Figuring Out Larry Holmes' Peak

There are some great reasons for choosing this year, as Larry looked like the stylistic descendant of Ali and was absolutely stunning against Norton overall (from manifold perspectives). His first (jaw-dropping) effort against Shavers was in some ways more impressive than the TKO in the second fight.

The only problem I have with pre-1979 Larry is that he didn't seem to get right with stepping into his right hands until the Evangelista fight. He just didn't have a knockout shot.

The Weaver fight in '79, despite the fact that Holmes was both suffering from a cold and made the eminently stupid mistake of underestimating Mike, was when Larry unveiled the one punch of his that could be considered a power punch: the uppercut.

 

I always wondered if the Norton fight was Larry still hurting from the rumors of him being a dog (the amateur showing against Bobick). I think the fact that so many doubted his heart made that fight for him, because Norton landed shots in that fight that knocked guys like Bobick silly.

Overall though, I'm with the people here whom believe Larry overall dominated the Norton fight. Norton was fighting an uphill battle through most of it...though it might have been his own greatest show of heart.

 

81 when he hammered Spinks.Awesome

 

That was awesome. I give full credit to Leon, he was there to fight. But I could see that stoppage coming a mile away. No chance.

 

Peak was 78 thru 80. Still terrific thru Cooney.

 

I rewatched the first Shavers fight... Larry was just plain artistic.

 

78-82.

 

78 to 82 80 IMO is his peak

 

78-82 he was still very sharp for Cooney. Although I felt he beat Witherspoon easier than some believe he was declining by that fight one year later.

 

I disagree on Dempsey. I think Larry would school him easier than Tunney did

 

His peak was Evangelista and Shavers Fights. IMO there was the best, technically different Holmes

 

I now slightly lean towards Holmes but I don't think using the Dempsey against Tunney is a good measure. He was much past it, had slowed considerably, and was noticeably rusty.