Holmes vs Ali 1976

Though I think Ali would still have enough ring smarts to win over such a relative novice, I think 1976 is when Larry said his jab became better than Ali's, better than anyone in the gym. So it's not clear cut.

 

As much as I admired Muhammad Ali as a man and fighter, I would have to favor Larry Holmes in 1976. Ali looked very spent against Jimmy Young on April 30 1976, and against Ken Norton on Sept 28 1976. He was starting to show signs of wear and tear, his prime years were far away. He depended too much on the Rope A Dope which led to his later neurological issues. He was no longer the dancing master who befuddled Sonny Liston in 1964 and Ernie Terrell in 1967. Holmes by unanimous decision, pupil beats the teacher.