Is Larry Holmes a consensus top ten heavyweight?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Russell, Oct 19, 2017.


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  1. Russell

    Russell Loyal Member Full Member

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    You'd favor him over Joe Louis and Ali?
     
    Russell, Oct 19, 2017
    Russell, Oct 19, 2017
    #16
  2. Contro

    Contro Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Foreman was a freak who would have been dangerous against anyone at any time but my point was that both frazier and Nortons legacies are based on beating a diminished Ali. I also think how much ali lost in the layoff is UNDERSTATED.
    On film Norton doesnt look any better than tubbs thomas and williams. In my opinion norton and frazier benefited greatly from Alis comeback.
    I dont find either more impressive on film than the 80s guys. Thats just my opinion. I'm in my early 20s so i didnt live through the 70s nor the 80s so if anything that makes me unbiased.
    If Ali hadnt come back they would both be viewed as a lot worse, even though on film their skills and ability would be the same.

    Again just my opinion and i know its probably an unpopular one
     
    Contro, Oct 19, 2017
    Contro, Oct 19, 2017
    #17
  3. The Long Count

    The Long Count Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Top 5 - long dominant reign defeated lot of good opponents.

    Norton
    Shavers 2x
    Cooney
    Witherspoon
    Mercer
    James Smith

    Second longest consecutive run and ran Holyfield and McCAll close way past prime.
     
    The Long Count, Oct 19, 2017
    The Long Count, Oct 19, 2017
    #18
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  4. DJN16

    DJN16 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    No I think Ali beats him, but in a good contest. I reckon Ali beats any heavyweight.
    Louis possibly could beat Holmes h2h, however I fancy Holmes having a better chance against any all time heavy.
     
    DJN16, Oct 19, 2017
    DJN16, Oct 19, 2017
    #19
  5. Unforgiven

    Unforgiven VIP Member banned Full Member

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    Yes, he's top 10.
    Top 5 probably.
     
    Unforgiven, Oct 19, 2017
    Unforgiven, Oct 19, 2017
    #20
  6. Russell

    Russell Loyal Member Full Member

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    Interesting replies so far... thanks everyone. I'm surprised there isn't a single poster who thinks he's outside of the top ten. Maybe someone will play devils advocate.

    Maybe I should be thankful most on here appear to know what they're talking about? :eek:
     
    Russell, Oct 19, 2017
    Russell, Oct 19, 2017
    #21
  7. Rock0052

    Rock0052 Loyal Member Full Member

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    A lot more fighters have the mentality to become champ than to stay champ. As such, I always reward those with consistency & longevity at the championship level with a higher rating.

    The Easton Assassin is a top 10 lock for me. There just aren't 10 guys who did better with the belt, simple as that.
     
    Rock0052, Oct 19, 2017
    Rock0052, Oct 19, 2017
    #22
    Russell likes this.
  8. mcvey

    mcvey VIP Member

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    It is at least arguable imo.
     
    mcvey, Oct 19, 2017
    mcvey, Oct 19, 2017
    #23
  9. Russell

    Russell Loyal Member Full Member

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    I feel Holmes gets more respect here than he did when I joined 10 years ago. Maybe that's just my perception?
     
    Russell, Oct 19, 2017
    Russell, Oct 19, 2017
    #24
  10. mcvey

    mcvey VIP Member

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    It's your opinion and honestly stated.:clap:
     
    mcvey, Oct 19, 2017
    mcvey, Oct 19, 2017
    #25
  11. Howitzer1888

    Howitzer1888 Active Member Full Member

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    Of course. He's top 5, for me.
     
    Howitzer1888, Oct 19, 2017
    Howitzer1888, Oct 19, 2017
    #26
  12. The Kentucky Cobra

    The Kentucky Cobra Boxing Addict banned Full Member

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    Yes, like Wlad hes a bit polarizing but when you lay it all out, what he accomplished was incredible.
     
    The Kentucky Cobra, Oct 19, 2017
    The Kentucky Cobra, Oct 19, 2017
    #27
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  13. mcvey

    mcvey VIP Member

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    He certainly deserves it!
     
    mcvey, Oct 19, 2017
    mcvey, Oct 19, 2017
    #28
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  14. Sting like a bean

    Sting like a bean Well-Known Member banned Full Member

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    I'm not the one you asked but I think he gives both tough fights and even wins one out of three.
     
    Sting like a bean, Oct 19, 2017
    Sting like a bean, Oct 19, 2017
    #29
  15. Contro

    Contro Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Holmes ability to compete into the mid 90s without foremans huge punch and physical strength is also remarkable. You dont have to love Larry but you have to respect him!
     
    Contro, Oct 19, 2017
    Contro, Oct 19, 2017
    #30
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