Larry Holmes

Last updated
Larry Holmes
Larry Holmes 1996.jpg
Holmes in 1996
Born (1949-11-03) November 3, 1949 (age 74)
Cuthbert, Georgia, U.S.
Other namesThe Easton Assassin
Statistics
Weight(s) Heavyweight
Height6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Reach81 in (206 cm)
Stance Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights75
Wins69
Wins by KO44
Losses6

Larry Holmes (born November 3, 1949) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1973 to 2002 and was world heavyweight champion from 1978 until 1985. He is often considered to be one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. [1] [2] [3] He grew up in Easton, Pennsylvania, which led to his boxing nickname of the "Easton Assassin".

Contents

Holmes's left jab is often rated among the best in heavyweight boxing history. [4] In addition to holding the WBC heavyweight title from 1978 to 1983, Holmes held the Ring magazine and lineal heavyweight titles from 1980 to 1985 [5] and the inaugural IBF heavyweight title from 1983 to 1985. [6] [7]

Holmes won his first 48 professional bouts, including victories over Ken Norton (the man he defeated in 1978 for the WBC championship), Muhammad Ali, Earnie Shavers, Mike Weaver, Gerry Cooney, Tim Witherspoon, Carl Williams, and Marvis Frazier. Holmes fell one short of matching Rocky Marciano's career record of 49–0 when he lost to Michael Spinks in a 1985 upset. Holmes retired after losing a rematch to Spinks the following year but made repeated comebacks. He was unsuccessful in four further comeback attempts (against Mike Tyson in 1988, Evander Holyfield in 1992, Oliver McCall in 1995 and Brian Nielsen in 1997) to regain a variation of the heavyweight title. Holmes fought for the final time in 2002, at age 52, against the 334lb Eric "Butterbean" Esch and ended his career with a record of 69 wins and 6 losses, with all of his losses coming in world title fights. [8]

Holmes is frequently ranked as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time [9] and has been inducted into both the International Boxing Hall of Fame and World Boxing Hall of Fame. He is the only boxer to have defeated Muhammad Ali by stoppage and the last living boxer to have defeated Ali.

Early life

Holmes was the fourth of twelve children born to John and Flossie Holmes. In 1954, the family moved to Easton, Pennsylvania, in the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania. Holmes' father went to Connecticut, where he visited the family every three weeks and worked as a gardener until his death in 1970. "He didn't forsake us", said Flossie Holmes. "He just didn't have anything to give." The family survived on welfare. To help support his family, Holmes dropped out of school when he was in the seventh grade and went to work at a car wash for $1 an hour. He later drove a dump truck and worked in a Lehigh Valley quarry. [10]

Amateur career

Holmes began boxing at age 18. In his twenty-first bout, he boxed Nick Wells in the semifinals of the 1972 National Olympic Trials in Fort Worth, Texas. Wells, a southpaw known for unprecedently high knockout-to-win percentage for an amateur boxer, with a majority of knockouts coming in the first round, stopped Holmes in the first round. Nevertheless, Holmes was chosen by a selection committee of the National Olympic authorities to fight at the Olympic box-offs in West Point, New York, where he had a match-up versus Duane Bobick. Holmes was dropped in the first round with a right to the head. He got up and danced out of range, landing several stiff jabs in the process. Bobick mauled Holmes in the second round but could not corner him. The referee warned Holmes twice in the second round for holding. In the third, Bobick landed several good rights and started to corner Holmes, who continued to hold. Eventually, Holmes was disqualified for excessive holding. [11]

Professional career

Early years

After compiling an amateur record of 19–3, Holmes turned professional on March 21, 1973, winning a four-round decision against Rodell Dupree. Early in his career he worked as a sparring partner for Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Earnie Shavers, and Jimmy Young. He was paid well and learned a lot. "I was young, and I didn't know much. But I was holding my own sparring those guys", Holmes said. "I thought, 'hey, these guys are the best, the champs. If I can hold my own now, what about later?'"

