Great is a Vastly over used term, as far as boxers are concerned....What is the defenition of a great fighter, Mike Tyson's place in boxing histroy is assured, he was the youngest heavyweight champion, was the youngest undisputed heaveyweight champion, he was the first fighter to unify the WBC, WBA and IBF titles, he made the 80's and up to 95 his own, a breath of ferocious fresh air. he defeated Biggs, Bruno, Tubbs,Tucker, Spinks......but was he a great fighter, his career spanned 19yrs, he was beaten 6 times against 50 victorys and 44ko's.....But Was He Great. Do we judge Tyson by the number of ko's he had, how many world champions he fought, his time at the top.....what is the criteria. Larry Holmes had his first pro contest in 1973 his last in 2002, he made 20 successful defences of his title, he won his first 48 fights, he fought Norton, Shavers, Cooney, Witherspoon to name but a few.....But Was He Great? George Forman, turnned pro 1969 last contest 1997 against Shannon Briggs. won the world title famously from Joe Fraizer in 1973, became the oldest heavyweight champion by stopping Micheal moorer 1994, He shared the ring with, Ali, Norton, Fraizer, Holyfield again to name but a few, a mighty puncher........But Was He Great? I could have picked a host of fighters from any weight, the question is still the same.....What defines great as far as your concerned. For me Holmes is with out question a Great fighter, by virtue of the skill he possesed, the competition he faced, he had heart, courage, a great chin and his longevity, the ablity to fight at a top level when past your prime.