If you have held a world title in the heavyweight division you have every right to be proud.
One former champion has gone one further and claimed he is unique in the sport, and that’s Larry Holmes. ‘The Easton Assassin’ is often credited with having one of the best jabs in boxing. He was famously a sparring partner for Muhammad Ali until he then became the first man to ever stop him, and is the last living man to have beaten him.
Holmes held the WBC heavyweight title, Ring magazine and lineal heavyweight titles from 1980 to 1985 and the inaugural IBF heavyweight title from 1983 to 1985.
In an interview with Seconds Out, Holmes was less than complimentary about the current crop of heavyweights.
“This heavyweight era is not good. I’d rather watch soap opera’s on TV instead of watching these guys today.”
Then speaking to Boxing News about the Tyson Fury versus Oleksandr undisputed fight, he asked what holding that crown might mean to a boxer.
“70 or 80 years, there has never been a champion like me.
They’re trying to clean it up and I’m saying more power to you guys. Become a champion, hold it up in your voice and don’t let it go.”
He was then asked if there are any modern fighters he would have liked to have faced in his prime.
“It doesn’t matter. Any time, every day, any day. I was ready. I just wish them the best and say just keep doing what you’re doing.”
Usyk has added his name to the all time greats, becoming the first ever four belt heavyweight undisputed champion when he handed ‘They Gypsy King’ his first defeat.
