Quote:
Originally Posted by Unforgiven
What is your take on the status of Larry Holmes' during his "reign" ?
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The WBC stripped rightful champ Leon Spinks after he had the gall to grant Ali a rematch. They gave it to Holmes after he defeated Norton in June '78. The Ring crowned him in April '80 based on the same magical thinking that they used to crown Vitali and Wlad.
Holmes has the same problem as the Klitschkos -he never once faced the top contender.
Holmes, great though he was, was appointed as champion. He never fought the next best. And by the time he faced Ali, Ali had retired and therefore can no longer be considered the king. It was a symbolic.
Holmes could easily have faced the Ring-ranked top contender but
he never did. He has Donkey King to thank.