Lets discuss who was better in these categories? Two of my favourite HW's For me it's obvious that Ali had better chin. Shavers repeatedly hit 36 y.o. Ali with the same bombs that he knocked down Holmes, and never put him down. Shavers landed far more power shots on Ali's chin in 15 rds than on Holmes as he won 1-2 out of 23 rds vs Larry. Ali was KD by Sonny Banks and Cooper till he turned 22 and during next 17 years he was KD' only by Smokin Joe (Wepner KD was fluke - bodypunch while stepping on foot). Holmes was dropped by Isaac, Shavers, Snipes (doubt that Snipes could drop Ali), Tyson 3 times. Power - about equal I think. Ali stopped many good HW's. Bonavena was never stopped besides Ali, Foreman too. Ali had 32 KO's in 45 wins after beating Foreman which is very high KO % considering his level of opposition. Holmes on the other hand while also never considered a puncher has 15 KOs and TKO's in 20 defences which isn't bad (Wlad has 12 KOs in 16 defences - the same % of KOs as Holmes). Holmes also stopped 8 title challengers in a row. Speed - edge to Ali. Prime Ali simply had better foot and handspeed than Holmes, though Larry was fast HW too. Skills - again it's tough to call. :think Discuss.
Good point about chin and speed, but power wise I think Larry holds the advantage. Skills - although I think prime Ali beats Holmes, Holmes was more versatile and I would say had a tad better defense, since Ali could rely on his chin even if a punch connects. I do think that Ali (especially in late years) really knew exactly what HE was doing in the ring but he didn't adapt quickly on the fly to the opponent's style as shown in Frazier and Norton trilogies. His combination of ring smarts and speed is unmatched at HW. So my oppinion is that their skill level is pretty even.
nothing to add worthwhile really....just another excuse to post one of my favourite boxing photos.. This content is protected
Power, Ali had more snap or pop when he was in top condition but Holmes had a solid right hand...this was about even Speed...Ali had a large edge here and better combo speed Skills.....I would have to say Ali because of the level of opponents and proven results, Liston,Foreman,Frazier,Bonavena,Lyle,Quarry Holmes best opponents were Cooney and an older Norton then Ali fought and Norton was bad for both men ...I dont see Ali having much trouble with the 10-16 fight guys that Holmes was beating....Weaver may be a rugged fight but Ali handles him and prime Ali handles Shavers with less trouble than Larry had
Holmes had a pretty tight game. Ali had a looser, more improvisational game of drawing punches and exploding, suddenly leading. Holmes is more conventional, like a well-configurated machine with few faults (block that right Larry >.>), while Ali is a jazz musician. I feel these considerations matter more than the categories, but: Punching power: Holmes Chin: Ali Speed: Ali Skills: I dunno. Larry had more of them. Ali had some unconventional ones.
Power - Holmes marginally Chin - Ali Speed - Ali Skills - Very tough to call. I give the edge to Ali.
