Prime: Larry Holmes .Vs. Prime: Mike Tyson

This thread has been done before. I started one, in fact. But the question is intriguing enough to merit another go.

Holmes showed enough against Tyson when they actually met to make one think that he might have pulled it off. A decision most likely or maybe a late stoppage.

But he would have to be ultra careful. If he makes one mistake, particularly in the early rounds, it could be curtains for him.

Hard, tough fight for both.

 

Holmes wins easily. He would outbox Tyson and Tyson would get frustrated. The fighhters Tyson fought from '86-'90 were nowhere near a prime Holmes. Holmes was not in a proper frame of mind in that '88
fight and didn't have that desire like an '80 Holmes. No contest!

 

I don` think I am out of line when I say that Larry Holmes had THE best jab ever, amongst the heavies... Ali`s was the fastest(not by much over larry`s though).Foreman`s was heavy, Lewis had a good one as did Louis. Homes could double up on his jab. And his jab had speed,snap and it was heavy. Even though Tyson had great head movement, Holmes` jab would still pose major problems for Tyson.Holmes even could snap it to the body when he needed to. Only way Tyson wins if he catches Holmes with a bomb (always a possibility with Tyson`s power. I just don`t see a prime Holmes letting that happen. Don`t forget, Holmes had a ton of heart and could climb of the deck when he had to. This is a good fight, but It belongs to the Easton Assasin!

 

You forgot Liston in your list.

 

I do think that Holmes had become heavier on his feet, lost spring in his step, slowed in movement...however you want to say it. Holmes was noticeably slower. I won't argue that. Holmes still had a descent amount of hand speed, accuracy, a solid chin, and his will win. While all aspects of his game would have to diminish somewhat by the age of 37, I still think he possessed a lot of what made him great.

I also believe that he would have to had been better in 1988 than he was in 1992. In '92 he showed he was still good enough to compete with the best. I have always said that I think Holmes may very well have been the best opponent Tyson ever defeated.

 

Tyson was designed to destroy Holmes as has already been said by a few people on here. There's just no way this fight could go past the middle rounds the way i see it.

 

Holmes was one of the most gamest and toughest fighters to ever step in the ring, don't count him out.

I do think Tyson holds a stylistic advantage over Larry though, with his dynamite right hand and bob and weave style it's really only a matter of time before he seriously hurts Holmes. I expect a Tyson KO in around 7 or 8.

 

It would be diffrent all right. Tyson ko 8.

 

shavers got to holmes, norton gave him hell, not to mention the fight with the walking punching bag cobb.. none of those are mike tyson.. tyson ko 7

 

What about the fight with Cobb? Tell me more.

 

I gave Cobb one round (maybe). :yep



Ps: What a character and tough SOB he was though, always good for a laugh. His interviews were pure gold.

 

For sure. Holmes was rusty and old, yet he showed signs of giving Tyson trouble for moments. I also think that was one of Tyson's best nights.

 

Yes I did Thanks for reminding me about the `Bear`

 

he fought a walking punching bag and couldnt put him away...

 

Tyson had a pretty good jab too-at least on the evidence of the Holmes fight.