Larry Holmes and Lennox Lewis remain two of the greatest heavyweights of all time.
Known as ‘The Easton Assassin’, Holmes’ thunderous punching power and ram-rod jab played a significant role in him holding the world heavyweight championship between 1978 and 1985. He picked up impressive victories over the likes of Earnie Shavers, Ken Norton and Muhammed Ali throughout his tenure, which spanned just short of 30-years.
As for ‘The Lion’, his legacy is undeniable with many referring to him as the greatest British boxer ever. Throughout his 14-year professional career, Lewis became a world heavyweight champion on three occasions. Despite suffering defeats to Hasim Rahman and Oliver McCall, Lewis avenged the losses to both men, meaning he effectively beat every opponent he ever faced.
Mike ‘Hercules’ Weaver was the only other world heavyweight champion, other than ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson, to face both Lewis and Holmes during his time as a professional. Weaver became WBA heavyweight champion in the early 1980s, going on to make two successful defences of his crown before he was beaten by Michael Dokes in December 1982.
In an interview with Boxing News 24/7, the 73-year-old was asked if Holmes was the best fighter he ever faced, despite his 1991 battle against Lewis.
“Yes, Holmes is the best I fought, of course. No doubt.”
Weaver fought Holmes twice during his career, falling short on both occasions. Their first bout took place in June 1979, contested for Holmes’ WBC heavyweight crown. Despite a valiant effort from ‘Hercules’, the power and experience of ‘The Easton Assassin’ proved to be too much for him as he suffered a 12th-round knockout defeat.
They clashed once again 21-years later, in what was Weaver’s 60th and final outing. Despite both fighters being passed their best, Holmes prevailed once again as he secured a 6th-round stoppage victory over Weaver at the Coast Coliseum in Mississippi.
It was the same story against Lewis who he faced in 1991, once again suffering a 6h-round knockout defeat.
