Lennox Lewis, Larry Holmes and Evander Holyfield are three of the best heavyweights in the history of the sport, each with their own records set.
This legendary trio took the sport by storm during their respective campaigns, each reaching the very top. Holmes’ reigned as the heavyweight champion for seven years between 1978 and 1985, defeating the likes of Ken Norton, Tim Witherspoon and Muhammad Ali.
Lewis and Holyfield both captured the undisputed heavyweight championship during the 1990s, culminating in them sharing the ring twice within the space of eight months.
Their first encounter ended in a split decision draw after a close 12-rounds in Madison Square Garden, but Lewis would settle the score in their rematch months later, defeating ‘The Real Deal’ via unanimous decision.
One man in particular who crossed paths with all three is former world cruiserweight champion Ossie Ocasio, who challenged unsuccessfully for the WBC heavyweight title back in 1979. He was stopped by Holmes in ’73, Holyfield in ’87 for the cruiserweight belt and lost to Lewis on points in 1990.
Speaking to The Ring Magazine, Ocasio overlooked the above when naming former WBA heavyweight title holder Michael Dokes as the hardest hitter he faced, though did also commend the punching power of Lewis, Holmes and Holyfield
“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 shared the ring with Dokes on two occasions within several months back in 1980. Their first encounter was declared a split draw after a closely fought bout, leading to a rematch. Dokes was successful this time around, stopping Ocasio in the opening round of their 10-round clash in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Dokes, who passed away in 2012, was a former WBA world champion known for his fast hands and explosive combinations. Nicknamed ‘Dynamite’, he held the belt from 1982 to 1983 and fought notable names like Holyfield – getting stopped in the tenth after a gruelling battle – Riddick Bowe, and Gerrie Coetzee.
