Joe Frazier vs. Larry Holmes’ title opponents?

Frazier vs Shavers would be interesting as Joe was prone to knockdowns early in the fight. How would he fare against awkward Berbick? Battle of the left hookers against Cooney might have been a thing of beauty too. Would Witherspoon cause him problems? Would he break Carl Williams after 7 years of defeinding his title? Overall I'm not sure Frazier would be able to withstain 7 years of fighting the style he fought and not being at least a bit worn out.

 

At his best Joe blitzes all Holmes defenses but Frazier had a short prime and style that doesn’t age well. Taking the same time frame he’d have to drop fights to maybe Witherspoon or maybe even Carl Williams after an extended reign (even though Williams is a sucker for the left hook). Cooney would be interesting as well. Joe would trash Snipes, Norton, and Weaver imo.

 

At his best he would be a favorite against Spinks too. But after 7 years? I don't know.

 

Beats most of them .
Has a 50/50 war with Norton and Witherspoon.
Could be in for a shock against Cooney or Shaver's but I expect him to win.
Think he struggles with Spinks stylistically and by then he's probably ageing fast.

 

A big problem with Fraziers career is going 2-4 against Ali/Foreman/Bugner with no KOs and not facing Norton, Jimmy Young, Lyle or Shavers. And of course Holmes himself.

Besides Norton and Shavers the toughest of Holmes's opponents for Frazier to beat would be Cooney, Witherspoon, Leroy Jones and Snipes. Carl Williams, Smith and Bey are a little more soft touches Frazier could probably blast out but they are imposing physical matchups nontheless. I think Frazier is an awful matchup for Tyson.

I can see Frazier beating all of Holmes's opponents theres no one here he "can't beat" it just won't be easy. Frazier might even be able to improve by beating Spinks(so no rematch) and Tyson. But if Frazier runs the table its going to end up being a shorter table. During his title years Holmes went 3,3,4,3,2,4,1,3. In Fraziers 8 comparable years he went 3,2,2,1,2,2,2,2. 23-16. So I do not think Frazier has it in him to go on the Louis/Ali/Holmes/Wlad run. It would take Frazier over 10 years to get there even if we give him all these fights. Even before the Ali and Foreman damage Frazier was simply not a 3 fight a year guy.