Larry Holmes---greatest of all-tıme?

[Master]

If you ask Holmes, he'll say "yeah". But that he didn't get enough credit because he's black.

History and some historians frown on him a bit because of the battle worn crew he entered into. Now that's not his fault unless one suspects that he planned it anymore then it was Marciano's fault or presently Wlads. People also factor in King and the Ali fight. I mean it looks more opportunistic then a sub adult male black bear recently kicked to the curb by its mother. I cant think of a lower move by a promoter.

I believe those two things effect opinion greatly.

I do not think it was Holmes beating Ali but more because he came straight after him. Holmes was quality and very under appreciated champ. Loved his victory over Mercer, that was emotional.

[Mr140]

I think Evander could do just as well against Holmes if he was prime just because he went the distance with him doesn't mean shit because Evander won very clearly. Evander Holyfeild was not a knock out artist and Holmes was almost 30 pounds heavier then Holyfeild was, like most fights Evander was fighting with a guy way heavier then him and taller as well. I don't rate Holyfeild above Holmes as a heavyweight even though Evanders top wins were better, but atg great and pound for pound i feel Holyfeild was a far greater fighter then Holmes was just saying.

[bigstinkybug]

*C'mon... i can mention 10 guys in the last 20 years that would beat Holmes... so NO... not even close.

[IamInuit]

*C'mon... i can mention 10 guys in the last 20 years that would beat Holmes... so NO... not even close.

So name them. 10 guys in the last 20 years?

[bigstinkybug]

*C'mon... i can mention 10 guys in the last 20 years that would beat Holmes... so NO... not even close.

*well..if i say it,i better be able to name them... let's see.
Ike Ibeabuchi:
Bowe:
Holyfeild
Byrd
Tyson
Vitali Klitsko
Wlad Klitsko
Lennox
Tua
I'm stuck on 9... David Haye.

Holmes had a nice jab, but really... what else. He had a super-fight with Cooney... that's a super-fight? That's the highlight of his career? He was taken to near death with Ken Norton at the end of Nortons career...
This is the way i see it, it's only my opinion... "Great heavyweights... don't lose to great light-heavyweights... If Holmes was that good, he should've run over Spinx...

[IamInuit]

*C'mon... i can mention 10 guys in the last 20 years that would beat Holmes... so NO... not even close.

*well..if i say it,i better be able to name them... let's see.
Ike Ibeabuchi: He could get to Larry and he might also get beat senseless and just because he might get to Larry does not equate to Holmes not being great.
Bowe: Good one but I still give the edge to Larry because of Bowes shaky brain pan. And btw if Bowe could hold it together he's be a test for anyone in history.
Holyfeild:He beat a worn out Holmes. Larry had already been in the game for 20 years. I think a prime Holmes cruises to a ud.
Byrd: Larry knocks him cold.
Tyson: Even split when Larry was in his prime
Vitali Klitsko: No matter how good he looked with a Lewis who chose to stand in front of him, Holmes would tear him apart
Wlad Klitsko: The present Wlad would be a tough go but the one prior to Steward gets starched.
Lennox:Beats Holmes imo and on any given night motivated could probably beat anyone in history.
Tua: Looks a lot like the Shavers fight but Tua's chin holds out for the final bell
I'm stuck on 9... David Haye: Less of a chance then Tyson but a better chance then Byrd.

Holmes had a nice jab, but really... what else. He had a super-fight with Cooney... that's a super-fight? That's the highlight of his career? He was taken to near death with Ken Norton at the end of Nortons career...
This is the way i see it, it's only my opinion... "Great heavyweights... don't lose to great light-heavyweights... If Holmes was that good, he should've run over Spinx...

I have got to hand it to you that’s not to bad a list however I don’t agree with many as I have commented in the quote.

As far as “great heavyweights don’t lose to great light heavyweights” goes that’s quite debatable. Spinks being able to do it to Larry does not necessarily mean that Holmes is not a great heavyweight. And btw he got jobbed in the first Spinks fight. I guess it all depends on ones definition of great. I consider Wills, Jeannette and McVey great heavyweights where a lot of people would not. Yet Langford knocked them all out at least once and he was in reality no where near even a light heavyweight. I mean if Louis was that good he should have run over Conn right?

Anyway good stuff

[bigstinkybug]

*i just wanted to point out that there have been a few very VERY tough heavyweights in the last 10 years...
I knew Cris Byrd would be really questioned...1st of all..He fought all comers in the heavyweight div... off the top of my head..both klitsko's, ike Ibeabuchi, purity,oquendo,Tua,..Mckline.holyfeild.LOL..that's a crazy list...
Cris Byrd is a heavyweight version of Micheal Spinx... i see Holmes no where near as dangerous as half the fighters he fought... Byrd would attack Holmes without fear and pitter patting himself to a UD everytime.

[IamInuit]

I just wanted to point out that there is no denying that Holmes was a great heavyweight. I'm not suggesting he's the GOAT.

[Jimanuel Boogustus]

I never really liked Byrd as a heavyweight until I realised he was never really a heavyweight.

A very very brave man.