Holmes first gained credibility as a contender when he upset the hard-punching Earnie Shavers in March 1978. Holmes won by a lopsided twelve-round unanimous decision, winning every round on two scorecards and all but one on the third. Holmes's victory over Shavers set up a title shot between Holmes and WBC Heavyweight Champion Ken Norton in Las Vegas on June 9, 1978.

Defeating Norton and winning WBC heavyweight championship

Holmes with the Jaycees Ten Outstanding Young Men trophy in December 1979 Larry Holmes awarded the Jaycees.jpg
Holmes with the Jaycees Ten Outstanding Young Men trophy in December 1979

Holmes met Ken Norton on June 9, 1978, for a tough, competitive fight. After fourteen rounds, each of the three judges scored the fight dead even at seven rounds each. Holmes rallied late in the fifteenth to win the round on two scorecards and take the WBC title by a split decision. [10]

In his first two title defenses, Holmes easily knocked out Alfredo Evangelista and Ossie Ocasio. His third title defense was a tough one. On June 22, 1979, Holmes faced future WBA Heavyweight Champion Mike Weaver, who was lightly regarded going into the fight sporting an uninspiring 19–8 record. After ten tough rounds, Holmes dropped Weaver with a right uppercut late in round eleven. In the twelfth, Holmes immediately went on the attack, backing Weaver into the ropes and pounding him with powerful rights until the referee stepped in and stopped it. "This man knocked the devil out of me", Holmes said. "This man might not have had credit before tonight, but you'll give it to him now." [12]

Three months later, on September 28, 1979, Holmes had a rematch with Shavers, who got a title shot by knocking out Norton in one round. Holmes dominated the first six rounds, but in the seventh, Shavers sent Holmes down with a devastating overhand right. Holmes got up, survived the round, and went on to punish Shavers in the eleventh round and the referee stopped the fight. [13]

His next three defenses were knockouts of Lorenzo Zanon, Leroy Jones, and Scott LeDoux.

Defeating Ali

On October 2, 1980, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Holmes defended his title against Muhammad Ali, who was coming out of retirement in an attempt to become the first four-time world heavyweight champion. Holmes dominated the 38-year-old Ali, winning every round on all three judges' scorecards. At the end of the tenth round, Ali's trainer stepped in to stop the fight as Holmes was inflicting major blows on Ali, handing Ali the only stoppage defeat of his career. [14] After the win, Holmes received recognition as World Heavyweight Champion by The Ring.

Ali blamed his poor performance on thyroid medication which he had been taking, saying that it helped him lose weight (he weighed 217½, his lowest weight since he fought George Foreman in 1974), but it also left him drained for the fight. [15]

Holmes seemed to show signs of sadness in punishing Ali so much during the fight. Tears appeared in Holmes's eyes during a post-fight interview. When asked why he was crying, he said that he respected Ali "a whole lot" and "he fought one of the baddest heavyweights in the world today, and you cannot take credit from him." [16]

Holmes's trainer Richie Giachetti called Holmes's pummeling of Ali "awful ... the worst sports event I ever had to cover." Actor Sylvester Stallone was ringside for the fight and said that it was like watching an autopsy on a man who is still alive. The Holmes fight is said to have contributed to Ali's Parkinson's syndrome. [17]

Defeating Berbick, Leon Spinks & Snipes

After eight consecutive knockouts, Holmes was forced to go the distance when he successfully defended his title against future WBC Heavyweight Champion Trevor Berbick on April 11, 1981. In his next fight, two months later, Holmes knocked out former Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion Leon Spinks in three rounds. On November 6, 1981, Holmes rose from a seventh-round knockdown, during which he staggered into the turnbuckle, to stop Renaldo Snipes in the eleventh.

