Same deal as with the Louis thread. I am not asking you to make any moral judgment on whether he should have fought these potential challengers. Just consider: A. Who was the most talentede regardless of the strength of his claim to fight Holmes. B. Who had the strongest claim based on circumstances and resume.
Probably Greg Page or Pinklon Thomas. Greg Page for sure, because Page was his mandatory and deserved to fight Holmes for the title. Considering that Holmes fought guys like Scott Frank and Lucien Rodriguez and even Marvis Frazier when Page and Thomas were around, I'd say that Holmes deserves some criticism for not fighting at least one of those guys. Thomas probably posed more of a threat to Holmes than page however; Thomas had a fast, hard jab and was pretty durable.
in around 1982 or '83, it 'twas Michael Dokes or Greg Page.... By 1985, it was Pinky Thomas....... Still, Holmes was a great champ, and these other dudes were just good chumps..... Peace.... thumbsup MR.BILL
A Unification match with WBA Champion Mike Weaver. He was vastly improved as a Champion. & when they did fight, Weaver gave Holmes all kinds of trouble.
It has to be Greg Page, Pinky had a great jab , but not a naturally gifted heavyweight as Greg .. i would give a shout to both , but Greg is the one... around 84 One of the best heavyweights in the world was Frank Bruno.. i think many dont honestly realise that, he was beating Tim for quite a few rounds before Terrible Tim got to him.. Frank was much avoided as a young gun... But the original question is (Greg Page)
Holmes was in his mid 30's by the time Dokes was champion. I would have to say Page, but upon further review, Page limited his chances by losing to guys Holmes had already beaten or would shortly defeat. But Holmes really did not duck many fighters. He took on Tyson well past his prime, and called out Foreman in the mid 1990's. Holmes also called out Tommy Morrison in the mid 1990's.