Why is it not held against Holmes legacy more that he was never the undisputed HW champion of boxing

I have called that a duck every time it's been discussed, and still do.

 

Patterson defended against his nr 1 three times during five years as a champion in total. Didn't go one calendar year without defending against at least somwone in the top 5.

Yet, his is often held up as one of the worst reigns in terms of.ducking contenders.

Meanwhile, Holmes never defended once against his nr 1 and went two calendar years without facing anyone in the top 5 in a similar time as lineal champ, and still you get "nothing to see here" from many.

 

Yeah, but after he fought Mike he dropped a belt not fight Chris Byrd aiming at the rematch with Tyson.

Wlad held this ranking for like 8 months after the Lewis vs Tyson fight.