"The Easton Assassin"

[TBear]

Was there a third champion back then?

No the IBF didn't come around til later.

[Anthony342]

Defenses of the lineal title defenses perhaps, but as far as title defenses go, no. However the Ring Magazine recognized him as champion two fights previous to the Ali fight, when Mike Weaver won the other title over John Tate. Their main reason was that Holmes had beat Weaver in a title bout and it also didn't hurt that on the night Weaver beat Tate, Holmes also stopped the last man to beat Weaver(Leroy Jones).

So how many defenses does that bring it up to?

[Panamaniac]

At 1:30 into the vid, Larry holds back his punches, and at 2:55 against Marvis Frazier he waves at the ref to stop the maltreatment. He also did when fighting Ali.
I’ve also seen Ken Norton showing the same ‘mercy’ in the ring.
They were not all brutal killers.
Any more suggestions of those stepping back to prevent an unnecessary slaughter?

Ali pulls punch(es) vs Foreman...
[vbtube]WIkz_TGyuh8[/vbtube]

[Panamaniac]

Larry is criminally underrated IMO, what a fighter and what a jab!

He had the misfortune of following IMO "THE" heavyweight champion in Ali, and was somewhat lacking in the personality department.

After watching Larry fight a few times I developed a somewhat serviceable jab myself.

If you'd pardon the NFL football analogy, I'm reminded of Steve Young who followed in the giant shadow cast by legendary QB Joe Montana. 49er fans resented him simply for not being his predecessor. It wasn't until he lead the Niners to a Super Bowl championship that he finally gained acceptance, if not adulation.

[boxingwind]

Larry Holmes is one a few fighters that didnt end up broke, cause he took well care of his money.

smart businessman

[boxingwind]

Larry Holmes should be a boxing promoter.

He's not greedy, takes care of his money, and is understanding.

He could call it : Larry Holmes Promotions

[Bodyshot3]

Dodgy, house band music aside - that epic 69-6 record in a 29-year career with only one loss by stoppage (against Tyson) tells us everything we need to know. Holmes is a top HW without a shadow.

The incurable boxing geek in me seemed to spot poor, brave Scott Le Doux getting absolutely wrecked early on in that video and it may well have been Lucien Rodriguez of France getting cut in half by a bodyshot as well?

Washed-up versions of Scott and Lucien later got served-up for Bruno and suffered an equally painful fate; boxing really is a brutal business!