My '74 Ali vs. '86 Tyson thread had some very good, interesting in depth analysis and debates. Now I would like to hear the great classic sections idea of a Foreman vs. Holmes clash, Foreman in '74 had just about as much experience as a '86 Tyson had of holding a title and fighting for it in front of a huge crowd. Holmes, coming out of 20-some months of inactivity and 2 losses (one arguable...) had a lot of ring rust and was definitely in need of a tune up before going in there with a big puncher. I feel that this is the worst Holmes version pre-95, he was far from seasoned and feared no one ofcourse, which lead to his demise agains a young, hungry Mike Tyson. Could Foreman with his huge punch be able to catch up with Larry who still had some bounce? I'm going to post my final analysis of this "fantasy" fight if you will... I want to hear some of your views on this one :good
I don't think it would be as bad a match-up for Holmes as Tyson was, but Foreman in '74 was a ferocious man with immense strength and feared nothing. A younger Holmes might be able to confound Foreman and make him doubt himself, as Ali did, with his movement and great jab, but Holmes in '88 would be caught and KO'd eventually IMO. Especially if it was the Foreman who faced Ali, since he was very well drilled by Saddler and Moore in how to cut the ring down and corner his man.
Anyone else thinking: "The longer the fight goes on, the more it will profit a rusty Holmes" ? I'm leaning on a Foreman kayo by the 4th or 5th round actually, but skimming through the Tyson vs. Holmes fight on my computer, sheer power was not Mike's recipe for success.. he used speed and angles, something Foreman lacked. I still feel that Foreman could do what Shavers did to a more stationary Holmes, and finish the fight where Larry is on shaky legs, still.
Foreman knocks out 88 Holmes, and it's a safe bet. That Holmes simply wouldn't be able to stay away long enough, although I would make a 1980 Holmes the favorite.
A '88 Holmes is lesser fighter than a prime Holmes.. and prime Holmes would have his hands full vs '74 Foreman.
Foreman would have won. At this stage of his career Holmes could not move and hit on the move for long periods. Foreman would probably have him out of there inside 8 rounds.
