Talk with Larry Holmes

Larry Holmes is a former professional boxer from the United States, widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight champions in boxing history. He was born on November 3, 1949, in Cuthbert, Georgia, but he grew up in Easton, Pennsylvania, which earned him the nickname "The Easton Assassin."

Holmes is best known for his reign as the World Heavyweight Champion from 1978 to 1985. During his career, he successfully defended his title 20 times. Holmes was known for his exceptional jab, durability, and boxing technique, which helped him to dominate the heavyweight division during his prime.

Holmes began his professional boxing career in 1973, after a brief amateur career. He rose to prominence after serving as a sparring partner for Muhammad Ali, whom he later famously defeated in 1980 as Ali neared the end of his career.

One of his most notable championship defenses was against Gerry Cooney in 1982, a fight that was highly publicized due to racial tensions, as Holmes is African American and Cooney is Caucasian. Holmes won the fight by a knockout in the 13th round.

After losing his title to Michael Spinks in 1985 and failing to regain it in a rematch, Holmes retired but made several comebacks and continued to fight into his late forties. His career record stands at 69 wins (44 by knockout), 6 losses, and no draws. Holmes is recognized for his technical skills, particularly his use of the jab, and he is considered one of the best heavyweights to ever compete in the sport.

Larry Holmes was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2008, which is a testament to his impact and success in the sport of boxing.

Larry Holmes' most famous fight is arguably his bout against Muhammad Ali on October 2, 1980. This fight is particularly notable because it featured Holmes, who was then the reigning WBC heavyweight champion, defending his title against Ali, one of the most celebrated figures in boxing history. Ali was attempting a comeback after a brief retirement, and the match was highly anticipated.

The fight took place in Las Vegas and ended with Holmes dominating Ali, who was past his prime by that time. Holmes won through a technical knockout when Ali's trainer, Angelo Dundee, stopped the fight after the 10th round to protect Ali from further punishment. The victory solidified Holmes' status as a top heavyweight, but the fight is also remembered with some sadness due to Ali’s visibly declined physical condition. It was a defining moment in Holmes' career, underscoring his skill and durability in the ring against a legendary figure like Ali.

Larry Holmes won the WBC Heavyweight Championship in 1978 after defeating Ken Norton. He held this title until 1983. In 1983, he won the inaugural IBF Heavyweight Championship and retained it until 1985. Therefore, Larry Holmes won heavyweight titles from two different sanctioning bodies during his career.

Larry Holmes had his first title fight against Ken Norton. This bout took place on June 9, 1978, for the WBC heavyweight title. Holmes won the fight by a very close split decision, thus beginning his reign as a heavyweight champion. This fight is well remembered for its fiercely competitive nature and is often noted for the intense 15th round, which ultimately helped Holmes secure the victory and the title.

Larry Holmes' jab was widely recognized as one of his most powerful and effective weapons in the boxing ring. There were several factors that contributed to the effectiveness of his jab:

1. Speed and Timing: Holmes had an exceptionally fast jab, which he could deliver quickly and retract before his opponent could effectively counter. His timing was impeccable, allowing him to disrupt his opponents' rhythm and set up other punches.

2. Accuracy: Holmes was known for his ability to consistently land his jab precisely where he intended, often targeting vulnerable spots on his opponents' faces, such as the nose or eyes, to accumulate damage over the course of a fight.

3. Reach: Holmes had a long reach, which allowed him to use his jab to control the distance between himself and his opponent effectively. His ability to strike from a distance where opponents could not hit him back made his jab a crucial defensive as well as offensive tool.

4. Power: While some fighters use the jab just as a setup tool, Holmes' jab was powerful enough to cause significant damage itself. He could snap his opponent's head back and create openings for follow-up punches.

5. Consistency and Stamina: Holmes was able to use his jab effectively throughout the duration of a fight, maintaining its speed and power even in the later rounds. This consistency kept his opponents on the defensive and often wore them down.

6. Strategic Use: Holmes did not just use his jab in a single, repetitive way; he adjusted its rhythm, speed, and power according to the situation, making it unpredictable and difficult for his opponents to counter.

Overall, Holmes’ mastery over his jab made it a cornerstone of his boxing technique, contributing significantly to his success and longevity in the heavyweight division.

After his retirement from professional boxing, Larry Holmes continued to contribute to the sport in various ways. He remained involved in boxing through mentoring young fighters, promoting boxing events, and sometimes providing commentary for boxing matches. His experience and knowledge have been valuable in nurturing new talents and promoting the sport. Additionally, Holmes' successful career and his advocacy for the well-being of boxers have made him a respected figure in discussions about the sport’s future, health issues, and the economic aspects of boxing.

Larry Holmes fought James "Bonecrusher" Smith, not James Snipes. Holmes fought Smith on November 9, 1984, defending his IBF heavyweight title successfully by a knockout in the twelfth round.

Larry Holmes began his professional boxing career in 1973. At that time, he was approximately 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighed around 209 pounds. Holmes was known for his strong physical build, which he used effectively in the ring along with his excellent jab and boxing skills. His size and abilities contributed significantly to his success in the heavyweight division.

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