But this matters very little Bill, read what i type and explore new possibilities. Just because Larry wasn't dropped by a left hook vs the average opposition he happened to fight doesn't mean he won't be when the opposition turns to great. Frazier's hook is probably the best utilised hook in heavyweight history. Frazier is also very likely going to take Holmes into water deeper than he ever waded in his prime. Frazier retained his power thoughout a full fight as evidenced vs Ali 1. This is the Frazier that will be fighting Larry. It's far from derogatory to think Frazier is going to have Holmes on the deck once or twice while still picking Holmes to win. I think he could survive as his instincts when hurt were brilliant and Frazier only had one real finishing wing.
JT, Cooney's hook was a harder punch than Frazier's. Frazier tended to grind guys down with his hook. Cooney simply knocked them much quicker. Frazier threw his hook in bunches when the other guys was on the ropes or in the corners. Holmes was no fool. He would not get caught resting on the ropes or in the corner. As for the knockdowns, I think Frazier is more likely to go down than Holmes.
Frazier's was a much better hook tho. Cooney's was a bit harder, but not in the same league delivery wise. Frazier's hook is also infinitely more proven vs much better opposition than Cooney's. Holmes, a good defensive fighter but certainly no Benitez reduced the threat Cooney's hook immensely. He barely got a flush one in. I will agree Cooney's is a bit harder, but i'll also bet there are Frazier victims that would have beaten Cooney. Cooney is levels below Frazier. Holmes got caught hard against much lesser fighters than Frazier. Joe wasn't no aimless plodder, he would definitely have moments of success cutting off Holmes and rapping him. Noway is Larry dancing for 15. There will be plenty of flatfooted fighting. I'm not sure about more likely, but you bring up a good point, one i'd been expecting to see a bit more of. It's quite possible Holmes can stagger or even stop Frazier. I'll stick to my scenario, but yours is entirely possible.
This would be a great fight. Even the best boxer finds it extremely difficult to keep Frazier away, its impossible . But Holmes was so great , anyone doubting his hart and calling him mediocre should just leave boxing . Look at the way he come back against Shavers. There wasnt a jab as good as Holmes' in HW history, and in terms of ringcraft he was of the very best p4p. This would be one of the best fights ever. Frazier's pressure is so much it cannot be put into words. But Holmes would do what he had to do I think , boxing , and he would have to fight at some points of the fight. His hart showed against Shavers and Norton so he could fight. Holmes wins I believe. He was too great
I've always that that if Larry Holmes was a little older, he would have been right in the mix with Ali, Frazier, Foreman, and the rest from that era. Who wins this one is a really tough call. I think it's a pick-em fight. Boo
Joe didn't engineer a particularly good strategy for Marvis in contending with Larry, who didn't simply give away bodyshots like Ali, and wasn't especially susceptible to the left hook. Joe also had a nasty tendency to swell around the eyes. Joe had a cataract in his left eye, and with Larry's jab pounding away on his right eye, Joe's sight might be compromised earlier than it was in Manila. Larry's right uppercut was considerably more dangerous than Muhammad's, and I believe Holmes to be smarter than Ali, if not as physically gifted. I go back and forth over whether Larry would take a decision or late stoppage win.
Right on. If Bill had a twin brother who grew up and trained in Frazier's gym in Philadelphia, you'd hear him say "But Frazier was never hurt by an uppercut from a boxer type of fighter without outstanding power, so Holmes couldn't hurt or drop him with it". Just because it never happened doesn't mean it can't happen. I would go with Frazier by a hard fought decision. Holmes sweeps the early rounds but Frazier pours it on, fights his heart out, manages to drop Holmes in the 13th, but Holmes gamely survives to a close decision loss. I expect Frazier to take a lot of punishment though, Holmes may just win the rematch just like Ali did. But if you don't have the firepower to take Frazier out, you're in deep deep trouble.
He's the same age as Foreman, just started when he was 16, and didn't have the style or charisma to rush him to the top.