Who was Muhammad Ali’s best opponent?

[TitoFan]

I've always felt Foreman beats Holmes. His relentless pressure would force Larry out of his comfort zone, constantly cutting off the ring and making him work overtime. Foreman’s right hand would crash over Holmes’ jab, and once he’s hurt, George has the killer instinct to finish. Norton slowed Holmes with bodywork and forced him into a firefight—Foreman would do it even better. Holmes struggled against uppercuts on the ropes, and I don’t see him standing his ground in center ring against Big George. Unless he fights a perfect fight, Foreman’s right hand finds him eventually.

I agree, Six Four. Of course, I have to admit to a slight anti-Holmes bias. Never liked the guy personally. But besides that, Larry got knocked senseless by Mike Tyson. Foreman was a much bigger man, and had thudding power. I think George hunts Larry down and knocks him out.

[The Six Four]

Holmes’ personality didn’t do him any favors, but in the ring, he was elite. That said, I always felt Jimmy Young was slicker and better defensively than Holmes. Foreman nearly took Young out in the seventh, and if he could hurt a defensive wizard like that, I don’t see Holmes surviving. George cuts off the ring, lands the right hand over the jab, and once he has Larry in trouble, he finishes the job.

[Master]

Holmes had a great chin and was tested by faster boxers than Foreman.

George was too reliant on his power and did not have the best hand speed or footwork to corner Holmes.

Larry jab was a piston and his heart meant he would take the big punches of George and land his own to win by dominant decision.