Defeating Cooney

On June 11, 1982, Holmes defended his title against Gerry Cooney, the undefeated #1 contender and an Irish-American. The lead-up to the fight had many racial overtones, with promoter Don King and others hyping Cooney as the "Great White Hope." Holmes said that if Cooney wasn't white, he would not be getting the same purse as the champion (both boxers received $10 million for the bout). [18] Although Cooney tried to deflect questions about race, members of his camp wore shirts that said "Not the White Man, but the Right Man." [18] In their fight previews, Sports Illustrated and Time put Cooney on the cover, not Holmes. Boxing tradition dictates that the champion be introduced last, but the challenger, Cooney, was introduced last. [18]

The bout was held in a 32,000-seat stadium erected in a Caesar's Palace Parking lot, with millions more watching around the world. After an uneventful first round, Holmes dropped Cooney with a right in the second. Cooney came back well in the next two rounds, jarring Holmes with his powerful left hook. Holmes later said that Cooney "hit me so damned hard, I felt it—boom—in my bones." [19] Cooney was tiring by the ninth, a round in which he had two points deducted for low blows. In the tenth, they traded punches relentlessly. At the end of the round, the two nodded to each other in respect. [19] Cooney lost another point because of low blows in the eleventh. By then, Holmes was landing with ease. In the thirteenth, a barrage of punches sent Cooney down. He got up, but his trainer, Victor Valle, stepped into the ring and stopped the fight. [19]

After the fight, Holmes and Cooney became close friends. [19] [20]

Trouble with the WBC

Holmes's next two fights were one-sided decision wins over Randall "Tex" Cobb and ex-European champion Lucien Rodriguez. On May 20, 1983, Holmes defended his title against Tim Witherspoon, the future WBC and WBA Heavyweight Champion. Witherspoon, a six to one underdog and with only 15 professional bouts to his name, surprised many by giving Holmes a difficult fight. After twelve rounds, Holmes retained the title by a disputed split decision. [21]

On September 10, 1983, Holmes successfully defended the WBC title for the sixteenth time, knocking out Scott Frank in five rounds. Holmes then signed to fight Marvis Frazier, son of Joe Frazier, on November 25, 1983. The WBC refused to sanction the fight against the unranked Frazier. They ordered Holmes to fight Greg Page, the #1 contender, or be stripped of the title. Promoter Don King offered Holmes $2.55 million to fight Page, but the champion didn't think that was enough. He was making $3.1 million to fight Frazier and felt he should get as much as $5 million to fight Page. [22]

Holmes had an easy time with Frazier, knocking him out in the first round. [23] The following month, Holmes relinquished the WBC championship.

IBF heavyweight champion

Despite his no longer being recognized by the WBC as champion, Holmes was still regarded as the lineal champion as well as being recognized as world champion by The Ring. On December 11, 1983, the newly formed International Boxing Federation extended recognition to Holmes, and he accepted. [24]

As 1984 began, Holmes and Gerrie Coetzee, the WBA champion, were signed to unify the titles on June 15, 1984, at Caesars Palace. The fight was being promoted by JPD Inc., but it was canceled when Caesars Palace said the promoters failed to meet the financial conditions of the contract. Holmes was promised $13 million and Coetzee was promised $8 million. Even after cutting the purses dramatically, they still couldn't come up with enough financial backing to stage the fight. [25] Don King then planned to promote the fight, but Holmes lost a lawsuit filed by Virginia attorney Richard Hirschfeld, who said he had a contract with Holmes that gave him right of first refusal on a Holmes-Coetzee bout. Holmes then decided to move on and fight someone else. [26]

On November 9, 1984, after a year out of the ring, Holmes made his first defense of the IBF title, stopping James "Bonecrusher" Smith on a cut in the twelfth round. In the first half of 1985, Holmes stopped David Bey in ten rounds for his 19th title defense. His next against Carl "The Truth" Williams was unexpectedly tough. The younger, quicker Williams was able to out-jab the aging champion, who was left with a badly swollen eye by the end of the bout. Holmes emerged with a close, and disputed, fifteen-round unanimous decision.

