Larry Holmes vs Wladimir Klitschko

Holmes by mid to late round stoppage

 

Let's call it over 15 rounds.
I've been looking at some Holmes matches. Larry was a better overall fighter, with a better chin and superior stamina, he had a very good fast jab which he used to body and head and a sharp overhand right. He was more of a natural fighter and looked more composed under fire.
It wouldn't be an easy fight though. Wlad has big power, size, a good jab too and the left hook. Wlad at his peak might have better footwork. I can see Wlad using those assets, plus some judicious holding, to build a lead, but Larry battling back to score perhaps a 13 or 14 rounds stoppage.
Wlad would have a better chance over the modern-day 12 rounds distance, imo.

 

Lots of thought and realism in this post. There's not a chance in hell Holmes cruises past a guy like Wlad without any difficulties and struggles. Pure fantasy. Wlad is a giant with immense power, a fine jab and the ability to make the most of his size. His right hand, a punch that Holmes had problems with at various times of his career is string straight and carries one punch knockout power. He could also throw it short and it would be a constant danger here. He can also knock you out with a left hook. He would be the most dangerous guy Larry ever faced up to and including his title days. Holmes is also not a puncher tho he has respectable power.

Wlad also conserved energy extremely well while building up points and has an ATG trainer capable of devising flawless strategies.

I agree tho that Holmes intangibles will be the difference. He's got that huge heart, determination and will. I think when the going gets tough late in an almighty struggle these will see him home with the scores close as you say. Wlad's best chance would be to go all out for a finish when he does hurt Holmes but if he fails he might leave himself gassed as Holmes recovers quite quickly.

 

Holmes by KO!

 

This fight against prime Larry Holmes would resemble the fight that Wlad had against current WBC World Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury. Holmes would move laterally flicking out his hard signature left jab, while Klitchko slowly stalks him. I look for Larry to unanimously decision Wlad, who would not be able to close the gap between Holmes and himself. I think that Larry's fluid movement is the difference in this match, Wlad can hit stationary opponents, but not Larry, who when in range unleashes his combos.

 

Holmes had guts to get off the floor vs Shavers and Snipes but look at the timing of his best wins- Norton gave Holmes hell in the SD but was KO'd in one round in 2 of his next 5 fights and was dropped 2X in his draw with Scott Ledoux - Weaver was a 19-8 underdog who actually gained much confidence from the Holmes challenge but Weaver improved after that fight and won a title from Big John Tate but Holmes never rematched or unfied with the improved version.

Smith had 14 fights and green when he fought Holmes Witherspoon 15 ( Holmes may have lost that one) Ali was a vegetable and completely shot, M Spinks beat Holmes in his first fight as a light heavyweight

Vlad had his flaws but he could punch and he could box and he hit hard with 2 hands - Holmes was gritty and had heart but I see the Vlad right hand being a problem - It may not be a 4th round KO like the Tyson KO of Holmes but the right hand of Vlad followed by a left hook with some follow up should get Holmes out of there by the 10th - Holmes had mental toughness over the young version of Vlad but by the time Klitschko was on his Champion run he was pretty careful and complete

 

Very much an either way fight. A battle of two of the greatest jabs in the division's history. Waldo would have to control distance and output and he could do so with superior strength, clinching and power. Holmes simply didn't carry the trump card that Wlad had in both fists. But I don't think this would come to trump cards being played but one or the other knowing how to squeak out rounds and the wearing of strength on the other.

Wlad Dec. Holmes.


Unless it goes the other way.

 

Excellent post mate.
Larry had troubles with Ken Norton, Mike Weaver, Renaldo Snipes and Tim Witherspoon so its likely he would have troubles with a skilled, athletic giant like Wlad. I would pick Larry because of his intangibles and the fact he was a more natural fighter than Wlad who was always prone to get flustered but it would be no walk in the park and it wouldnt shock me if Klitschko won.

Cheers Everyone.

 

I went with Holmes by a close decision but it’s not a given. Wladimir Klitschko Knew how to use his height and reach better than Gerry Cooney did and was in far better shape. klit’s jab is one of the few in heavyweight boxing which legitimately rivals Holmes’, that and a hard right cross which Larry was often susceptible to. Wladimir’s chin was shaky but mainly to big punchers and ones who through hard left hooks - neither of which described Holmes. For me Larry’s jab, footwork, chin, and stamina get him a points win but the opposite isn’t unquestionable.

 

Holmes by a bunch. In his prime Holmes was really good.
Wlad would not be able to punch and grab with him and
Holmes had more than enough power to exploit Wlad's
chin. And a prime Ali would beat them both.

 

I love people picking Holmes by wide UD when Holmes routinely engaged in razor close fights - spinks, Witherspoon, Williams, Norton etc against a guy that won nearly every round of every fight for over 10 years.
Wlad is a H2h nightmare if Holmes wins it’s by stoppage he isn’t out boxing prime Wlad.