Larry Holmes is undoubtedly one of the all-time great heavyweight boxers.
Nicknamed ‘The Easton Assassin,’ Holmes dominated the heavyweight division in the late 1970s and held the world heavyweight title for seven years from 1978 to 1985. He possessed one of, if not the greatest left jab in the history of the sport.
After defeating WBC champion Ken Norton via split decision to claim the title in 1978, Holmes secured notable wins against fighters like Trevor Berbick, Tim Witherspoon and Muhammad Ali. His reign ended when he lost to Michael Spinks in his 49th professional fight.
Despite facing many legendary opponents, one man that Holmes never fought was George Foreman, who made history 31 years ago to become the oldest world heavyweight champion of all time.
In a public speaking appearance, Holmes claimed that everyone knew Foreman was overrated and couldn’t fight, calling him the ‘the biggest phoney’ in boxing.
“Everybody know that George Foreman can’t fight, everybody know that Tommy Morrison kicked his butt, everybody know that Shannon Briggs kicked his butt, everybody knew that he wouldn’t fight me .. George Foreman is the biggest phoney ever.”
Holmes and Foreman had reportedly been in negotiations to face each other during the 1990s, but a bout between the pair did not come to fruition for reasons that remain unknown.
‘Big’ George would go on to defeat Michael Moorer to become the heavyweight at 45, knocking out the previously unbeaten ‘Double M’ in the eighth round of their bout to capture the WBA and IBF heavyweight titles.
Sadly Foreman passed away earlier this year at the age of 76.
