Prime For Prime who was better, Muhammad Ali or Larry Holmes

In his prime Ali had lightning fast hand and foot movement and would have beaten Holmes.
Holmes was greatly influenced by Ali but was just shy of being as good as the original.
By the time Holmes and Ali fought, Ali wasn't even a shadow of his former self.

 

Muhammed Ali is the greatest heavyweight of all time, now that doesn't mean he could have beaten everyone. Nobody could, but I think Ali would beat Holmes by UD over 15 rounds. I think it'd be close 9-6 or so. What would be interesting in an Ali Holmes fight is who would lead and who would try to counter? I think the speed of Ali would be the deciding factor

 

Ali of 67 or 68 not only toys with Holmes but beats any HW of any era.

 

No one can beat Ali except John Ruiz.

 

This

 

Liniment on the gloves was never proven. I’ve read enough from various sources to reach a conclusion that both fights were fixed. That is my opinion and it won’t change.

Holmes was a good boxer. It wouldn’t matter who he fought or rematched because the talent and name recognition just wasn’t there. In most people’s eyes, Norton was never a great fighter. His got his name defeating Ali thanks to Futch’s coaching. Great athlete, but not a great fighter, very hot and cold. Still say he got robbed against Ali.

 

Ali & it aint even close

 

Ali.

Holmes is massively overrated.

 

Holmes had better fundamentals. Ali was quicker. Prime for Prime, I'd say Ali was better but not by much.

 

They were the same height and Ali was a few pounds heavier (as well as younger) when he won the title. Holmes held a 3 inch reach advantage, however.

 

Ali was 6'2" and Holmes 6'3"

 

Ali for me. His speed at his peak was blinding. And I'm a huge Larry holmes fan but part of what made Larry great was due to time spent with Ali

 

Google tells me Ali was 6ft 3inches

 

Great post.