What did Larry Holmes do better than Muhammad Ali?

Larry always had child bearing hips - which might’ve created the illusion of him carry more fat than he did at times - even when at his leanest.

 

Not much to be honest. He had a more powerful jab.

Ali moved faster on his feet, had quicker hands, was a far superior and more creative combination puncher, had a better left hook and IMO a better right cross. Ali took a better body shot, improvised better, beat better competition etc.

Holmes aged better because he didn't take as much damage. Then again he turned pro late and didn't go through anywhere near the competition that Ali did.

Holmes was great but this ain't close.

 

Bonavena

 

Yeah there are few examples of Ali using the left hook to great effect.

The hook Ali wobbled Frazier with, sending Joe into the ropes in rd 2 of the Thrilla was a beauty.

 

There's no difference in your physical performance between 12% BF and 6% BF, as a random example. If anything, for a guy who isn't naturally lean, coming in at 12% or so probably results in better performance, as the guy hasn't spent camp starving and miserable due to lack of food.

Whatever Frazier's combo of diet and cardio training was, it clear produced results. But I'd wager he was someone with naturally excellent cardio. Know how some guys were seemingly just born strong? Some are just seemingly born with great cardio.

 

1. Age
2. Avoid CTE
3. Fight Earnie Shavers

 

Oscar Bonavena?

 

Left jab. Right uppercut.

 

Jab better. Bit of a harder hitter. Straighter right hand. Better uppercut ...

 

People have already said it, but he ruined Bonavena with a hook. Just ruined him. Was the only opponent ever to stop Ringo.

 

I agree with this except I think it was closer. My top 3 ATGs are Ali, Louis and Holmes.

 

Funny thing is the younger Frazier that fought Chuvalo looked a lot more muscular in his upper body than later and also worn more we'll fitted trunks ...

 

It's boxing and things happen but Ali was not a puncher ... 39 rounds and never even staggered Norton ...