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Larry HolmesBoxer, world champion according to WBC and IBF 1978-85, recognized as the best boxer of 1978
Date of Birth: 03.11.1949
Country:  USA |
Content:
Larry Holmes: A Biography
Larry Holmes, a boxer and the world champion of WBC and IBF from 1978 to 1985, was recognized as the best boxer of 1978. Few can argue about Larry Holmes' longevity in the sport. At the age of 52, the renowned champion of the 80s decided to make a comeback to the ring, in a sport that is not the easiest - professional boxing. He came to boxing late and waited a long time for his chance. Larry did not make a name for himself in the amateur ring, and as a professional, he mainly served as a sparring partner, not giving hope to even the most desperate optimists that this huge boxer (standing at 194 cm tall, weighing 96 kg) would ever become an independent figure. His skills improved slowly but steadily. A testament to this was a call from the "greatest" with an invitation to work as his sparring partner - Ali was never invited to the training center by just anyone. Larry Holmes learned a lot from Ali, although his heavy-handed style irritated the champion several times. But it was Holmes who once remarked: "I box in the style of Foreman and Frazier, and these, 'the greatest,' are your main opponents." After that, Ali started to look at his taciturn sparring partner with curiosity, if not concern, not knowing that this "ring killer" - as Holmes would later be called - would deliver the final blow to his brilliant career. At some point, Ali began to feel the explosive power in the fists of the man from Catbert, who struck equally powerfully with both hands. A brief conversation took place between them in the locker room: "Listen, La, you're getting too carried away, this is just training." "I'm actually holding back, I'm working at half strength." After some time, Ali refused Holmes' services, and he went on to spar with Frazier, which further complicated his relationship with "the greatest."
A Victorious Career
The big ring embraced Larry Holmes when he won a points victory over Ken Norton in the summer of 1978. Leon Spinks, who was supposed to fight Norton but inexplicably refused, was recognized as the world champion by the WBC. On the day of this triumph, Larry was just a step away from turning 30, and he made sure to make the most of the time allotted to him in boxing. He reluctantly fought against young, unknown fighters, rightly believing that dealing with them could result in a lot of hassle but little fame and money. Moreover, it was easier for him to withstand endurance competition against boxers of his age or thereabouts. Larry Holmes successfully defended his titles for seven years until he lost twice to Michael Spinks in 1985 and 1986. After these defeats, Larry left the ring, but returned two years later to fight for the WBC championship belt against none other than Mike Tyson himself. It seems that Larry underestimated his own abilities, as he was knocked out by "Iron Mike" in the fourth round. By the way, this was the only time in his long career that Holmes was knocked out. He then made two more unsuccessful attempts to win championship belts.
The Last Fight
The last time spectators saw the legendary champion of 1978-85 was on July 27, 2002, in Norfolk. The opponent of the renowned boxer fell short of expectations, although he had also fought a lot - 64 fights, of which he only lost one. Moreover, 35-year-old Eric "Butterbean" Esch had always faced criticism, being labeled as a "fat slob pretending to be a boxer." Holmes managed to deliver a second defeat to the famous ring clown. For this fight, Holmes received $250,000. Now Larry Holmes' professional record stands at 69 wins, 6 losses, and 44 knockouts.
