If Larry Holmes had turned professional in the 80 s and was coming along the same time as Lewis, Bowe, morrison, mercer etc, then how does that alter the heavyweight scene? With Holyfield as champ then Bowe and Lewis, how does a young Larry do? He's right there in the mix so he's knocking on the top names doors.
I would have loved to see prime Holmes vs Tyson, Holyfield, Wlad, Lewis, Vitali. We would have had some treats of fights!
Would beat them all on decision, close match with lewis and tyson (depending which tyson turns up) that's what I think
He beats them all. Ill say Holy is the least problematic with Tyson giving him some early problems and same with Lewis until Holmes starts winning battle of the jabs
If he comes along same time as Bowe and Lewis I see him in contest s with both men at some point. I see him beating Bowe in a gruelling match similar to his weaver fight. With Holmes stopping him in the last few rounds. Lewis, I think he also beat s but he may have to crawl off the canvas at least once. This is the early version of Lewis who I favour Holmes over. Holyfield I see giving him harder fights and it could definitely be a series going on. A Tyson in 96 would be beaten by Larry and it could actually be rather one sided. The later version of Lewis takes a older Holmes to the edge and lennox wins a decision. I see the assassin been a massive player in the 90 s and even doing well in the early 2000 s. He'd figure At some point in a fight with vitali, but lose by a wide decision.
He'd be right in the mix but he'd also pick up some losses. This era was immensely stronger than his own and there's no way anyone would get thru it undefeated excepting maybe an Ali coming along at a similar time. Lewis, Bowe, Holyfield and even later Tyson are all very formidable obstacles and assuming he didn't avoid rematches there would be more than one "series" of fights.
A lot tougher than his own era John. It seemed to get better funnily enough with the downfall of Tyson. Suddenly there seemed to be a rich division with potential exciting fights.
It's a hugely tough era no matter who you throw in there. You also had a couple of big punching bit players and the likes. Then later you have ESB's legendary H2H fave Tua, Old George, The also legendary President etc.
I think it you makes a choice takes your chance on any of those Holmes vs the rest bouts, none are foregone conclusion,s bouts capable of going either way. I must say i think Lewis has his beating, as if Holmes had a reputation then think Lewis would be bringing his A game, no eye off the ball scenario. But if you get the time machine out and get these Holmes vs rest matches arranged, i would be happy to be at ringside.