatin up on Ali
in their latter sparring sessions in late 1973/ ?
Holmes talks about it in his book,
he felt Ali weakening (physically)as a fighter.

[Ambling Alp II]

If you watch Ali's career, it's quite clear from 1975 onwards that he was vulnerable. I think 1976-1978 Holmes beats him. Basically everything that Ali could do Holmes did it better and he would have not got sucked into Ali's mind games.

How good was Holmes in 1976 is probably the big question. Ali's last great performance was against Frazier in 1975. From then on Ali gradually got worse and Holmes gradually got better. Holmes would have had enough to win in 1977 and certainly by 1978.

[cfang]

Agree. 1976 would have been close though. How good was holmes then?

[elmersalsa]

What if The Easton Assassin would have been fighting in prime Muhammad Ali's days?

Doesn't he have a shot at winning?

[Ambling Alp II]

No, but that is not the subject of the thread. If you want to talk about that, start another thread. Please don't hijack this one.

[Caractacus]

what was Ali's last 'great" round ?
the 15th round of Ali vrs Wepner ? (March 1975)

[gp.]

This is just a load of accounts belonging to the same person arguing with each other again. Homicide Henry apart obviously.

[Ambling Alp II]

what was Ali's last 'great" round ?
the 15th round of Ali vrs Wepner ? (March 1975)

For starters, the Thrilla in Manila was after the Wepner fight.

[DrDuke]

In 75-77 Holmes could be physically better, but he was raw as a pro competitor. Although I'm pretty sure he could pull out a win then.

[Controversial]

wasn't Homes reportedly beatin up on Ali
in their latter sparring sessions in late 1973/ ?
Holmes talks about it in his book,
he felt Ali weakening (physically)as a fighter.

Ali wasn't great in sparring so I wouldn't read too much into this, there are a few stories of him being bashed about by sparring partners

[Syntax Error]

I would say anytime after October 1975.

Ali left a piece of himself in the ring in Manila.

He was never the same after the Thrilla in Manila.

[elmersalsa]

No, but that is not the subject of the thread. If you want to talk about that, start another thread. Please don't hijack this one.

Ain't nobody hijacking nothing, brother!

[Ambling Alp II]

Agree. 1976 would have been close though. How good was holmes then?

That is hard to say. He beat Roy Williams, which was his biggest win to that point. It was the first year that Holmes was ranked. Ali was slipping but still had something left.

[oogiebe]

1977 at the earliest
1978 likely

[Caractacus]

sheeyat,
did you see Larry Holmes vrs Rodney Bobick ?
that was the preliminary fight to Ali vrs Frazier III in Manila
(October 1975)
who looked 'sharper" ?

[oogiebe]

sheeyat,
did you see Larry Holmes vrs Rodney Bobick ?
that was the preliminary fight to Ali vrs Frazier III in Manila
(October 1975)
who looked 'sharper" ?

Are you comparing performances vs Bobick vs Frazier? LMFAO!

[Caractacus]

well let's face.
Joe Frazier wasnt a "mover" like Larry Holmes.
Holmes wouldnt have waited around for a "receipt" like Frazier.
BTW Holmes was Frazier's sparring partner at this point.


https://alamy.com/the-doheny-couple-fou ... 18155.html

[Ambling Alp II]

oh boy.

[bwu]

Ali made it close with Norton in '76, so that's probably a little too early. No question that Holmes wins in '78.
'77 seems about right.

[tiny_acres]

Ali made it close with Norton in '76, so that's probably a little too early. No question that Holmes wins in '78.
'77 seems about right.

Ali always had trouble with Norton's style.
I think Holmes would always have problems with Norton's style too
77 for sure but possibly 76 Holmes beats Ali.
I think that his speed and jab would just be too much at that stage of Ali's career