Holmes vs. Michael Spinks 1 & 2

Holmes's next fight had the potential to make boxing history. He agreed to terms to fight Michael Spinks, the undisputed champion at light heavyweight, for his twentieth world title defense September 21, 1985. A victory for Holmes would have tied Rocky Marciano's mark of 49 consecutive wins without a loss. Spinks, meanwhile, was looking to join Bob Fitzsimmons as the only other boxer at the time to win titles at both light heavyweight and heavyweight. In addition, if he defeated Holmes, Spinks would become the first ever reigning light heavyweight champion to win the heavyweight title.

Before the fight Archie Moore, the long-time light heavyweight champion who unsuccessfully challenged for the heavyweight crown himself twice, predicted an easy win for Holmes: "I'm afraid Larry will chew him up. Michael may be faster than Larry, but you can only go so fast." [27] Despite the assessment, it indeed would be Spinks whose historical destiny would be fulfilled, as he defeated Holmes via unanimous decision to become the first reigning light heavyweight champion to win the heavyweight title. [28] After the fight, a bitter Holmes said, "Rocky Marciano couldn't carry my jockstrap."

Holmes had a rematch with Spinks on April 19, 1986. Spinks retained the title with a disputed fifteen-round split decision. The judges scored the fight: Judge Joe Cortez 144–141 (Holmes), Judge Frank Brunette 141–144 (Spinks) and Judge Jerry Roth 142–144 (Spinks.) [29] In a post-fight interview with HBO, Holmes said, "the judges, the referees and promoters can kiss me where the sun don't shine—and because we're on HBO, that's my big black behind." [30]

On November 6, 1986, three days after his 37th birthday, Holmes announced his retirement. [31]

Comebacks

Several of Holmes's boxing robes on display at the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York in May 2013 BoxingHallOfFame 1 LarryHolmesRobes.jpg
Several of Holmes's boxing robes on display at the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York in May 2013
Larry Holmes Drive, an Easton, Pennsylvania street named in honor of Holmes, who was from Easton and fought under the nickname "The Easton Assassin". PA 611 NB past Third Street Easton.JPG
Larry Holmes Drive, an Easton, Pennsylvania street named in honor of Holmes, who was from Easton and fought under the nickname "The Easton Assassin".

On January 22, 1988, Holmes was lured out of retirement by a $2.8 million purse to challenge reigning Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion Mike Tyson. Tyson dropped Holmes in the fourth round with an overhand right. Holmes got up, but Tyson put him down two more times in the round, and the fight was stopped. It was the only time Holmes was knocked out in his career. After the fight, Holmes again retired. [32]

Holmes returned to the ring in 1991 and became a much more active fighter, usually fighting on USA Tuesday Night Fights cards every few weeks against up and comers and journeymen. After five straight wins, he fought Ray Mercer, the undefeated 1988 Olympic Gold Medalist, on February 7, 1992. Holmes pulled off the upset and won by a 12-round unanimous decision. [33] (Holmes later claimed that he fought Mercer in spite of having a detached retina. [34] ) The win got Holmes a shot at Evander Holyfield for the Undisputed World Heavyweight Championship. On June 19, 1992, Holyfield defeated Holmes by a twelve-round unanimous decision. [35]

On April 8, 1995, he fought Oliver McCall for the WBC title. Holmes lost by a close 12-round unanimous decision. Two of the judges had him losing by one point, while the other judge had him losing by three points. [36]

Holmes was back in the ring five months later, resuming the pace he had set since his comeback. However, he was growing tired of the sport and, after he fought and knocked out Anthony Willis in June 1996 on another USA boxing event, Holmes announced that unless he received a shot at the title, the fight against Willis was likely to be his last.

