Larry Holmes realizes his WBC title is slightly tarnished by beating a Norton who was awarded the WBC title by default (post Norton vs Young bout in 1977). So to strengthen his claim to the WBC Title, he defends against Jimmy Young, who had lost to Norton in a controversial SD decision. Who wins????
As great as Larry was, I think Young in that time period, after just being robbed of getting the Norton victory would be fired up and give maybe his finest performance by beating Holmes.
Never? I dont know about all that, larrys operate behind the jab and rack up points style isnt the best method for dealing with a slick defensive wizard with good head movement. Young had a good jab himself and great body shots and that could pose an issue down the stretch as holmes is frustrated he cant land as often as usual and sucks in air missing or getting countered. Young could pull off an upset if larry doesnt pick up the pace and aggression to have more convincing rounds. Youngs weakness is his lack of initiative and letting the opponent win rounds on acivity and aggression.
As much as I admired Larry in his long career, I go with you on this one. I have always had the impression that Larry kept clear of jimmy Young by stealth, using that old chestnut, "Me and Jimmy, we are real tight, we are good friends. We would never fight"
Jimmy Young confounds and frustrates Holmes en route to a 15 round decision...unless the judges screw Jimmy over again.
A messy fight with Holmes struggling to get anything going against Jimmy. ..but Larry would get the decision via split .Not one of Holmes Best nights.
Holmes by ud. After losing to Norton in 1977, Young was never the same fighter. I think he lost a lot of dedication after that loss.
He was never the same, but imagine him getting a shot at Holmes after the disappointing loss to Norton. He would be up for that fight. And after coming so close against Ali and Norton, I think he would kind of let it all hang out, make sure he did enough to leave no doubt who the winner was. I think holmes is a tough fight for anyone, But a Jimmy Young who is just given another chance at the title after such disappointments is going to be a very bad night for anyone
Don King would never let the judges give Young a decision over Larry no matter how clear a win it was. I learned this after seeing Carl Williams work him over and get the screwjob. Same thing here.
