When he was sparing he was still just learning and he did not have a huge amatuer career. Holmes would give any version of Ali troble his Jab being a major factor because it would make Ali have a hard time using his major weapon the jab. Not saying who win but i just saying Holmes in prime had a good chance at beating a prime Ali to think other wise is silly. Lennox he had all the tools to beat Ali if he was train and motivated Lennox could have one of the best chances at beating Ali with a good reach advantage and knock out power he would be a nightmare for Ali and any other heavyweight.