A former rival of Larry Holmes and Evander Holyfield has revealed which of the legendary heavyweight duo punched the hardest.
Holmes and ‘The Real Deal’ established themselves as two of the greatest heavyweights of all time throughout the course of their respective professional careers.
‘The Easton Assassin’ reigned as the world heavyweight champion for seven years between 1978 and 1985, producing legacy-defining wins over the likes of Earnie Shavers, Ken Norton and Muhammad Ali along the way.
As for Holyfield, the Alabama-native had very successful campaigns at cruiserweight and heavyweight during his tenure, becoming the first fighter to win the undisputed world championship in both divisions.
One man in particular that shared the ring with both men is former world cruiserweight champion Ossie Ocasio, who proved to be a durable opponent for many highly-rated fighters during his own career.
In a resurfaced feature with The Ring Magazine, Ocasio sensationally overlooked both Holyfield and Holmes when revealing the biggest puncher he ever faced, naming none other than former WBA heavyweight champion Michael Dokes.
“Michael Dokes: He stopped me in the first round, I saw stars that day [laughs] … Lewis strong, straight-right, he knew how to elevate his power from the right. Holyfield knew how to calibrate every punch, using position and power. Holmes had strength and power.”
Ocasio and Dokes fought to a split decision draw in their first encounter, which took place in San Juan back in April of 1980. They locked horns for a second time just over several months later but it was Dokes who reigned supreme, stopping Ocasio in the opening round of their non-title bout.
