Holmes vs. Tunney

Holmes by decision. But Tunney’s constant movement and illusiveness might frustrate Holmes along the way

 

Tunney's too fast. Not much smaller than prime Holmes either. I like his chances. Decision.

 

Tunney would be a hard fighter for a lot of heavies and cruisers to beat. He was durable, fast and had a high workrate.

 

No.

 

Agreed.

 

No. Hell no.

 

A more interesting question would be could Tunney beat the 35 year old version of Holmes that Spinks beat.

 

I believe that no version of Gene Tunney could beat any version of active Larry Holmes.

 

Not even old Holmes?

 

Gene couldn’t carry Larry’s jockstrap.

 

I’m going with Holmes but I don’t think Gene is easy night for anyone. Watch that old colorized footage of Gene against Gibbons - that jab from the hip is piston quick and when he wants to get leverage into that right hand he really throws it. But I think Holmes a little bigger and little better. And if Holmes can get up from Shavers, Snipes and even Tyson’s right I don’t think Gene can keep him down at all.

 

I’m obviously not picking Tunney in a straight fight, as size &, more importantly, styles, are against him here, but he had twice the career Holmes had.

 

I have not too much doubt honestly that Tunney could beat the Holmes of 1985-86.

 

Not at heavyweight.
Dempsey Champ
Dempsey was no 1
Risko was no13
Spalla was no 10
Gibbons was no 3
Heeney no 4
Let's look at these 5 men.
Dempsey had been out of the ring for 3 years when Tunney out boxed him in their first fight.
In their second one he caught up with the loping Tunney,but refused to go to a neutral corner,which allowed Tunney extra time to recover.Once back on his feet Tunney returned to boxing on the retreat and Dempsey did not have the legs or stamina to get to him.He was no longer the Manassa Mauler.

Risko was an in and outer with a 19-7-0record ,that year the Ring ranked 15 men otherwise he would not have been ranked.he sc****d in at13.

Gibbons 34 years old was having his last fight,and ,like Carpentier and Levinsky was in significant decline.

Spalla never beat anyone worth talking about and his inclusion at no10 just illustrates how shallow the talent pool was.

Heeney getting a draw with Sharkey enabled Tunney to bypass the more dangerous Sharkey and end his career on a winning note.

Six fights with 5 ranked men.

Thats it!