Third greatest heavyweight of all time?

No doubt, Holmes could definitely move. But his legs are nothing like the Ali that danced around Liston, compare any version of Holmes you want to that of Ali in 64 and it's pretty apparent who the quicker man is.

 

Renaldo Snipes was no big puncher and he came damn close to finishing him. Shavers did as well, but neither of these guys are quality finishers. Holmes against an ATG with a right hand and finishing skills is in trouble...

 

I did :huh

 

I know Ali was faster on his feet than Holmes was, however, that was only early on........ The 22 to 25 year old Clay / Ali was a speed demon for a man over 200 pounds.... But Holmes still owned damn good speed and movement as well........... Ali's last great "Dance" effort was against Frazier in 1974 at age 32.... After age 32, Ali became much slower with a lot less bounce in his legs.......... Holmes began slowing down as well near or at age 33....... Still, Ali and Homes were gifted boxers with underrated power........

MR.BILL

 

And that's the version that fought Liston.

:huh

I'm not denying that Holmes has speed. But it's not the same speed that Liston encountered when he lost his title.

 

Johnson
Holmes
Holyfield
Liston
Lewis
Foreman
Frazier
Bowe

 

I voted for Jack Johnson.

 

I'm just saying that outta all the heavy champs from 1887 to 2009, I think dudes like "Corbett, Johnson, Tunney, Braddock, Charles, Walcott, Patterson, Ali, Holmes & Holyfield" were the best movers of the history of the division in terms of "Lineal" belt holders are concerned............ BUT! I gotta' say that 1980s heavyweight slobs of the WBA like "Dokes, Page & Tubbs" were also gifted boxers with movement when in proper shape......

However, from MY OWN stand point from what I have seen while growing up as a kid, I must list "Ali, Holmes & Holy" as my top-3 dogs with movement as heavyweight........

MR.BILL

 

Jack Johnson, has a great resume although he avoided fellow black heavyweights when he won the World Title. I like his attitude, although he was generally hated by mostly everyone except a small band of loyal followers he didnt let it get to him and was even arrogant, I'm suprised he was never killed actually. His style was good at the time, I finished reading a biography on him a while ago and apparently his idol was 'Gentleman' Jim Corbett who he styled himself on. Sadly his idol later hated him. He was an excellent defensive boxer but also packed a knockout punch. He overcame alot in his career. Thats my basis for choosing him.

 

I got either Marciano, Holmes or Liston at 3.

 

I would take a prime Foreman over any of those listed.

 

Johnson, Liston or Lewis. Can't decide between them but for the sake of the poll I voted for Johnson. Dempsey lost his right to a top 3 (or four) spot when he got knocked out by Fireman Jim ****ing Flynn.

 

That's because you're a lunatic.

 

I've got Lewis by a bee's dick over Holmes. He took on more challenges in their second half careers and apart from that i can't really split em. Marciano and Johnson have claims too.