Holmes says he would have beaten Ali in his prime

Larry was past it for the Witherspoon fight, and had the flu for the Weaver fight, so both times he wasn't 100%, but I do agree that he had a habit of bringing the best out of his opposition, but seemed to fight down to it too. As for him only making because he was Ali's sparring partner back in the early 70's, that's BS. That held him back more than anything. It kept him in Ali's shaddow and he was known as Ali's sparring partner instead of champion, even years after he beat Ali.

 

I think it's debatable as to whether or not HOlmes was past it by the time he fought Witherspoon. I mean, many people feel that Larry was in his absolute prime against Cooney, and if he was, I don't see how he could be "past it" in such a short time frame for the Witherspoon fight. Holmes' troubles with Witherspoon could have had a lot to do with styles.

 

I don't think Holmes was at his "absolute peak" for Cooney; it was just his biggest showcase, but he was probably beginning to slip slightly after four years at the top and a double-digit number of defenses. I personally believe he was at his peak for Ali. I remember Cosell asking him whether he thought he was beginning to decline when he failed to kayo Berbick.

Holmes' troubles with Witherspoon had a lot to do with Witherspoon.

 

I do not think Holmes was past it when he meet Witherpsoon. I think Holmes underestimated Witherpsoon. It was a tale of three fights. Holmes won 5 of first 6 rounds, Wither soon did well in the mid rounds, including a wild 9th round where Holmes was rocked, but came back to rock Witherpsoon in the same round! Holmes won some of the final rounds, and did enough to win the fight.

 

Obviously-I'm part of...I think a large crowd that thinks Holmes is an obnoxious jerk(I'm being nice)-his personality kept him "in Ali's shadow";obviously excuses aside-he should've blown out Michael Spinks instead of shooting off his big tuchis....Carl "the truth' Williams...Renaldo Snipes...rethinking his "prime",aside from a pretty one-dimensional Gerry Cooney..his biggest "prime" perforfance may have been against....Tex Cobb ..

 

I dont think any version of Holmes beats any decent version of Ali.
I'm not sure Holmes would beat an earlier, hungrier version of Norton either.

 

Considering how close it was with a 34 year old Norton that was desillusioned after in his opinion being robbed of a victory against Ali, I think you right.

I haven't seen too much of Holmes but still feel that most versions of Ali from 64 to 75 probably would have beaten him in his prime. Only by decision, though.

 

Good points, but I disagree that sparring with Ali held him back. Holmes was in no way shape or form ready to be a top contender before about 1977. Some of his amateur fights against men like Bobick and Wells, plus a few of his early pro fights against guys like Isaac showed us that he needed some time to develop. Having the advantage to spar with Ali gave him some valuable experience and truly made him blossom into the great fighter that he later became. Had he not had the privelage of working with Ali, I have my doubts about how far he might have gone. Still the potential was there regardless, and Holmes made good use of the opportunity. There have been numerous fighters who have worked as sparring partners for all time greats who went nowhere.

 

I've been enjoying McGrain's avatar for quite some time. I can enjoy gals lean and mean, or soft and cushioned. Leaning a little towards cushioned. But I don't want the same idea every time. I think McGrain's avatar lends some needed variety. IMO. ('Cushioned', btw, means 'everywhere cushioned' -- not a skinny chick with big mams).

 

For all we know that may be his wife. Rest assured I'd still do her though.

 

It's Marilyn Monroe, America's all-time sex symbol, if I'm not mistaken.

 

Yeah, I should have recognized her. I thought for a moment she was a monroe look alike as there have been quite a few.

 

Peak Larry was around 1980, not late 1982 or 1983. His legs and hand speed had left him by then. Cooney was his last true 100% Larry. Larry isn't obnoxious, or a jerk. He's just the opposite. In person you'll never meet a more down to Earth, nice guy. He's great with kids too. His personality kept him in Ali's shaddow? He was in Ali's shaddow all along. He was resented for beating Ali, which Larry cried about afterward. He took it easy on Ali for most of the fight, only hitting him hard at times.

 

Holmes is right.