On This Day: Larry Holmes Last Shot at the Crown...30 Years Later.

[elmersalsa]

On this date of April 8, 1995, Larry Holmes, the former WBC and IBF Lineal World Heavyweight Champion from 1978 to 1985 challenged WBC World Heavyweight Champion Oliver McCall.

It was the fourth and last attempt for The Easton Assassin Holmes to regain the crown that he dearly loved for 7 years, making 20 title defenses.

Holmes at 46 was trying to regain the heavyweight crown for the 4th time in which he failed to recover it from Michael Spinks in 1986, Mike Tyson in 1988, Evander Holyfield in 1992 and now McCall in '95.

McCall won by unanimous decision in 12 rounds.

[overhand_right]

An entertaining fight in which Holmes made Lennox Lewis look very bad. The 90s guys were great fun but ye gads were they vulnerable compared to the 70s hard nuts.

Stacked card. It was called the Burden of Proof and it also had Julio Cesar Chavez in a title fight, Tony Tucker and Bruce Seldon made a surprisingly entertaining scrap for the WBA title, Felix Trinidad had a blow out, Terry Norris engaged in his favourite hobby of hitting a man when he was down. Frans Botha and Willie Jake fought a fight so bad it was reduced from 10 to 8 rounds mid fight!

Tyspn had literally just been released from prison and it felt like such an exciting time to be following the sport.

[goose 5]

I thought Holmes earned a draw on my card.

[tiny_acres]

I thought Holmes earned a draw on my card.

I also had it as a draw