Also, how do you guys score Larry's close fights, wins and losses? I'm especially curious about his last two career losses, against McCall and... ***ugh*** Brian Nielson. Could even a nearly 50 year old Holmes really lose to Brian Nielson?
Easy simple answer? Yes. Reasons: Size, he took monster shots and came back 'ticking', like the bunny. ATG JAB!!! ANY heavy EVER is going to have a hard time getting thru him, let alone seriously hurting him. Forget his late career; I don't even factor that in. In closing, you know what always impressed me about Larry (seems like so few fighters did this)? When hurt, he never went into a shell; came back throwing punches. That's the sign of a warrior, a smart warrior! My $0.02
I think holmes is underrated. His entire era is underrated because the focus was on other weightclasses and the personalities werent there at the time. The social issues going on in america at the time in addition to Alis personalities really shone a light on the HW division which Holmes era didnt just not benefit from but Holmes era actually looked boring and devoid of talent to the casual fan because it couldnt live up to the hype of the ali era(and really nothing could). But the 80s HWs look very skilled and talented on film. Just didnt have the excitement. Its really alis vulnerability in his post exile career that made the era so competitve. If ali was 5 years younger and first became champ in 69 without ever having a lay off you'd be talking about the 70s HWs the way the "holmes and tyson rejects" are talked about. Funny how people think the division sucks until the champ starts slipping
2 minor gripes. 1, He never unified the titles and 2, He shoulda rematched a few times. That aside, hes a solid top 10 knocking on the door of 5 for me