I don't know if the truth really matters, but I went with Bruno by decision. I think his reach, conditioning, boxing ability and power were better than anything Mercer had to offer, except for perhaps a better a chin, which is moot in this matchup. A prime Holmes outclasses Bruno, but I think a 1992 version gets bullied to a close decision.
Going with the rotund version of Holmes here...I just don't think Bruno had the adaptability or the imagination to deal with Holmes here, just like Mercer didn't. If the fight would take place in the centre of the ring it's a different story, but Holmes was more than a little effective off the ropes, and he'd make a beeline for the corner at every opportunity. Even Evander looked very ordinary and took some neat rights off Holmes, even though he won clearly enough. But Magoo does make a valid point that if Bruno used his strength to bully Holmes, rough him up and wear him down, he could win on points. It's quite an intriguing matchup actually...
Bruno outworks him and Holmes was not a big risk taker in there to get the late ko over Bruno the way some others did. These were the types of opponents Holmes was not signing contracts to fight
Holmes didn't have power as he got older, and he couldn't press the action. If you're going to beat Bruno, chances are it'll be by late stoppage. Pretty much everyone that fought him were in tough bouts until the end when Bruno fell apart. I'm picking Frank here.
Agreed. Bruno was a talent, but he just seemed to come up short. I tend to think Holmes could pick his spots, and out box Bruno. Not an easy one to call. Remember, this was the Holmes that won a few rounds from a prime Holyfield and even opened up a dangerous cut over Holy's eye.
i think this is a very winnable fight for bruno. as has been stated the way to take out frank is to TAKE HIM OUT. holmes at that point was cunning, picked his shots and still had a world class jab. the jab would win his some rounds and yes, he would definitely lay against the ropes but i see bruno out working him, forcing the action and bullying him with power punching combinations. don't forget bruno had a tremendous jab himself and if he can fight the same fight he did the first 4 rounds against lewis, he'd pull out the win
Very interesting matchup at this stage of both their careers actually. Bruno hadn't learnt to clinch yet and Holmes wasn't throwing bombs any more :think Got to go with Holmes though, but only just. Late round stoppage...Bruno would most likely dominate the early rounds and even floor Larry but look at the state of Bruno in the last couple of rounds of the McCall fight even when he did know how to clinch....if McCall had Holmes's skills he would have had him out of there in my opinion.
true but holmes was much more selective with his punches and cunning at this stage of his career. he was tricky and still had his jab but i think bruno's underrated skills and sheer physicality would pull it out
I hear what you're saying my friend.....as I said I just think that Bruno ALWAYS looked like **** in the later rounds, he never saw the later rounds much but when he did he was horrible, and I feel Holmes even at that stage could have taken advantage of it. I'd pick Bruno to kick the **** out of any of the current champs, incidentally, they're used to having things their own way and I suspect they'd fold like nobodies business if someone out-boxed them for a few rounds, which prime Bruno would.
very fair:good bruno wasn't designed for the long haul at all. and the current champs, well the one that isn't a klitschko couldn't kiss frank's ass. nor could any of the top 10
You hit the nail on the head. Holmes would lose rounds early, but the pressure would get to Bomber as Holmes would be too cute to get caught flush. Holmes would take over in the middle rounds and even at 42 he would have enough to dominate late and even if he does not stop Frank, he edges the decision. Holmes W10 (6-5) Holmes winning one of the last rounds 10-8.
holmes sd or more possible late stoppage ,holmes is clever enough to cover up and not get hurt and score when opening's arise early on. as said by various posters above bruno tires badly holmes comes off the ropes to put bruno down and out late in round ten.the ending sounds a bit like a poor mans ali/foreman finnish
