Larry Holmes 1980 vs Frank Bruno 1986, in light of Frank Bruno Month.

Bingo.

 

Does anyone really, genuinely think Bruno could beat Larry Holmes?

Clearly a prime (1980) Holmes will beat Bruno - shouldn't be much, indeed any, debate there. The only question is which is the worst version of Holmes that Bruno has a genuine chance of beating. I'd take any version of Holmes in the 80s to beat the best version of Bruno and I'd probably still favour '92 Holmes over him as well. And if you think I'm underrating Bruno, maybe you're underrating Larry Holmes.

 

The version that fought Butterbean do you still make Bruno the underdog?

 

As someone that sparred a mere 2001 version of Larry Holmes I can verify he was a beast.

 

It's possibly that any time from 1982 to 1996 (Bruno's whole career span), Holmes as he was and given a few weeks to prepare, might well have beaten him.

I mean, it's only 1993-'96 where I see any chance for Bruno, and that's a huge super-fit muscular 31-34 year old Bruno against a flabby 44 - 46 year old Holmes ...... Bruno might be able to hammer out a clear decision against that Holmes, as McCall did.
It's certainly no foregone conclusion though.

 

Frank is so much bigger and stronger. Automatic winner against whittle larry...obviously joking Larry picks him apart late KO

 

I can't see how Bruno wins this. Not even if he lands a haymaker.