Let's say that instead of a rematch with Michael Spinks; Larry Holmes had opted to face Pinklon Thomas for his WBC title on March 33, 1986. That's just one month earlier than when he would face the rematch with Spinks. Thomas ended up losing the title to Trevor Berbick, whom Holmes clearly defeated back in 1980. So, the fitter, sharper, more active Holmes of the second Spinks fight versus the version of Thomas who got defeated by Berbick. Who wins it and why?
Holmes by close decision. Pinklon had a good heavy jab and quick hands. Larry just had that championship poise and knew how to win rounds. A tactical fight.
Going by the fights quoted,Holmes beats Thomas. It has to be said that Thomas' form had deteriorated badly since winning the WBC title two years earlier. If Pinklon had retained his earlier form,there's no way that Berbick would have beaten him. Thomas actually had the potential to beat Holmes after Larry went into decline post 1983.
It's jab versus jab, but Larry could deploy his on the move, and I believe that's the key difference. Pinklon often looked like a one armed bandit with his left, but one really needed a dangerous right to seriously compete with Larry.
I think Pinklon had enough to beat Holmes, Pinklon went back to heroin full time before the Berbick fight but had Holmes fought the top guys Spinks would have never had the chance to decision him because he would have been KO'd years before by one of the guys he avoided IMO
Never was impressed by Pinklon...lots of basic flaws...stance, balance, constantly dropping the jab etc. Holmes in shape wins going away.
in 1986 pinklon thomas wins.......larry buy 86 his relexes were slower and he didnt train as hard comin in at 221 to 225 lbs....in his prime he was 208 to 213 lbs...pinklon thomas by dec
