Yes, Holmes would take the decision here, or swell Joe's good eye shut to force a late round stoppage. Frazier's bread and butter was his left hook, not a punch Larry was particularly susceptible to. Holmes also had a deadly right uppercut, as Weaver discovered. Of course this would be a hellish war, leaving both spent at the end. But an excellent fast right was needed to put one in position to beat Larry, and Joe didn't have it.
I agree, something to do with the toughness, how great this would be regardless of the winner though.
Wow, now that would be an entertaining fight. I think Holmes just might need a full 15 rounds to pull it off. Holmes is truly an all-time great heavyweight champion. I rank him a lot higher than Smokin' Joe, but stylistically, it would be tough for Holmes. Holmes was a not as good version of Muhammad Ali with a better jab. So, I think Frazier would do well in the early-to-middle part of the fight. Then, I could imagine that Holmes would find his groove and outland Frazier and win a close, but clear decision. A great fight!
I think Holmes could do unto others as ali did. However this also means frazier beats holmes one time in a 3 fight serries. Holmes did not face anyone as good as peak frazier. when i talk of peak frazier im talking the one who beat ellis and ali not the guy foreman beat.
Holmes, Sweet Holmes........... Too skilled, fast and tuff for Joe Frazier................ Holmes of 1978 / '82 beats Frazier of 1970 / '72 in a time machine...... MR.BILL:bbb
Frazier UD. Total war in this fight. I think Frazier has the advantage in styles here and will punish Holmes much like he did Ali in 1971. The '79 was an ATG fighter no doubt but sort of a watered down version of Ali. I can see Holmes winning the early rounds much like Ali but Frazier will start Smokin' to take the middle to late rounds. I can see Holmes taking one or two late rounds but not much else from early on.
Frazier would gradually break down Larry the same way he did Ali. Those body shots take a lot out of you..
Holmes of 79 v frazier of 70/71? one hell of a fight! A coin toss. I can think of a good argument for both fighters
This. One has to remember that the Ali Joe beat was not prime. A PRIME Holmes weathers Joe's barrages and wears him down. A fantastic fight, though, and Joe always has a sluggers' chance; but if Holmes could peel himself off the deck after being absolutely cold-cocked by Shavers, he would likely survive Joe's thunder.