Ali after Spinks 2

Larry Holmes was a sparring partner for Ali during the Ali/Foreman era. It is said that when they sparred back then, Ali usually wouldn't commit to his punches or throw combinations, instead just letting Holmes beat on him. But when he did, he always got the better of Holmes. Watch the documentry 'When We Were Kings" and you can see some footage of them sparring.

Holmes was not prime holmes during this period. He waited to Ali was out before he came up for a reason.

Ali would have lost to Holmes.He had nothing left.

Boston, you seem reasonable enough. Why is your karma so low?

How much did Ali have left after Spinks 2, could he have beaten Holmes if he fought him right after? Good Topic. I just ordered Ali-Spinks I and II on ebay and was able to see Ali in the twilight of his career. The answer to your question is NO! Ali was a very worn out fighter by then with noticeable effects from Parkinson's disease and/or brain damage and fighting holmes right would just yield the same result. I think a pre-thrilla in manilla Ali would have had enough to beat holmes in a late round knockout or decision. Watching the Ali-spinks fights you know Ali is done because he made a amateur like spinks look like a contender. :(

No way does Ali take Holmes after the second fight with Leon. Peronally, I think that Holmes would have a chance against Ali at any point in Ali's career.

Don't copy me.....

Prime Ali vs Prim Holmes. I would have to pick Ali. Holmes learned a lot from Ali as his sparring partner. The master would still be able to teach him a thing or two, prime vs prime. As far as Ali beating Holmes after Spinks I really wouldn't think so. I was too young at that time to remember but all of the post Spinks pictures of Ali shows him to be a very old and out of shape champ. Ali would've have lost either way in my best guess.

No way Ali beats Holmes after Spinks 2, NO WAY. If the Thrilla In Manilla was the best Heavyweight Title Fight EVER as some say.............Ali whups Holmes on principle alone. Give me the ALI that fought Frazier the first time and the Holmes that beat Norton and we've got ourselves one hell of a fight.

Ali-Holmes would have been a great fight. In their primes they were the best two Boxers the division has seen. I give holmes a great chance at any point of Ali's career. "Styles make fights"

No.....& the only version of Ali that could have beaten Holmes was pre-Foreman. Actually, I think the Ali that took Frazier in the Thrilla might have been able to Holmes. But after that he was pretty much shot.

No.....& the only version of Ali that could have beaten Holmes was pre-Foreman.