I think Holmes is very close to Ali as a fighter, but he lacked the charisma to become the idol Ali has become.
Prime Ali is easily better than any other heavyweight. I rank Holmes #4 all time when it comes to heavyweights.
Nobody in boxing history matches Ali's resume
No heavyweight matches Ali's resume, but all-time p4p, there are a handful of fighters that do match, and even exceed, Ali's resume.
Holmes lacked the persona or charisma of an Ali, or Foreman, Frazier, Holyfield or Tyson. He's more like JM Marquez, as compared to Barrera, Morales or Pacman. They're all great fighters, but some are more popular to the fans than the others.
But popularity aside, Holmes could match Ali's greatness. He could box, did not run from any challenges and has defeated all the leading heavyweights in his time. :cool:
Popularity aside, Holmes can't match Ali's resume. Level of opposition is decidedly in Ali's favor and that's what separates the two.
I think Larry Holmes is a very funny, wise guy.
He may not be educated, but he's no dummy.
In 1988....guess what he said ? (paraphrased)
"Mark my words....because I know plenty of guys like him....In three years time, Mike Tyson will be in jail. That's where I see him."
He was just about right.
Holmes lacked the persona or charisma of an Ali, or Foreman, Frazier, Holyfield or Tyson. He's more like JM Marquez, as compared to Barrera, Morales or Pacman. They're all great fighters, but some are more popular to the fans than the others.
But popularity aside, Holmes could match Ali's greatness. He could box, did not run from any challenges and has defeated all the leading heavyweights in his time. :cool:
prime ali would be much too fast for holmes, the ali he fought was extremely shot and half as fast as before
None of us would use the actual Ali-Hlomes fight, as a model for how a "dream fight" between the two would turn out.
Ali would be bothered by Holmes' own speed, his boxing ability, & of course - Holmes' jab.
Ali is greater.
Holmes is great, underrated.....& a lot of it has to do with being under Ali's shadow.
Still, Ali is greater.
Holmes, however, would have given Ali an absolute nightmare of a time...though Ali would edge him.
You took the words right out of my mouth. I completely agree.
Ali is greater.
Holmes is great, underrated.....& a lot of it has to do with being under Ali's shadow.
Still, Ali is greater.
Holmes, however, would have given Ali an absolute nightmare of a time...though Ali would edge him.