October 2, 1980 Larry Holmes beats Muhammad Ali

Much respect.

 

As seriously diminished as Ali was, I still point to that fight as a perfect example of Larry during his peak. He changed quite a bit since the Norton fight, stepping into his punches more and coming down off his toes much more often.

It could be said LH lost the Ali influence and became the LH we all know during that time. It was especially apparent during the Ali fight, where Larry showed the stalking side of his boxing persona.

I believe LH carried Ali through some of that fight. I doubt the former wanted to see his idol get stopped early. Ali didn't start really getting walloped until after the sixth...I don't think Larry pressed things as hard as he could.

 

C'mon it's a very reasonable thing to suspect that even if you favored Holmes conventional wisdom wouldn't have predicted the actual outcome of the fight.

 

A sad day for boxing but In a way a fight that had to happen. It could have been worse for Ali though, he might have faced Mike weaver instead, Ali would have being seriously battered, at least Larry held back a little

 

The point is that most felt Holmes would win but as the fight date approached many seeing Ali in what appeared stunning condition shifted their opinion. Ali’s visual condition PLUS his history of rising to an occasion to beat “unbeatable” foes is what allowed this to occur. Rightly or wrongly understanding that hindsight is always 20/20.

 

No, not at all. If he came in against weaver as he did Holmes, then imo Ali doesn't see 5 rounds, he'd be battered that much the ref would have to save him. Weaver could punch like hell, and he'd have incentive to beat the greatest.

 

Pretty easy to look great when the opponent is shot with no reflexes.

 

Nope. Hell, Scott LeDoux would have even troubled him greatly, maybe beaten him

 

You're right, @Saad54

 

And that would have been even sadder.

 

Me three...