Top 5 Holmes performances

Norton
Cooney
Shavers 1
Frazier/Mercer
Witherspoon

 

Mercer vs Holmes, it’s one of my favorite boxing performances ever.

 

Holmes W15 Ken Norton

Holmes was undefeated but had fought only one top 10 contender (the powerful but limited Shavers) before facing the still formidable Norton. Holmes fought with and injured arm and stood firm at the moment of truth in the last round standing toe to toe with the hard punching Norton, winning the round and the fight with a close decision.

Holmes W12 Ernie Shavers

Ernie was a tough customer with a thunderous right hand but Larry avoided it and won every round for a shut out UD setting up the Norton fight.

Holmes KO 12 MIke Weaver

Weaver had a mediocre record but had improved in the two years before facing Holmes. Larry survived some very rocky moments to suddenly close the show in the 12 th round with a thunderous uppercut and follow up barage after Mike bravely rose badly hurt after the knockdown. Weaver went on to have a long career as WBA champ and perennial contender.

Holmes W12 Tim Witherspoon

Witherspoon was still a bit green but had a great jab, very good power and a good defense. He took away Larry's jab and hurt him a few times with booming right hands. Holmes, though a bit past prime, rallied each time he was hurt and outworked Tim for a close decision.

Holmes W12 Ray Mercer

Larry was coming back four years after the Tyson obliteration KO loss and Ray was in his prime, having a few impressive wins like the come from behind KO of Tommy Morrison and held a title, albeit the spurious WBO version. Larry though unable to move like he did in his prime, used all his guile to outfox and outwork the powerful Mercer for a clear UD.

Honorable Mention:

Holmes W15 Trevor Berbick

Holmes won almost every round. Berbick would go on to win a version of the title and be a Perennial Contender.

 

Middle aged and Old Holmes were very good on the ropes, much better understanding of it then even Ali, same as his jab… Benton said Holyfield “couldn’t do anything” with Big Jack there, I think the mature version of Holmes could rope-a-dope Foreman in a similar way as his former employer.

 

Who’s your source that Larry was sick; Larry?

 

@Dubblechin, I’d appreciate a response as to your source. Maybe @Saintpat can help us out. He demands a high burden of proof for Liston’s shoulder being injured against Ali, yet accepts that Holmes’ had the flu against Weaver so I assume that burden of proof has been met on his end.

 

approved

 

That's the one I heard. He took her hat and kissed her.

Found this.

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1. Holmes vs Norton
2. Holmes vs Cooney
3. Holmes vs Witherspoon
4. Holmes Weaver
5. Holmes vs Spinks II (Holmes won)

 

Sports Illustrated cover the Holmes Weaver Duran Palomino bouts. That's where I read Holmes had the flue

 

With all due respect Rob, that’s solely according to Holmes’ own word. Zero outside sources verify it.
Catching the flu in July—well outside the typical flu season—is extremely rare, especially for a professional athlete like Holmes, whose immune system would be exceptionally strong.

 

My pal im only stating the source where I remember it from. I still have the issue packed away. If I have time later today I'll did it out and try an find the article sources