Larry Holmes vs. George Foreman

I don't see Foreman getting Holmes in any of those years, unfortunately. Just a bad match-up for George. Almost impossible for even him to score a knockout, so he'd have to outbox him. Nope. Maybe the Foreman of the Frazier or Norton fight would've gotten the drop on Holmes but Holmes has as much ability to take a shot as Ali when he takes them and he wouldn't bother getting close. Distance control, ATG jab. Holmes all day long. That's why George never wanted it.

 

Prime for prime I'd pick Holmes to take Foreman apart and stop him late, though George definitely would have a puncher's chance.

 

Both have the styles to beat one another. Foreman had the big right hand and Larry had the movement. I dont think Holmes was an Ali but Foreman also was more ponderous than Tyson.In The younger versions of both men, Holmes had the better stamina but Foreman had the power. This is a tough call.

 

If Foreman were smart, he'd hit Holmes with a right hand everytime he dropped his left after jabbing. It would be like the first Schmeling/Louis fight. One of Larry's big flaws was dropping his left after the jab. Larry can take a punch, but if Foreman were to use the strategy I listed above, he'd eventually knock him out later in the fight. You can only take so many right hands from George Foreman. That's the only way I can see George winning this. But Would George use this strategy? I doubt it.

Then again, Larry's sharp jabbing and lateral movement would likely get him a decision victory, no matter what age the two gentlemen were. If forced to pick, my vote would go to Larry. It's a shame the fight never happened. Larry Holmes NEEDS a victory over George Foreman to help cement his legacy. Foreman, on the other hand, doesn't need a victory over Larry.

 

I personally think Larry Holmes is a greater fighter than George Foreman in the H2H ability and in terms of legacy. So I don't think a Holmes victory would cement the legacy of an already great champion.

But for the OP, Holmes wins in 77, 92, 95 and 97.

 

Holmes wins 77. The rest is Foreman's win.

 

Prime for prime,I'd say Holmes. Although,one big right hand from Foreman could change that. In latter years,I'd give the edge to Foreman. Larry's mobility would n't be such a problem.

 

Holmes in all but none of the fights are easy. Foreman has his best chances in '77 and '92.

 

Foreman was too slow and not accurate enough to counter Holmes' left jab........... Plus, the young Foreman was nowhere skilled enough to be a counter-puncher.......... Holmes of '77 BUTCHERS Foreman at that time / year.........

Holmes had the skills to beat Foreman pretty overall at any time....... As long as he was in good shape........ Foreman would also need to be in-shape in order to take a licking like he would against "The Homer."

MR.BILL:deal

 

Holmes has an all-time great chin, and could be pretty elusive when he got on his toes and started dancing Ali-style, so no easy KO for George. Holmes clearly is the better boxer. And George gasses after 5-6 rounds in all his fights. Larry happens to have arguably the best ever jab at heavyweight and would inflict damage and score points consistently with it for 15 rounds. Awful matchup for Foreman, he loses every time IMO.

 

Holmes would be all wrong for Big George. He beats him any version

Prime Larry schools Prime George
OLd Larry outboxes Big George by comfortable decision

George never wanted this fight when they were older he knew he wouldnt beat Holmes despite what would have been a big payday.

 

Holmes all the way, was technically superior & had a great chin & recuperative powers.

 

Holmes TKO in 1977, and UD in 1992., 1995, and 1997. The fight almost happened in 1999, but Foreman pulled out.

Holmes is still ready to go if Foreman will sign. In fact knowing Larry, he might be willing to fight George Foreman jr, who is a professional heavyweight.

 

Holmes would fight Foreman right now as soon as Hearns would rematch Leonard right now. Fast.