Holmes isn’t talked about enough when it comes to great h2h heavyweights. Top 3 jab, good head movement, strong chin, great hand/foot speed, and enough power in his right hand to back guys up or take them out. Yet he seems forgotten h2h. I think he deserves to easily rank top 10 in this department and I wouldn’t argue if you put him in your top 5. Anyone else think Holmes is somewhat forgotten h2h?
I don`t know, if he is underrated h2h. I think, he would have pretty good chances for instance against Holyfield and also against Lewis. He could be a really tough opponent for Lewis (stylewise). I heard and read from many boxing fans, that Holmes is underrated (in general, not particularly h2h), but because of that many are aware of that. So meanwhile, I assume, that he isn`t underrated anymore. Many boxing fans rank him as a top 5 heavyweight boxer of alltime. Maybe he is underrated by people, which are not so interested in boxing. Though I never talked with them about Larry Homes. That`s why, I don`t know.
He is the last great heavyweight, who did not lose to somebody who was not worthy to lace up their boxing gloves. That might tell you something!
I have a hard time rating all time greats in order, so I don't know if he's top 10 or not. But I do believe Holmes was the best heavyweight I've seen during my time (started frequently watching boxing in 1979). Maybe a prime Tyson beats him. Lewis and the Klitschkos might be very difficult due to their size. But over the past forty years, I'd rate him #1 or #2 depending on my mood I suppose.
He’s kind of like Tyson and Marciano in the respect he’s either completely overrated or underrated. He’s in my top ten HWs ever.
Sure, but Spinks was among the greatest ever at LHW, & bulked up to over 200 lbs. That is more than so many HWs & some champions even fought at. And two close fights, Holmes maybe deserving #2. A much more relevant critique would be the boxers, especially that like Witherspoon gave him a tough fight, or Williams, who likely deserved the decision...He did not fight or rematch.
I don't think he is underrated h2h, for some reason he just had a knack for being less "liked" than many others. Don't know why really. I think most recognize his talent and greatness, though. I'm with some of you who posted above about him being top 5 against any heavyweight. Maybe higher. On he best days, he could frustrate any fighter and break them down round by round.
The OP is the opposite of what I’ve always considered and read on forums; Holmes is universally considered a top 5 ATG heavyweight and on his best night is close to 50/50 with Louis, Ali and Lewis as to h2h match ups. In general he doesn’t get as much attention as Ali, Tyson or Marciano, but that’s because he wasn’t a brutal knockout puncher or flashy showman, not because he wasn’t one of the greatest heavyweights ever.
