Larry Holmes is 75 years old today...

Perhaps Ney also sent along a George Foreman Grill (pre-owned and well worn of course) as a gift..with a nice big pink ribbon tied around it.

 

Today reminds us of Larry’s birthday…& how he robbed us all of contributing to the golden 1970’s by turning pro four years late. Good job avoiding all the talent, champ.

 

I sent him Mike Tyson’s Punchout on the Nintendo.

 

Larry's had a diabetic scare, his recovery from which may extend his life considerably. In terms of longevity, he's already very solid. Much more impressively, he's got all his marbles. 579 rounds under his belt over a span of a ridiculous 29 years. (Foreman has 349 rounds over 28 years.)

Crazily went out a winner at age 52, using some excellent movement in the process.

The competition for longevity is clearly between Larry and George. I favor Foreman, but Larry's certainly aware of his mortality now, and likes his life. He just needs to get his weight down and keep it under control.

 

The two oldest living ex-Heavy champs.

 

Happy birthday, Champ!

 

Maybe AJ will make it to 110

 

…..even better.

 

Wishful thinking, plus Larry never fought a southpaw.

 

I had always assumed that George was at least 2 or 3 years older than Larry so it was a bit surprising to find out that they were actually born in the same year, 1949 though George is about 10 months older. Here’s a little list of our currently oldest living heavyweight champs.

George Foreman. 75
Larry Holmes. 75
Mike Weaver. 73
Bonecrusher Smith. 71
Michael Spinks. 68
Tim Witherspoon. 66
Pinklon Thomas. 66
Tony Tubbs. 66
Tony Tucker. 65

 

in the most recent pics of him I’ve seen, it looks like he has got his weight under control.

 

Usually isn’t the big dudes who make it as long. Although his general discipline certainly helps his case for longevity. I can’t see him getting out of shape or taking up bad habits. Look at Wlad — dude still looks like he could climb into a ring right now. AJ will be like that.

 

in fairness, Holmes wasn’t even close to done at 38. Ali was sick and done. Not the same thing. But, what’s a champ supposed to do? Show up and lose on purpose?

Holmes was under appreciated in general because he could be salty in front of a mic. Never mind that his actual personal life shows that he was a normal, stable man who didn’t disgrace himself, the sport, or the title. He was pretty much a model champ. Drop kick of Berbick aside.

meanwhile, Tyson… (and yes, he’s not that man anymore)

shows what people really want I guess — entertainment.

 

Hypothetically, if Holmes made a comeback at 75 years old and beat Usyk, how would you rate Holmes?

 

Thought he would be older. Happy birthday champ!