Ali’s Ghost Haunts Foreman and Holmes

[ProBox1]

1949 was an outstanding year, for it produced two heavyweight boxing immortals. George Foreman was born on January 10 and Larry Holmes was born on November 3. Foreman and Holmes are two of the greatest heavyweight champions of all time. It's not a reach to say Foreman is the strongest and best two-handed puncher in heavyweight history, and Holmes is the best overall boxer. Their names are forever linked together in the record books.

These two legends both won the World Heavyweight Title in the 1970s. Foreman won it in 1973 when he stopped Joe Frazier in two rounds in Kingston, Jamaica. Holmes, who at one time worked as a sparring partner for Frazier, won it in 1978 with a 15-round split decision over Ken Norton in Las Vegas. Norton was a sparring partner for Smokin’ Joe. Holmes was one of Muhammad Ali's chief sparring partners for his title fight with Foreman in October 1974. [details]

[BAREKNUCKLES]

Muhammad Ali's shadow engulfed both Foreman and Holmes.

Muhammad Ali is probably the most beloved sports hero in history, and it just so happens that both George and Larry were unlucky enough to have their careers right in the middle of one of the greatest title reigns in heavyweight history.

Ali truly was the lord of the ring.

George Foreman of course, avoided getting whacked in the head too much and still had enough brains to resurrect his career.

Larry Holmes, who is probably one of the most overlooked all time great fighters, just never had any charisma. He just came off as rude and ignorant to the average fan, and after all, people really hated him for beating up an already brain damaged Ali.


Sad but true.