Larry Holmes The Most Underrated Heavyweight Ever?

[La_Vibora]

I would say that its a tie between Holmes and Tunney for most underrated. I think Holmes' biggest downfall was what he said about Rocky Marciano, had he said that and some of the many other things he has said over the years I think he would have been better remembered. Also, I think George Foreman retiring the first time had a huge impact on his career, because that would have probably been his career defining fight.That plus the fact that he just stuck around too long imo

[Abstraction]

well the thing is he actually should have been a two time world champ. its widely considered tht the 2nd Spinks fight was a robbery.

I have him in my top 5. probebly number 3 actually, just behind Ali and Louis. other than him having an outstanding jab, he was pretty well rounded with his punches. very effective uppercuts, pretty good right hand, even could hook decently. he didnt quite of the speed, countering ability or ring smarts of Ali, but he was solid, and his chin was fantastic.

truth be told, there were certain styles that gave him fits. I know Tim Witherspoon gave him one hell of a fight, and while Wtherspoon was actually pretty good, you have to admit that he shouldnt quite be on the level of a Larry Holmes. maybe he was unmotivated some nights, I dont know. but when Larry was focused and understood his opponent, he was pretty amazing.

i woudn't call the second Spinks fight a robbery.

It was close, and many had Spinks winning. So to call it a robbery is pretty unfair.

[mcentepede]

No argument here. Larry Holmes owned the Heavyweight division for 7 years until Tyson and Spinks came along. He beat up alot of crappy heavyweights...but not his fault the division was weak at the time. Great Jab, and good right cross over the jab. He could do the jab-cross combo for 12 rounds easily, as he did with Tex Cobb and Cooney. But truth be told, The division was pretty crappy at the time. 20 defenses, I could name 3 decent challengers in the mix, Cooney, Spoon, Spinks. The rest of the guys are long forgotten except Renaldo Snipes who gave a decent challenge.

[Davros?]

No argument here. Larry Holmes owned the Heavyweight division for 7 years until Tyson and Spinks came along. He beat up alot of crappy heavyweights...but not his fault the division was weak at the time. Great Jab, and good right cross over the jab. He could do the jab-cross combo for 12 rounds easily, as he did with Tex Cobb and Cooney. But truth be told, The division was pretty crappy at the time. 20 defenses, I could name 3 decent challengers in the mix, Cooney, Spoon, Spinks. The rest of the guys are long forgotten except Renaldo Snipes who gave a decent challenge.

Holmes was an excellent fighter but sadly for him there were few other great heavyweights out there, his best win was over Ken Norton imo which was a great fight. Sadly due to politics good fights against the likes of Dokes and Page never happened.