On January 24, 1997, Holmes got his last opportunity to fight for a heavyweight championship when he traveled to Copenhagen to fight undefeated International Boxing Organization champion Brian Nielsen. Nielsen won by a 12-round split decision to retain the title. [37]

Holmes and George Foreman signed to fight on January 23, 1999, at the Astrodome in Houston. Foreman called off the fight several weeks before it was to take place because the promoter failed to meet the deadline for paying him the remaining $9 million of his $10 million purse. Foreman received a nonrefundable $1 million deposit, and Holmes got to keep a $400,000 down-payment of his $4 million purse. [38]

Holmes's next two fights were rematches with old foes. On June 18, 1999, he stopped "Bonecrusher" Smith in eight rounds, [39] and on November 17, 2000, he stopped Mike Weaver in six. [40]

Holmes's final fight was on July 27, 2002, in Norfolk, Virginia, in which he defeated Eric "Butterbean" Esch in a 10-round unanimous decision. [41]

Post-boxing life

Holmes in September 2010 at the Beaufort, South Carolina, where Joe Frazier was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian awarded by the Governor of South Carolina Larry Holmes 2010.jpg
Holmes in September 2010 at the Beaufort, South Carolina, where Joe Frazier was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian awarded by the Governor of South Carolina

Holmes invested the money he earned from boxing and settled in his hometown of Easton. When he retired from boxing, Holmes employed more than 200 people through his various business holdings. In 2008, he owned two restaurants and a nightclub, a training facility, an office complex, a snack food bar and slot machines.[ citation needed ] As of 2009, Holmes co-hosted a talk show entitled What The Heck Were They Thinking? [42]

In 2014, Holmes sold his business complex in Easton to entrepreneur Gerald Gorman, CEO of mail.com. [43]

In 2016, Holmes guest starred as himself in an episode of Mike Tyson Mysteries , titled "Unsolved Situations".

Honors

Holmes was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2008. [44]

Personal life

In 1979, Larry Holmes married Diane Robinson, with whom he has two children. [45] He also has three daughters from two previous relationships. [46] [47]

As of 2019, Holmes is living in Palmer Township, Pennsylvania, near Easton. [48]

Holmes's younger brother, Mark Holmes, was a middleweight boxer from 1980 to 1987. [49]

