Earliest Point Holmes Could Have Realistically Challenged Ali For Heavyweight Title?

He had not beaten anyone of real substance before he beat Earnie Shavers in early 1978. His next fight was his title fight war against Norton three months later. He could have fought Ali instead of Norton and he probably would have beaten The Greatest.

 

1977/1978

 

He wouldn’t have earned the shot yet, but I think by mid-1977 (say around the time of Ali vs Evangelista) we have a Larry Holmes who would win enough rounds against Muhammad to convince us ... but Ali might have gotten the benefit of the doubt from the judges?

 

Holmes was rated in the top 10 in 1976 and whilst he was still a tad green and hadn't faced many notable opponents.

I was quite impressed with how Holmes dealt with 6'5 Roy Williams and he had to overcome a few tough moments in the middle rounds aswell.

Ali was slipping considerably after 1975 so I'd 1976 was the earliest possible opportunity that Holmes could've earnt a title shot and possibly beat a fading Ali.

 

1985

 

1978

 

I was reading a Washington Post article from 1978 in between the two Spinks bouts. Larry visited Muhammad and he was in bed with his wife Veronica, kind of a weird scene but I digress, and he said champ, when are you going to fight me, and Muhammad said I'm too old. Would you fight me if you were 36 and I was 28. Great article by the way.

 

By 1976 for sure

 

I’d say 77/78.

 

Roy Williams was an interesting fighter. Big man for the era, notably tough with some very decent skills.

He also had a respectable jab, especially when he elected to use it consistently.

Shaver’s later round KO of Roy was a big win for Earnie.

Roy is still alive as far as I know and last I heard he was lead vocalist in a band.

 

Possibly win in 1976-with a fair decision.
Definitely 1977. He was getting better & Ali declined each year after Fall 1975/Manilla.

Ali was not tested much in 1976, so it is hard to say.

 

Holmes would definitely have won in 1978.
Holmes would have had a chance to win in 1976-77