Lennox doesn't have Butterbean on his CV though! Holmes and Lennox are different eras so it's never easy to directly compare, Larry has some legendary names on his record over a long period, Lennox only ( I say only as if its no mean feat) Tyson and Holyfield in terms of legends Lennox is a Top 3 ATG British fighter and the best heavyweight since Tyson dwindled
i am old enough and thanks to itv world of sport watched all of holmes fights from norton through to the 2 spinks fights. lewis opposition was a lot better. to be fair to holmes the one fight in his reign that was rally hyped and worldwide , namely cooney, holmes got up for and boxed superbly.
Certainly cant fault the names that he fought; you can pick it apart a tiny bit if you want to get technical and take away from him a little. For example, Golota had an allergic reaction to an injection he had prior to the fight, leaving him in a state in which he couldnt fight effectively (apparently). Tyson was about 15 years past his prime. Klitschko was a very lucky ending. While he won, people like Mercer gave him a hell of a time, and people like Briggs actually had him in trouble at points (irrelevant to the topic at hand, though). Tua was ill and injured at the time of their fight. None of these damage his resume, but they do paint things in a slightly different light.
That was the story at the time, yes. I remember how late Golota got to the stadium as well...very weird. But now, we know better. Golota has been blown on in the first round more than a few times. Lewis made the blueprint. Agreed - but Tyson had his chance many years earlier. $4million (?) step aside money would be hard for anyone to turn down. lucky? Lewis-Mercer was a good fight...Mercer was a good fighter, and when he came prepared could give anyone difficulties. I don't think Lewis was that hurt vs Briggs. Stunned maybe, but the utter domination afterwards ends all debate. I've don't remember hearing this before...source? Could be excuses for a very poor showing by Tua. I remember the "you need more than a left hook and a haircut" comment being bang on.
Holmes was old and people would only say now that he was past it. Moorer fight was going to happen but Moorer got beat. Bowe wouldnt fight Lewis. Wlad got beat. And Byrd and Ruiz were not considered good enough, although he probably should have fought them, it wont damage his legacy.
that's fair enough. I also think that it's extremely difficult to compare 12 round and 15 round fighters. I'd bet on Lennox to win a fight vs any heavy over 12, but doubt he'd have the stamina to win against the best over 15.
Ruiz was offered his shot on the July date which eventually went to Frans Botha, as Lewis had his WBC mandatory in Grant to take care of first. He refused and Don King petitioned the WBA to strip Lewis and make Holy-Ruiz for the vacant title so he could get the belt back. if Ruiz had waited in line he'd have got his go eventually.
I have heard it...and yeah, I think Barry was one of the one's saying similar. It's the fact that Joe's unbeaten that seems to really shine the light for people saying that. Not mind the quality, feel the width!
[quote="TKO";3210037]Ruiz was offered his shot on the July date which eventually went to Frans Botha, as Lewis had his WBC mandatory in Grant to take care of first. He refused and Don King petitioned the WBA to strip Lewis and make Holy-Ruiz for the vacant title so he could get the belt back. if Ruiz had waited in line he'd have got his go eventually.[/quote] And up until about the end of March, it was actually Henry Akinwande in that #1 WBA slot...