Pinklon Thomas vs Larry Holmes why didn't it happen and who would have won? 1985

Thomas wins a close unanimous decision. Larry is gone by this point.

 

It would certainly be close. I think I'd back the Thomas that beat Weaver to nip Holmes in a close one. Holmes had lost quite a bit and was struggling against lesser guys like Witherspoon, Williams and co. Thomas was a very good fighter from mid 82 to mid 85 before tapering off quite quickly. Thomas was extremely relaxed in there and had a very casual looking yet effective defense. He could also take a helluva punch. Short prime but a very effective yet slightly ungainly fighter.

 

Thomas was ranked #1 in the end of year rankings in both 1984 and 1985, so he is one of the bigger omissions on Holmes's resume, for whatever that is worth.

The fact that the title changed hands in the middle of this period didn't help him.

 

Holmes openly ducked him, as with Page.

"If they want me back, they got to give me someone I can beat. No more of these young guys."

Might be a slight paraphrase. as it is from memory. But it is close

 

Pinky outjabs Holmes and wins a UD. Holmes by 85 was probably 70 percent of what he was only three years earlier. Thomas was at his peak.

 

Lol. He one punch KOd Weaver with a right hand in '85, the very time frame of this proposed matchup.

 

I think Thomas would have beaten Holmes before he went back on the stuff