Lennox Lewis vs Larry Holmes

Not sure how you measure heart, if Lewis didn't have heart he likely would have lost against Mercer and Vitali. Chin's also hard to measure because Lewis was hit with bomb's throughout his career and only hit the canvas twice. But I will give the edge to Holmes in the jabbing department, which can often dictate a fight. I think if they fought and it went to a discussion, Holmes would win, but if the fight ended due to a stoppage my gut tells me it would be Lewis doing the stopping.

Since I don't recall Lewis losing a decision, I would have to think he'd win if they fought prime vs prime, but it's a hard call and I won't call it an upset regardless of who won.

 

Let's not kid ourselves...Holmes definitely had a better chin than Lennox.

I picture Lennox starting out fast before Holmes settles into a rhythm and taking the lead with Lennox playing catch up. That's how it goes down.

 

Holmes UD. Holmes gets hurt and dropped, definitely outjabs Lewis and survives
to win.

 

I'm always dubious of claims of a fighter getting dropped then getting up and winning the fight. It happens so rarely and when it does happen the vast majority of the time it's because a fighter was dropped near the end of a round and was able to recuperate between rounds, but it's a rare occurrence at the best of times.

 

Holmes was faster and a bit more active in his prime. Holmes by points.

 

Holmes by decision, obviously.

 

I have this as a pick'em fight. I can see either man winning, but one thing I am certain about is that the Jab is not going to be the decisive factor. Both Holmes and Lewis had great jabs but, regardless of who's was better, both struggled against fighters who had good jabs.

 

Very good reply.:good

 

Considering they both rely heavily on their jabs, Larry's advantage in hand speed and slenderly better counter punching abilities, help Holmes' indefinitely in the early rounds and I envisage him being able to beat Lennox to punch more frequently than vice versa. Towards the second half of the fight both men will have to dig deep, the fight would open up and both fighters natural instinct will begin to take over. Larry's vulnerability to the right may well pay dividends for him, however his incredible recuperative abilities, chin and heart, against Lennox's ability to spoil, good survival skills and a natural fighters instinct, leads me to believe this one would go to the scorecards.

I must say I'm not all that keen on Holmes and stylistically this makes for a fascinating fight , but I give him a slight edge here. A younger more aggressive Lewis that goes for the knockout from the get go may have a better chance, but assuming the first third/half of this fight is more of a technical and tactical battle, Lewis effectivley fights Holmes fight, consequentially giving his opponent enough of a margain to hold on for the points decision victory.

 

When debating chins, I think it,s fair to say Holmes had a better set of whiskers. When it comes to climbing off the deck and finishing, it,s Holmes. Holmes had (without a doubt) the best jab the heavyweights have ever seen. It was faster than Lewis` and had a lot more snap/ He was equally adept with shooting it downstairs or upstairs. Footwork,ie. lateral movement,again Holmes. His footwork was far superior than Lewis. he was a superb boxer with tremendous ring savvy. Lewis had better right hand power,and was a good finisher. But, I can,t see him stopping a prime Holmes, Can anyone honestly see him outworking and outpointing Holmes over 15 rds ? Can anyone here see McCall or Rahman stopping Holmes ? Prime vintage Holmes,didn,t lose. Homes by comfortable UD. He makes Lewis drunk enough to mug him,and comes on strong to close the show. Another thing to look at here, atitude and intimidation,Lewis used that quite well in his career. However when he looks in the eyes of Holmes ( I know Lewis 2 inches taller) he,d be looking into a heart of a champion intent on punishing him and who would come right out looking to show Lewis who the boss is. Holmes has too much jab,chin and ring savvy for Lewis.

 

Great post,Holmes did NOT get stopped ! A peak Tyson facing an old and comebacking Holmes is the only one to turn the trick.

 

To paraphrase Holmes's own words. He isn't fit to carry Lewis's jock strap. The ONLY way Lennox loses to him is if he came in with the same arrogant attitude he had towards Rahman. Totally unprepared, intentionally because he considered Hasim to be a muppet.