Professional boxing record

75 fights69 wins6 losses
By knockout441
By decision255
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound(s), timeDateLocationNotes
75Win69–6 Eric "Butterbean" Esch UD10Jul 27, 2002 Scope, Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.
74Win68–6 Mike Weaver TKO6 (10), 0:45Nov 17, 2000Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S.
73Win67–6 James Smith TKO8 (10), 2:00Jun 18, 1999 Crown Coliseum, Fayetteville, North Carolina, U.S.
72Win66–6 Maurice Harris SD10Jul 29, 1997 The Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
71Loss65–6 Brian Nielsen SD12Jan 24, 1997 Brøndby Hall, Copenhagen, DenmarkFor IBO heavyweight title
70Win65–5Anthony WillisKO8 (10), 1:13Jun 16, 1996Casino Magic, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, U.S.
69Win64–5Quinn NavarreUD10Apr 16, 1996Casino Magic, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, U.S.
68Win63–5Curtis SheppardKO4 (10), 2:41Jan 9, 1996Casino Magic, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, U.S.
67Win62–5 Ed Donaldson UD10Sep 19, 1995Casino Magic, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, U.S.
66Loss61–5 Oliver McCall UD12 Apr 8, 1995 Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.For WBC heavyweight title
65Win61–4 Jesse Ferguson UD10Sep 8, 1994 Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Shakopee, Minnesota, U.S.
64Win60–4Garing LaneUD10Mar 8, 1994 Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S.
63Win59–4 José Ribalta UD10Sep 28, 1993Casino Magic, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, U.S.
62Win58–4Paul PoirierRTD6 (10), 3:00May 18, 1993Casino Magic, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, U.S.
61Win57–4Ken LakustaRTD7 (10), 3:00Apr 13, 1993Casino Magic, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, U.S.
60Win56–4Rocky PepeliRTD4 (10), 3:00Mar 9, 1993 Casino Magic, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, U.S.
59Win55–4Everett MartinUD10Jan 5, 1993 Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S.
58Loss54–4 Evander Holyfield UD12 Jun 19, 1992 Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.For WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight titles
57Win54–3 Ray Mercer UD12 Feb 7, 1992 Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
56Win53–3Jamie HoweTKO1 (10), 1:57Nov 12, 1991 Coliseum, Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
55Win52–3Art CardUD10Sep 17, 1991 Marriott's World Center, Orlando, Florida, U.S.
54Win51–3Michael GreerKO4 (10), 1:18Aug 24, 1991 Neal S. Blaisdell Arena, Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.
53Win50–3Eddie GonzalesUD10Aug 13, 1991 Hyatt Regency, Tampa, Florida, U.S.
52Win49–3Tim AndersonTKO1 (10), 2:03Apr 7, 1991 The Diplomat, Hollywood, Florida, U.S.
51Loss48–3 Mike Tyson KO4 (12), 2:55 Jan 22, 1988 Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.For WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight titles
50Loss48–2 Michael Spinks SD15 Apr 19, 1986 Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.For IBF and The Ring heavyweight titles
49Loss48–1 Michael Spinks UD15 Sep 21, 1985 Riviera, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.Lost IBF and The Ring heavyweight titles
48Win48–0 Carl Williams UD15May 20, 1985 Lawlor Events Center, Reno, Nevada, U.S.Retained IBF and The Ring heavyweight titles
47Win47–0 David Bey TKO10 (15), 2:58Mar 15, 1985Riviera, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.Retained IBF and The Ring heavyweight titles
46Win46–0 James Smith TKO12 (15), 2:10Nov 9, 1984 Riviera, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.Retained IBF and The Ring heavyweight titles
45Win45–0 Marvis Frazier TKO1 (12), 2:57Nov 25, 1983Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained The Ring heavyweight title
44Win44–0Scott FrankTKO5 (12), 1:28Sep 10, 1983 Broadway by the Bay Theater, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Retained WBC and The Ring heavyweight titles
43Win43–0 Tim Witherspoon SD12 May 20, 1983 Dunes, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained WBC and The Ring heavyweight titles
42Win42–0Lucien RodriguezUD12Mar 27, 1983Watres Armory, Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S.Retained WBC and The Ring heavyweight titles
41Win41–0 Randall Cobb UD15Nov 26, 1982 Astrodome, Houston, Texas, U.S.Retained WBC and The Ring heavyweight titles
40Win40–0 Gerry Cooney TKO13 (15), 2:52 Jun 11, 1982 Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained WBC and The Ring heavyweight titles
39Win39–0 Renaldo Snipes TKO11 (15), 1:05Nov 6, 1981 Civic Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.Retained WBC and The Ring heavyweight titles
