Yeah, Holmes wasn't a very likeable guy. But what he did in the ring has nothing to do with being liked.
I agree that he wasn't as good as he thinks he was, and that in general, he was a kunt. But I have him at 6 or 5 all-time.
Larry's called an unlikeable guy. And, no, he doesn't have a cuddly public persona. But every time I hear of someone meeting him in person, Holmes has been kind, generous with his time, and a very nice guy. Contrast that with George Foreman, who despite HIS cuddly persona, can apparently be surly and not nice to his fans. I've never met either man, but I've read or heard of several encounters with both over the years.
I'd rate Larry Holmes above every heavyweight that has come since. Tyson, Holyfield, Bowe, Lewis, Klitschko etc. ..... none of them rate up alongside Holmes.
1 Muhammad Ali 2. Marciano 3 Louis 4 Wlad 5 Dempsey 6 Lennox 7 Foreman 8 Jeffries 9 Johnson 10 Vitali 11 Tyson 12 Frazier 13 Holyfield 14 Tunney 15 Holmes 16 Liston Holmes is so overrated, he should not be in the top 10
Perhaps the pendulum is swinging too far the other way now, at least in some quaters. There were some legitimate problems with his title reign, which contributed to him being under rated!
Please tell me how Tunney Vitali and Jefferies rate above Holmes Tunney had about 10 fights at HW which doesn't compare to Holmes title reign, at all Vitali? Please. He definitely doesn't belong anywhere near the top 10. He lost to his two best opponents and who did he beat? Jefferies, how? He didn't do anything that tops Holmes title reign.
Compared to what other four heavyweight's title reigns ? I know some criticize some of the opposition and some fights not fought and that's all reasonable to debate but how many did better .. ?
Yep...saw all these unfold as a young man in high school. I go back and forth where I place Holmes and Louis.
