Is this forum overrating Larry Holmes?

I think he is a step above Holyfield, not in Ali's class in terms of accomplishments or even Lewis' IMO. Frazier is an interesting one. You are weighing longevity and consistency over a bright comet.

 

Imo the one only thing that Holmes lacked, was a career defining victory. He never had that one outstanding win. Ali had Foreman, Lewis had Holyfield/Tyson, Bowe had Holyfield, Holyfield had Tyson, Frazier had Ali, but Holmes best win was a past it Norton. No doubt it was one of the greatest HW fights ever, but it was "only" a past prime Norton. Thats why I personally dont rank him in the top 3 or 4 on an all time HW list. He is definitely a lock for the top 10 tho.

 

He's my #4. Consistent as hell in his prime, meets the eye test etc etc.

 

To be fair, he won at least 4 rounds pretty clearly from Holyfield when he was 42 and way past it. If he was Evanders age when they fought he would of won a clear decision. As it was his body couldn't keep up in that fight.

Also not taking anything away from Holyfield, who he himself was pretty great.

 

He was top notch and hard to beat no matter what, and had he fought against the Ali and Frazier and Norton and Foreman's in the 1970s at his skill level in 1982 he would have been right in the mix with that jab and right hand and heart.

 

He has an argument for ranking over all those fighters except Ali.

 

Agreed. Even tho I dont think he would beat Ali or Frazier, I think he has a very good chance of beating Foreman and Norton (Prime). He would beat anyone else from the 70s.

 

I most definitely do not think that this forum overrates Holmes, the fact that there was not a big name defining win on his record is not his fault, as champion he beat all before him for extended period, a solid champion that i would say beats greater majority of the past and present heavyweight champions, and sure as hell would be a threat to any of them.

I rate Holmes very highly.

 

You gotta be kidding me. Lewis career defining victory are against a over the hill 36 year old Holyfield who had already been KOed by Bowe 4 years earlier and a shot 36 year old Tyson?

 

Holmes’ win over Norton was far better than Lewis win over a shot Tyson.But I do think Holmes was lucky to get the nod against Carl Williams and he huffed and puffed against pre-prime 19-8 Mike Weaver until he blew his house down with an uppercut.Even though he was unlucky to lose the rematch to Michael Spinks I think he is a little overrated.But oh my what a jab.

 

I don't think anyone ever classes Holmes as the "best ever" people always have Ali or Louis as number 1 or 2.

Hes rightly rated top 5, or just outside top 5 depending on your rankings.

His title defences after the Cooney fight, may of let him down a tad. As he opted for a few easier defences, rather than taking on the most dangerous opponents.

But overall still a pretty consistent career, and his rating is justified not overrated at all for me.

 

Totally agree with you.

 

can you give a link to the post(s) on this forum calling him the greatest ever? Or is this hyperbole trying to score a point for your agenda with a fictitious and/or exaggerated claim.