Larry Holmes vs Pinklon Thomas

Thomas split dec.

In 1984 Thomas by UD

Thomas peaked against Witherspoon

Larry showed great vulnerability against Carl Williams and almost lost , then was beaten by Michael Spinks

 

Thomas wins a decision Holmes was there for the taking, as evident by his controversial win over Williams, then proceeding to lose twice to Spinks. I think anytime between 84-85 Thomas wins it, and that's why Holmes wasn't too keen on facing the likes of Page, Thomas. Because he wanted easier challengers after Witherspoon scare, as Holmes was aging and wanted to ride off into the sunset breaking Marciano's record.

 

Pinkie clearly lost to a fighter Holmes dominated (Berbick) and Page did even worse, losing to Berbick and a guy a very past-it Holmes knocked the hell out of (Bey).
The Thomas who beat Witherspoon could have beaten the Holmes who struggled (yet beat) Carl Williams, and certainly any incarnation after that. Page was just plain never that good imo.

 

Honestly I think Pinklon would have a real shot at taking a decision here. Larry was showing his age and both Carl Williams and Michael spinks proved it within the same year

 

At that point in Holmes' career, I think it is fair to suggest that there were a number of rated Heavyweights, who could have taken the title from him. During this period, I believe the Ring ratings ran along the lines of:

1 - Thomas
2 - Witherspoon
3 - Tubbs
4 - Page
5 - Coetzee

I think all of the above had a realistic chance of lifting the belt from Holmes.

In particular, I would have put much cash on either Thomas or Witherspoon beating Holmes at that stage.

Spinks' arrival in the Heavyweight division and subsequent challenge of Holmes was fortuitous in its timing.

 

I scored Williams vs Holmes 7-7 with one even round.

 

I scored the Williams fight 2 pts for Larry, I thought the former gave away too many of the late rounds.

 

Holmes still had enough to beat Pink. Styles make fights and Holmes could still do everything better than Pink.

 

It's a question of how dominant you thought Williams was early on. There was a few close rounds that would make the difference in the scoring.

 

That's the guts of it. Larry was ready to be taken and Pink probably would have been the right man in the right spot at the right time during 84 or 85. Pink had a granite jaw during his best years too. Holmes enormous will and heart would make it competitive and possibly even close. Thomas at this stage would be able to match jabs with him quite well and would be the much fresher fighter.