1951 Joe Louis vs Larry Holmes 1988-1992.

there is no level higher than defending world titles, aside fron undisputed status and going up weight class. let me know if a galactic level has emerged in my ignorance.

 

You should not use this argument (that he defended against anyone avalilable)when you are talking about holmes lol

 

why is he the exception but not anyone else - because hes the one you are trying to win an argument about?

 

Because he did not... He took the easy way several times he decided to defend the poor ibf belt and left the rest and he never ever gave a rematch to any fighter that gave him a battle. No pinklon thomas,no tate,no page,no rematch with spoon,
But yes.. Prime holmes defended against lucien rodriguez,evangelista,occasio,lorenzo zanon,marvis frazier,scott ledoux,scott frank and tex cobb..
Wow lmao

 

51 Lewis beat Brion and Bivins where as Larry only really beat Mercer and he had previously been exposed by Tyson. True, Charles gave Louis a serious pounding but Joe finished on his feet. Not so Larry versus Tyson.

I am going to sit on the fence here. This is a genuine 50-50. I think 51’ Louis has a bit more left. So I lean slightly toward Joe but would not be surprised either way.

 

Holmes by decision, Louis was the more naturally talented fighter in their primes, a real virtuoso. But Holmes had great fundamentals and alot cageyness left when they got old.
I dont think it would be that great a fight, holmes would use alot of spoiling and "old pro" tricksto get through rough patches and Louis would struggle and ultimately fail to turn back the clock.
I see parallels to the RJJ vs Hopkins rematch in 2010

 

that is true, but its still crazy to say old louis stops him.

 

then thats fine by me, case closed.

 

Yes I did vote Louis ...after sitting on the fence. Like I said though, I wouldn’t argue the other way. It is close but I lean toward Joe. He beat one extra rated fighter than old man Larry did on his comeback. Larry wore contact lenses too.

 

I think Holmes had quicker hands even in old age. Neither guy had any legs at all at this point. Larry would potshot Joe and then either walk him across the ring and make Louis reset or tie him up. It would be a tough fight to watch. I think eventually Holmes would crack Louis with a good enough cross to give the ref an excuse to end the fight. Holmes TKO based on accumulation.