Larry Holmes is a wonderful fighter. Could he have got lost in the 70's shuffle?

brownshell · Jul 24, 2009

2 wins, 1 loss. He UD's Foreman and Frazier. Loses close UD to Ali.

fists of fury · Jul 24, 2009

The Wanderer said: ↑

Holmes would not emerge from the 70s scene undefeated, but I think he certainly wouldn't be lost in the shuffle.

Prime Holmes is all wrong for Foreman, and would make George eat his jab and straight rights all day long while manuevering around Goerge's big shots. I also think that Holmes would be extremely difficult for Foreman to blow out, and if Foreman couldn't do that Larry would win by points or when George gassed out.

A prime Holmes is also a major difficulty for any post exile Ali. Some versions of that Ali would have a speed edge on Holmes, which might be a difference maker, but Holmes' skills, sharp punching, toughness, heart, and the fact that he might well force Ali to play the aggressor, (a role Ali rarely excelled in) would always make it a tough bout for Ali.

A prime Frazier would most likely be a life and death bout for Holmes. Even though it's been observed many times that Holmes' greatest weakness was a vulnerability to the overhand right, the pressure a FOTC era Frazier put on any fighter could be devastating. Holmes might take it, but then again he might not.

And Norton at his best is difficult for any boxer, but Holmes seems to have handled even a past prime Norton better than Ali did, I think if both men were in their primes and there were no other x factors like injuries, Holmes would most likely take a close but clear sort of bout from Norton.

That's looking pretty good, all told. I'd give Holmes a good chance to have a winning record against the greats of the early to mid 70s.
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Very reasonable and solid post. One that reflects my feelings on the issue almost exactly.

Chris Warren · Jul 26, 2009

Foreman is a toss up for my money but I have to respect the fact that Foreman himself clearly thought that Holmes was all wrong for him. If Holmes would have beaten Foreman then it would have been a verry narrow window for a title shot.

Foreman never said Holmes was a bad style match up for him. Foreman wanted to fight Holmes back in the 70s. Holmes was no Ali, He couldnt take it to the body as well or take a punch to the head as well. If Ali couldnt keep Foreman off him then Holmes wouldnt either.

A washed up Norton gave Holmes a hell of a time and probably won. If Frazier could beat Ali then he could beat Holmes. I would pick Lyle, Bonavena, Quarry to beat Holmes as well.

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Larry Holmes is a wonderful fighter. Could he have got lost in the 70's shuffle?

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Larry Holmes is a wonderful fighter. Could he have got lost in the 70's shuffle?

brownshell Active Member Full Member

fists of fury Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

Chris Warren Active Member Full Member