Joe Frazier 1971 vs Larry Holmes 1981

No one is saying Holmes was “ immune “ to left hooks. Only that Muhammad Ali was more “
Prone” to getting hit by them which is a pretty long standing consensus. Mike weaver was trying to bully Holmes on the inside which is exactly how he got nailed with that uppercut that sent him crashing to the canvas which you’re saying is the “ worst “ thing to throw at a left hooker.

 

I don't think Holmes would have been able to withstand the FOTC (1971) pressure.
Frazier wins UD, or MD.

 

I can’t believe that. There no way that anyone with a ego as big as holmes would ever admit that he wouldn’t have had a chance against anyone. Even when he is talking about Ali you note that he never says that Ali is the greatest but rather that’s what Ali called himself cos Holmes truly believes that he could beat anyone including Ali so I can’t believe he would ever say that he wouldn’t have a chance against Frazier.That’s gotta be a misquote

 

I do recall Holmes talking about Frazier breaking his ribs in a sparring session and how fighting Joe would have been a nightmare,
I think he was right

 

I was going to mention that. Larry said Joe cracked his ribs when they sparred in late '73 (when Joe was preparing for the rematch with Ali).

Based on that, I'm not sure Larry's naturally pear-shaped body would've held up to Joe's body work over 15 rounds.

But it would've been a great matchup.

 

Being the biggest fan of Holmes here, I'd be the last person to misquote that, my friend.

 

Frazier by competitive UD, 9-6 with a couple of knockdowns.

 

I believe Frazier would be too strong for Holmes, Larry was great and would definitely be able to land jabs, crosses and uppercuts on Frazier but Frazier's strength and cardio would carry him through like it did when he fought Ali in the first fight.

If Larry fought like how he did against Ken Norton or Mike Weaver then he's getting beaten up badly and losing a decision.

 

I like Frazier in this one. Holmes had a harder jab than
Ali but he wasn't as fast with it, Frazier made Ali miss
the vast majority of his jabs. Also Ali put punches
together much better than Holmes and probably
hit harder. Holmes used a better right uppercut
than Ali, but that was about it. Frazier would be
wise to look out for it.
I believe Frazier's relentless aggression would
be the difference . wear Holmes out past 8-9 rds.
The consistent body shot's, hip and thigh shot's
would take it's toll.
Frazier would grind Holmes down and win a dec
over 12 rds, possibly get a stoppage in 15rds.

 

Frazier by decision. Frazier is much better than any of Holmes' opponents, including Norton. Holmes is worse than Ali. However, I don't think Frazier would stop Holmes it might end up 9-6 for Frazier.

 

A highly motivated Frazier at the peak of his powers beats '81 Holmes, for mine.

Much as I rate Holmes higher, in the historical sense, I don't much believe that he could beat the best Frazier, over 15 rounds. I would favor Holmes to make the distance, but a stoppage is not out of the question.

In any event, it would be a heck of a fight.

 

I love both guys but favor Joe. I remember how badly Tim Witherspoon kept hurting Holmes w body shots and feel that prime Frazier may have been a bit too much but it could go either way.

 

Frazier by late tko or competitive decision.

 

Holmes and Frazier fight a fight that could only be compared to Bowe Holy I and Holmes Norton.

Joe suffers terrible jabs and uppercuts in the first part of the fight, but by the seventh is really getting past Larry's guard and knocking the hell out of the body. Holmes is blocking the hooks to the head, but his hands are getting lower every round.

By the 12th Larry is getting mauled relentlessly. He nearly scores a knockdown with a uppercut and tries it again only to eat a monster hook that has his legs go cuckoo. His eyes are rolling and all he can do is hold, hold, hold. A judge awards Joe a 10-8, Holmes looks so out of it.

It takes a lot out of him. The next two rounds are easily Frazier's, whom at this point is already ahead.

The 15th round Holmes really goes for a rally and scores a flash knockdown of Joe with a short right. Joe gets immediately up and proceeds to practically knock Larry all over the ring by the final bell.

A clear UD, but a great great fight.

 

It would be an epic fight.

Holmes would certainly score with his jab and it could bust up Joe a bit. Frazier also would slip the jab and zero in on Larry's body. I think Frazier wins the bout late probably by decision but I wouldn't rule out a stoppage if it's 15 rounds.