Larry Holmes competed in 75 fights during a 23 year heavyweight campaign, losing on just six occasions.
‘The Easton Assassin’ had a relatively late start to his professional career at age 23, however quickly rose through the ranks, utilising a powerful jab that became his signature weapon.
He sharpened his skills as a sparring partner for legends like Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier and, in 1978, captured the WBC heavyweight title by defeating Ken Norton in a close and hard-fought battle, marking the beginning of his reign.
Holmes went on an impressive run as champion, defending his title successfully 17 times against a range of contenders including Earnie Shavers, Mike Weaver, and Gerry Cooney. His victory over a faded Ali in 1980 was a significant, albeit bittersweet, moment in his career, solidifying his claim as the heavyweight king.
After a remarkable undefeated streak of 48 fights, Holmes suffered his first loss to Michael Spinks in 1985, narrowly missing Rocky Marciano’s record of 49-0.
He would attempt to regain the title several times in his later career, facing formidable opponents in Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, but was unsuccessful. Holmes continued to fight sporadically until the age of 52, finally retiring in 2002.
The Tyson stoppage loss, which came in 1988 after a two year lay-off and against ‘Iron’ Mike in his absolute prime, is a particularly sore moment for Holmes to this day. He has since admitted that he took the fight for money and knew that he was in no shape to beat the ferocious puncher from Brooklyn.
“What I remember was Don King knocking at my door around nine at night. I was retired two years, but Don said he wanted me to fight somebody he knew I could beat.
“I asked him who, and he said Mike Tyson. I said I can’t beat Mike Tyson. Don said, what if I give you three and a quarter million dollars, and I said: ‘Where’s Mike at?’”
Tyson would keep hold of his unified titles for four more bouts before a shock loss to Buster Douglas.
