For how good a young Cassius Clay or Muhammad Ali was, probably Cody Jones could answer it best. He, of the monster left hook, and many rounds with the young man. Can't figure Holmes out. He has his wits, money, and quiet fame. What else could he want.
I don't think Holmes is a bitter old man at all. He was bitter when he was younger. But now he's not. He says Ali's overrated, but he often also says how great Ali is. Somewhere in there there's some sense to be made of what he's saying, he's just not exactly the best person at expressing things. I like Larry because he still thinks like a fighter. When he says Ali or whoever is overrated, or "can't fight" or "can't punch", he just means to say he could have kicked their ass. I like that about Larry. At his age he's entitled to say it. Besides, he sparred with Ali and Frazier, so I guess his opinion counts whether wer like it or agree with it or not.
That's pretty much what it is. He and Tyson don't get along, but in a recent interview he said that he thinks it's great Tyson was inducted into the hall of fame and said that he's a great guy.
I've always been a fan of Larry Holmes, but the man has definitely made a career out of slandering other great champions, ie. Marciano, Foreman, Tyson, etc... He has systematically complained about not getting enough recognition, but fails to see that bad mouthing public idols only makes things worse.
He tends to slander those who are constantly brought up around him and make him feel like people say they are better than he was. He's also said some very nice things about Tyson, Marciano, Ali, etc. Obviously he's spoken more negative than positive, but the positive is definitely there. If he was as big of a ***** as he is made out to be, he'd never have helped out Frazier financially, and wouldn't be friends with Frazier, Norton, Ali, Cooney, Cobb, Leonard, etc.
Larry must be on medication.!!! Who could forget what Ali did to both Foreman and liston,these 2 Fighters were Brutal Heavyweights and were destroying Great opponents very quickly,then along came the Great Man Ali and he fair dinkum Toyed with both of these Monsters,don't forget Ali spent 3 Years of His prime in exile also. Holmes has lost all credibility with this statement.!!!!
larry is one who is overrated.sonny liston and george foreman would wipe his ass,so would joe frazier.hell even old norton almost beat him
He wasn't overrated as an ATG. No way. Perhaps Larry was talking about Ali wasn't a complete fighter and was overrated regarding his inability to fight inside and seldom punching downstairs?
Easy Big Fella,,,,,,,,,Larry had a pulled bicep muscle when facing Kenny. But I do agree,,,,,,,,George Foreman, Sonny Liston and Joe Frazier a different group of 'gladiators'
I always thought Ali's inside fighting was sold a bit short. I mean, I think he was worlds better inside than any of the three major titlists we have currently reigning, not that that's a glowing recommendation, but still. Ali had some very good spots inside against Joe Frazier---one of the best inside fighters...ever, imo. I don't feel he had an inability to fight inside. He just shined on the outside and logically preferred it there is all, it seems to me.
Ezzard Charles(one of my favs) was a humble man. Larry is loud and disrespectful. Two different personalities. I respect Larry but man can he run his mouth when he wants. I understand his bitterness though as he had to succeed Ali. No offense to Holmes but it was easier for Tyson to succeed Holmes than Holmes succeeding Ali.
TBH, Ali is only overrated by people who don't know a lot about boxing. Robinson and Armstrong rate over Ali by knowledgeable boxing fans. Ali may be the GOAT @ heavyweight if Louis isn't.