Greater fighter? Thomas Hearns or Larry Holmes?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by PernellSweetPea, Jun 25, 2014.


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  1. Unforgiven

    Unforgiven VIP Member banned Full Member

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    Larry Holmes was greater.

    Thomas Hearns was more exciting.
     
    Unforgiven, Jun 27, 2014
    Unforgiven, Jun 27, 2014
    #46
  2. The Long Count

    The Long Count Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    I lean towards Holmes. Although measuring heavies against other divisions is difficult. Smaller fighters can jump up and win titles in multiple divisions that heavies can not. I go with Holmes for the way he got off canvas to win fights. Both great, both hall of famers.
     
    The Long Count, Jun 27, 2014
    The Long Count, Jun 27, 2014
    #47
  3. PernellSweetPea

    PernellSweetPea Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Hearns had more longevity. Tommy Hearns won a title at 1980 at welterweight against HOF fighter Cuevas, And he won a title and beat HOF fighter Virgil Hill at 175 in 1991. 11 years apart. By the time Holmes was 11 years after his win against Norton, he had just lost to Mike Tyson in 4 rounds. Hearns beat better fighters and won titles 11 years apart. Larry did not. Larry beat stiffs post prime. He tried to make up for the Spinks and Tyson loss and still never won another title. Heavyweights can fight stiffs since you have a lot of terrible guys to handpick. And Foreman and Holmes and otherse beat the same guys.
     
    PernellSweetPea, Jun 27, 2014
    PernellSweetPea, Jun 27, 2014
    #48
  4. PernellSweetPea

    PernellSweetPea Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    That is odd because Hearns fought these HOF fighters-better guys than Holmes ever fought. I like Hearns quality of opposition better. These guys are still relevant and great knockout punchers in some like Cuevas and even Hagler. Duran could still punchat 154.
    Cuevas 12 title defenses. Hearns won his title WBA welt
    Leonard-unification
    Benitez-WBC 154. Hearns won his title 15 round decision
    Duran. Duran was WBA champ. Hearns knocked him out
    Hagler. One of the best fights in history
    Virgil Hill-10 title defenses and undefeated at 175
     
    PernellSweetPea, Jun 27, 2014
    PernellSweetPea, Jun 27, 2014
    #49
  5. PernellSweetPea

    PernellSweetPea Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    a matter of styles. There are ways to beat taller guys which would not work against shorter guys. Duran had a 67 inch reach. Cuevas was 12 title defenses. At the time no one said, Tommy was taller so that is not impressive. Put in any 6-1 against Cuevas then and Cuevas knocks him out with body punches. Give credit where it is due.
     
    PernellSweetPea, Jun 27, 2014
    PernellSweetPea, Jun 27, 2014
    #50
  6. Stevie G

    Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Holmes takes this on overall dominance over a seven year period. Hearns beat better fighters and was at the top or thereabouts over a similar timespan.

    I give the edge to the Hitman
     
    Stevie G, Jun 27, 2014
    Stevie G, Jun 27, 2014
    #51
  7. PernellSweetPea

    PernellSweetPea Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    What is interesting about Holmes and Hearns is that both of the had jabs and right hands, and if they were landing the jab, that was trouble for anyone. You could always tell if Hearns or Holmes would win if they were landing their jab. Hearns was a little more of an engaging fighter. He liked to mix it up more because he had more confidence in his power.
     
    PernellSweetPea, Jun 27, 2014
    PernellSweetPea, Jun 27, 2014
    #52
  8. redrooster

    redrooster Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    please, those WBO title fights dont count

    I count 7 successful altogether, mostly against pushovers. but if it pleases you, Hearns > Holmes
     
    redrooster, Jun 27, 2014
    redrooster, Jun 27, 2014
    #53
  9. Shake

    Shake Boxing Addict Full Member

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    By this reasoning Wladimir Klitschko is greater than both.
     
    Shake, Jun 27, 2014
    Shake, Jun 27, 2014
    #54
  10. AlFrancis

    AlFrancis Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Panama Al Brown was 5 11 in everything I've ever read about him. I've just seen that he's 5 9 on boxrec, I presume that's where you got your info but I would dispute that.
     
    AlFrancis, Jun 27, 2014
    AlFrancis, Jun 27, 2014
    #55
  11. Titan1

    Titan1 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I'd go slightly with Holmes, but it's really close.
     
    Titan1, Jan 2, 2015
    Titan1, Jan 2, 2015
    #56
  12. he grant

    he grant Historian/Film Maker

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    Holmes was a better fighter ... Tommy always had a questionable chin and stamina .. he could not hold when hurt as seen against Leonard and Hagler. Hearns was a super exciting guy and terrific in his own right but he had serious flaws when up against the best ..
     
    he grant, Jan 2, 2015
    he grant, Jan 2, 2015
    #57
  13. Bulldog24

    Bulldog24 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I voted Tommy. To come back from the nasty losses to Leonard and Hagler and win more titles showed great character. He opened up more than Larry, took more risks, put more into his shots and so on - that's great.
     
    Bulldog24, Jan 2, 2015
    Bulldog24, Jan 2, 2015
    #58
  14. VVMM

    VVMM Well-Known Member Full Member

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    On the first fight Holmes was 35 years old against Spinks.
    A 35 years old fighter isn't so old in the heavyweight division.
    This is a bad pathetic excuse.
    Holmes and his fans are pathetic with these neverending excuses.
     
    VVMM, Jan 2, 2015
    VVMM, Jan 2, 2015
    #59
  15. VVMM

    VVMM Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Otherwise Holmes was the greater i don't care the midget divisions.
    No sport value just business more fights,champions.
     
    VVMM, Jan 2, 2015
    VVMM, Jan 2, 2015
    #60
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