George Foreman 1977 vs Larry Holmes 1978

'Hardest punch in boxing history' is one hell of an overstatement.
Let's not forget Holmes went life and death with a 35-year-old Ken Norton, four years after Foreman knocked him out with ease

 

On paper, Holmes has the tools and skill to win. In 1978 he was a little too inexperienced for Big George in my opinion. He wouldn't be able to just replicate his Shavers performance getting in his bike and jabbing, George would cut the ring off, tear up his body with devastating body shots, and would be jabbing with him using his own sometimes underrated jab. I see George eventually wearing him down and getting the KO in 7-9 rounds. Might end the fight with a sledgehammer right hand over Holmes' jab.

If this was the more seasoned peak Holmes from 81-82 who took down Cooney, Berbick, etc, it's a much closer fight. In fact, I might slightly favor Holmes a tad 55:45 or so. His overall game plan, timing, accuracy, and endurance were more well refined at that point and he was a mature champion.

 

Foreman was a much better finisher than Shavers and had a much better chin.

Watch how wildly Shavers swung when he had Holmes down. If Foreman has you down, he is going to be far more precise with his punches.

Foreman was taller and physically stronger than Shavers. Additionally, he had a better jab and quicker feet. Earnie may have had the faster hands but young George was actually quick footed. Ali himself thought he couldn't dance away from Foreman.

A jab isn't going to keep Foreman at bay no matter how great it is. Ali threw powerful lead right hands and creative combinations with full force and that was barely enough to keep Foreman at bay. Holmes did not have Ali's lead right hand nor his creative combinations.

 

The least one can say is that Holmes would’ve have had his best shot at the 77 version vs the Foreman that made his way to the title and who defended that title on several occasions.

77 Foreman was still trying to reinvent himself and had lost a ton of his former confidence. Still, just a single left hook almost put out the durable Jimmy Young - Foreman has ridiculous power.

Good point that someone made re Foreman still coming into Ali even though he was getting speared hard.

What would Larry’s answer be to that? Can’t see him covering up and laying on the ropes like Ali did.

 

Foreman of 1977 would wear Holmes down? Not a chance in this world. Holmes could go 15 fast rounds. Foreman tired badly after 7 rounds. Either George gets to Holmes early or he gets knocked out. He gets knocked out.

 

Holmes for me. Just technically better and he had the size to hang with Foreman. I guess Foreman had a chance of slugging him outta there but I wouldn't bet on it.

 

Holmes had very little actual world class experience in 1977. Holmes hadn't gone 15 rounds even once in that year. He hadn't even gone 12. You might want to check the time line again.