Larry Holmes Vs. Smokin Joe

Great fight. Can see it going either way. I think Larry is just too big with that 85 inch reach. I know this is almost sacreligious, but part of me thinks he would have an easier time of it than did Ali.

But again, Holmes never did face anyone this good (well, outside of Tyson) and its hard to say how he would have handled the relentless pressure. I believe Holmes had his biggest problems with the hook (Shaver, Norton) so its a toss up.

I say Holmes wins two out of three.

 

Holmes by dec.

 

While Ali was vulnerable to left hooks, Holmes was more vulnerable to rights. So Frazier's is not as bad stylistical match-up for him as he was for Ali. But still, I can't help but seeing Frazier grinding him down over 15. It would be a war, though.

 

Holmes had the right tools to defeat Frazier, who kind of struggled vs bigger, less than excellent fighters. The tool set I refer to is in fighting skills, in particular Holmes uppercut, which is a punch Frazier is stytlistitilcaly susceptible too.

On defense, Holmes could occasionally be timed by a hard right, but was hardly ever nailed by the left hook. Fraizer had an average right hand. Advantage Holmes.

 

I'll go with Frazier by close, hard fought decision. Too much pressure and Holmes can't stop him, though he'll certainly find the mark plenty of times.

 

Holmes had some problems with Renaldo Snipes, and even was floored by him. His style was quite similar to Frazier's, but Frazier was much tougher and better fighter than Snipes. I think that it would be a great fight, with lot of action-changing and drama. Frazier UD

 

I honestly think a prime Joe Frazier takes this. Holmes doesn't have the punch to take out Frazier early -- and Joe would take him to places of prolonged pain and exhaustion.

 

Holmes by SD with a KD each.

 

Holmes by decision imo.

 

Frazier's style was similar to Snipes? :huh

 

Depends on which Frazier we're talking about here.

1967-1970 Pre-FOTC Joe Frazier, beats Holmes by a UD and it's not unrealistic to believe that he would stop him inside 15 rounds. Too much presure and body shots would lead to Holmes' demise in this fight.

Holmes stops the same Frazier who fought Foreman in 1973, probably inside 10 rounds. He doesn't have the power to TKO Frazier early like Foreman did, but this version of Frazier wouldn't beat Holmes in the condition he was in the 1973 title defense.

 

I think Frazier could stop Larry around 12-15.. Larrys heart wouldnt want to stop of course, but after enough trips to the canvas itd be over..

I see it being very competitive and close while it lasts though.

 

I will likely always pick Larry, it will get very exciting at some point, the longer it stays that way the better Frazier's chances. But Holmes was a man who could dig deep.