When was Larry Holmes at his best?

With Tim I agree he was very good. At the same time you had Holmes slowing down. A combination of both had that fight razor close.

 

I think that Larry Holmes looked sharp in his WBC Heavyweight Title defense against Leon Spinks on June 12 1981, TKO 3. His left jab was on target, he had good movement, and his right hand had lots of snap to it. Holmes took out a very aggressive opponent, who was a former World Champion.

 

Interesting, what makes you say this?

 

Exactly, and that's what a True Champion does, right my friend? He finds it within him to make the big move when he most desperately needs it. Sometimes I wonder if the Norton, Weaver, and Witherspoon fights were Holmes' greatest...they showed a man who was a lion-hearted Champ through and through. There are more than a couple over-revered heavies around these parts whom have done NOTHING of that sort. Haven't proved they'd die before they lost their title. Far from it.

 

Just my opinion i think Larry got a lil satisfied. Which is human nature right? He got the payday he deserved finally. Holmes had been treated not too well by Don King on his way up. Just losing that 10% extra drive he had combined with approaching his mind 30s. I think it fair to say Larry wouldn't be quite the same.
Holmes been a busy champion put in alot of work. Besides there really wasn't anyone to threaten him. No big paydays on the horizon.

I've never considered anything after Cooney to be a prime Holmes. He probably wasn't prime when he faced Gerry. He had the experience and skillset.