I seem to remember that Larry Holmes was already recognized as the Linear Heavyweight Champion of the World when he met Muhammad Ali on !0/02/80. Is my memory screwed up or was that the case? I'm hoping someone with a better memory than mine can help me out here. Was it the Shavers fight that earned him that recognition? I seem to think that Ring (or maybe Budweiser) recognized him as champion after the LeRoy Jones fight, but I'm not sure. Anyone remember? :think
He gained linearity when Mike Weaver scored a dramatic come from behind KO of John Tate in the 15th round to win the WBA version of the HW title. And since Holmes had already beaten him previously, I guess that makes him linear champion.
I'm not sure what the exact chronology of this evolution is (and I'm too lazy at the moment to dig out my old magazines for checking ratings), but the night of the Leroy Jones fight, former Holmes KO victim Mike Weaver knocked out Larry's WBA counterpart John Tate, whereupon even Weaver himself conceded that Holmes was the number one heavyweight. But at the time of the Shavers rematch, the WBA championship was vacant, making Larry the only recognized champion.
