Talent wise Tyson was athe greatest HW ever

And this is why Tyson is one of the greatest a win over Holmes or Spinks is a great win because even if they are not at their peak they are still great fighters.

 

Holmes was 8 or 9 years past his peak. He could have fought for the title far sooner if only someone was willing. Late bloomer is bull**** really. He took his time learning his craft and had to wait a fair while for his shot.

 

Um, what has that got to do with 175?

:nut

 

so larry holmes peak was 1976/1977?

 

Becuase most light heavies would have lost to that version of holmes.

 

Still got bugger all to do with 175 ratings. Spinks put forth the perfect tactics and fought well. He fought way differently to the way he did at 175 up there, but Foster didn't or couldn't and certainly didn't adapt to the weight as well due to these reasons and possibly being a bit fragile up there. Charles, Tunney, Conn, all would have their supporters vs this version of Holmes. Do remember Holmes came back and beat Spinks in the rematch, no matter what the cards say.

 

Nearly; Holmes peaked IMO against Norton, that is two years before he won the championship.

 

Actually i'd say 78 - 81'ish is a perfect version of Holmes. I was thinking Tyson dates sorry. Regardless Holmes had been declining many years.

 

He won it over Norton didn't he.

 

Ive always thought 78-82. He was as good as ever against Cooney. 83 was when Holmes really started to slow down. More flat-footed, less mobile, and basically became easier to hit. I feel that year was when serious chinks started to develop in his armour.