Joe Frazier 1971 vs Larry Holmes 1981

15 rounds. Both undefeated, highly motivated and near their peak. How would it go?

 

Style favors Frazier. He would win by TKO.

 

I would pick Holmes by decision in a great fight.

 

Holmes in a war. But winnable for Frazier too. Holmes is third and Frazier seventh on my ATG list so that’s territory where anything certainly could happen.

 

Bloody hate this match up!!

 

Frazier late TKO.

Holmes was not as fast as Ali, did not have as versatile a jab as Ali (he couldn't change the direction after already having thrown it like Ali), was not as good defensively (as a matter of fact, his defense was quite ordinary at times as Weaver showed), and most importantly couldn't take it to the body like Ali. Nobody could.

 

My prediction is that this goes fifteen rounds with one of them winning a decision. Components like ring size, and who the officials are would play a part.

 

Agree 100% Watch Holmes Norton, Larry got into a brawl with Ken, he'd never survive hooking with Joe Frazier. Joe by 13th round TKO.

 

Frazier KO

 

Love both but that jab would spell trouble for Joe and unlike the jab of Ali Holmes had a very damaging jab that would bust you up and Frazier is going to have to contend with it.
I say Holmes split decision in a fight people would argue who they thought really won for years to come.

 

Great fight shame didn’t happen during the 70’s Fraziers relentless work rate would wear Holmes down and Larry just didn’t hit hard enough to keep Joe off him

Late TKO or decision to Smokin Joe Frazier

 

Larry also injured himself during that fight I believe and Norton is a different style then Frazier.

 

Frazier wins, not sure whether by KO or decision, but he would be too much for Holmes.

 

Agree with you on jab.

 

Absolutely could turn out this way. And I guarantee if there was a multifight series neither would bat 1.000.