Larry Holmes vs. Joe Frazier, 15 rounds, prime for prime

[Sugarj]

Holmes was still an amateur and didn't turn pro till 1973. Not saying they didn't spar, I don't know, only pointing that out.

I had a read up later on last night and it was Holmes. He was chosen for his ability to emulate Ali. Though God knows how Frazier's team heard about him at this point. Larry said that Frazier smashed his ribs in and made him feel pains that he didn't know existed.

Obviously Holmes's amateur career came to a bad end the very next year before turning pro.

[Rspen46]

Frazier!

I see it the way of the Ali Fights, Frazier wins the 1st one, then Holmes the next one by decision.

[Dynamite76]

Joe would beat Larry in a 15 round close unanimous decision. Could see Joe flooring Larry midway during the fight, but Larry coming on strong in the later rounds to make it close.

[rightsideup]

Larry Holmes was vulnerable to right hands. He always had a good defense against left hooks. Muhammad Ali was kind of the opposite. Holmes also had something Ali didn't- a very good right uppercut...and that would be helpful against Frazier.

I think Frazier would have his moments, but think Larry's left jab and size help him win a decision.

what he said

[Daddy T]

Unless you got that massive foreman type power Joe is going to be on your chest all night. I think he wears larry down not enough for a stoppage but a UD over 15.

[Sugarj]

Two years later on this old thread I'm undecided. One interesting thought might be; was prime Holmes superior to 1971 Ali?

I'd honestly say yes; Ali hadn't got his legs or his accuracy back in 1971. His stamina improved over the course of the mid 70s too. Obviously prime Holmes wasn't an Ali clone despite some stylistic similarities, but I'm open to the suggestion that 1979-1981 Holmes might have taken a decision over 1971 Frazier by a gnat's whisker.

Great fight though!!!!

[GeneralZod]

Holmes by SD.

[Ray Corso]

Larry hit just hard enough to hurt Joe and thats the difference to me! Great fight simular to Ali but a much more stationary target (Holmes) which means more exchanges! More like Norton vs Holmes which is one of the best Heavyweight fights ever!! With Frazier involved its a better fight!
Holmes by Decs.!!!! Ray.