As far as the thread goes I'd favor Holmes 60-40 because in a match up with two atgs rather close in terms of greatness you have to favor the style. Holmes has punching ability, an atg jab, good footwork and movement as well as physical toughness. He'd rack up rounds and Rocky would have to break him down for a late rounds stoppage if he wants to win this one. This would be an easier fight for Rocky than a prime Ali fight.
Holmes has become a bit overrated in the last 15 years. He had considerable trouble with B-level pressure fighters and punchers, though always pulling it out. But he never met a fighter like Marciano, who would crowd and punch hard all night, negating much of Holmes' jab by staying very low. Marciano pounds out a decision win (finishing what Norton couldn't) or breaks down Holmes late (finishing what Snipes and Shavers couldn't).
4 of those guys are sub 200 pounders..3 were under that and you forgot 195 pound Mildenberger who wasn't even a power puncher yet I'm to believe these guys gave Ali problems due to style and these guys prove Ali was the best, BC no one in history fight like them correct? I don't think so....... Again double standards are this sections biggest strong point.......
None of Holmes were 36 years old were they? None of them retired immediately after their fights with him did they? I'm not slapping any other fighter with Holmes opponents,I'm just pointing out that the average age of Rocky best opponents was 36 and a 3rd years old!
Norton was 6'3 and had a 80 inch reach. I don't really think you guys understand that ANYONE with an 68 inch reach who doesn't set punching up with a jab or the very least needs very good hand speed are going to have a hell of as time getting to Holmes. Overatted due to what? What are you overatting Holmes on and what pressure fighters are you talking about? You guys are hilarious on here....lol
I believe a prime Holmes would be a MUCH higher hurdle for Rocky to negotiate than the shot Joe Louis and the past prime Charles and elderly Walcott. Larry is also a much taller guy with more reach than anyone else Rocky fought for the title. Holmes by stoppage on cuts around round 8-10. Cheers All.
If Larry got up from Shavers bomb and went on to beat him, Rocky isn't koing him! Ever see Rocky have to deal with a 6'3 212lbs fast ,skilled heavyweight with marvellous recuperative powers,the perfect antidote for the short crouching fighter ,a great uppercut,and an all time great jab with an 81inch reach?
That might be germane if we were comparing his era to a strong era. If we are comparing a weak era to another weak era, it is pretty much irrelevant.
This is how I see things. People are acting as if Holmes was some head to head monster, and he simply wasn't.
There is no double standard. I am simply pointing out that fighters like Ali or Holmes, however great they may be, struggle with pressure fighters. The stylistic advantage is with Marciano here.
