Muhammad Ali Skills Overrated...

[Jim Jeffries]

which is ironic, considering he was practically a carbon copy.

Well, Holmes was more of a poor man's Ali, albeit with a bit better jab. But anyway, sparring with an old Ali and fighting Ali's corpse don't qualify this bitter old man to discredit a legend.

[-Incred-]

Agreed, Holmes is calling Ali overrated just because he beat a past prime Ali? **** no...

[Greatwhitehope]

I seem to recall Holmes saying 'I'm prouder of sparring with him in his prime than beating him now' or something similar, I don't think he has any bad blood towards him.

[THE REED]

His technical skills are overrated. He was not the greatest ring technician there ever was. No one can question his physical gifts though.

His sheer willpower and toughness are greatly underrated.

One must understand also that Ali always worked on his weaknesses during sparring and usually got the worst of the sessions. Holmes never fought a prime Ali who was actually serious.

But that wasn't my point... it doesn't matter. He is one of the greatest fighters to ever step in the ring. Acklowedge that, and move on. Don't say oh he wasn't that great at this or this... say, he had great heart and determination, and move on.

Give your respect, and move on. Larry Holmes was completely selfish there.

[Stab Judah]

Holmes says the same damn thing about every fighter who ever lived other than himself.

He's always been kind of a prick about discrediting other boxers I think the only one he talks good about is Joe Louis.

[TheGreatA]

But that wasn't my point... it doesn't matter. He is one of the greatest fighters to ever step in the ring. Acklowedge that, and move on. Don't say oh he wasn't that great at this or this... say, he had great heart and determination, and move on.

Give your respect, and move on. Larry Holmes was completely selfish there.

You're right.

Better not listen to his interviews about Tyson/Foreman.

[Stab Judah]

You're right.

Better not listen to his interviews about Tyson/Foreman.

You're not kidding

[ßringer]

Larry Holmes only gives credit to Larry Holmes.

[RodBarker]

Larry said what he said, we actually arnt in a place to disagree, he was Ali's sparring partner and knows more than any on here know about that Id imagine.

Your right Larry was there , but he is biased and was always bitter on Ali for the greatness and public appeal he received that he never got , Holmes was in his shadow and probably thought wtf on days sparring where he was doing great , he would have humanized Ali as just another guy with gloves on in the same ring all in a days work , Holmes was a great champion himself he was just unlucky of his time in history , if he was now he would be the man easy .

[mickey malone]

It's true, Larry has often upset people with his scything comments about other fighters.. And yes, he was knarled up about having to live in Ali's shaddow, but actions speak louder than words & I'll always remember how he wept uncontrolably after defeating his nemisis.. Watching the fight, it's more than evident, Holmes was pulling most of his punches & at one point, even gestures to the referee that Ali's had enough..
Another prime example of the mans compassion was when with one hand, he furiously beckoned the refs intervention, while using the other hand to batter a very young and inept Marvis Frazier.. Therefore, I don't think Larry's as bad as some people say..
Getting back to the original question.. The only reason Ali's skills were overated is because he had an iron chin..