38Win38–0 Leon Spinks TKO3 (15), 2:34Jun 12, 1981 Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.Retained WBC and The Ring heavyweight titles
37Win37–0 Trevor Berbick UD15Apr 11, 1981Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained WBC and The Ring heavyweight titles
36Win36–0 Muhammad Ali RTD10 (15), 3:00 Oct 2, 1980 Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained WBC heavyweight title;
Won vacant The Ring heavyweight title
35Win35–0 Scott LeDoux TKO7 (15), 2:05Jul 7, 1980 Metropolitan Sports Center, Bloomington, Minnesota, U.S.Retained WBC heavyweight title
34Win34–0 Leroy Jones TKO8 (15), 2:56Mar 31, 1980Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained WBC heavyweight title
33Win33–0Lorenzo ZanonKO6 (15), 2:39Feb 3, 1980Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained WBC heavyweight title
32Win32–0 Earnie Shavers TKO11 (15), 2:00Sep 28, 1979Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained WBC heavyweight title
31Win31–0 Mike Weaver TKO12 (15), 0:44Jun 22, 1979Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Retained WBC heavyweight title
30Win30–0 Ossie Ocasio TKO7 (15), 2:38Mar 23, 1979 Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.Retained WBC heavyweight title
29Win29–0 Alfredo Evangelista KO7 (15), 2:14Nov 10, 1978Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained WBC heavyweight title
28Win28–0 Ken Norton SD15Jun 9, 1978Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Won WBC heavyweight title
27Win27–0 Earnie Shavers UD12Mar 25, 1978Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
26Win26–0Ibar ArringtonTKO10 (10), 1:38Nov 5, 1977Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
25Win25–0Fred HoupeTKO7 (10), 0:47Sep 14, 1977 Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
24Win24–0Horace RobinsonTKO5 (10)Mar 17, 1977Roberto Clemente Coliseum, San Juan, Puerto Rico
23Win23–0Tom PraterUD8Jan 16, 1977 USS Lexington, Pensacola, Florida, U.S.
22Win22–0Roy WilliamsUD10Apr 30, 1976Capital Centre, Landover, Maryland, U.S.
21Win21–0Fred AskewTKO2 (10), 2:18Apr 5, 1976 Capital Centre, Landover, Maryland, U.S.
20Win20–0Joe GholstonTKO8 (10), 2:32Jan 29, 1976 Allan P. Kirby Field House, Easton, Pennsylvania, U.S.
19Win19–0 Billy Joiner TKO3 (10), 2:29Dec 20, 1975 Roberto Clemente Coliseum, San Juan, Puerto Rico
18Win18–0Leon ShawKO1 (10)Dec 9, 1975 D.C. Armory, Washington, D.C., U.S.
17Win17–0Rodney BobickTKO6 (10), 2:46Oct 1, 1975 Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City, Philippines
16Win16–0Charlie JamesPTS10Aug 26, 1975International Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.
15Win15–0Obie EnglishTKO7 (10)Aug 16, 1975Catholic Youth Center, Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S.
14Win14–0Ernie SmithKO3 (8)May 16, 1975 Convention Center, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.
13Win13–0Robert YarboroughKO4, 2:58Apr 26, 1975 Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
12Win12–0 Oliver Wright TKO3Apr 9, 1975 International Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.
11Win11–0Charley GreenKO1 (8), 1:57Mar 24, 1975 Coliseum, Richfield, Ohio, U.S.
10Win10–0Joe HathawayTKO1 (8), 2:47Dec 11, 1974Catholic Youth Center, Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S.
9Win9–0Bob MashburnTKO7 (8)May 29, 1974Catholic Youth Center, Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S.
8Win8–0Howard DarlingtonTKO4 (6), 2:23Apr 24, 1974Catholic Youth Center, Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S.
7Win7–0Kevin IsaacTKO3 (6), 1:05Nov 28, 1973 Cleveland Arena, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
6Win6–0Jerry JudgePTS6Nov 14, 1973Catholic Youth Center, Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S.
5Win5–0Bob BozicPTS6Sep 10, 1973 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
4Win4–0Don BranchPTS6Aug 22, 1973Catholic Youth Center, Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S.
3Win3–0Curtis WhitnerTKO1 (4), 2:14Jun 20, 1973Catholic Youth Center, Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S.
2Win2–0Art SavageTKO3 (4), 1:32May 2, 1973Catholic Youth Center, Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S.
1Win1–0Rodell DupreePTS4Mar 21, 1973Catholic Youth Center, Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S.

See also

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Boxing in the 1980s was filled with important fights, events and personalities that shaped the sport. Boxing in the 1980s was shaped by many different situations, such as the continuous corporate battles between the different world sanctioning organizations, the void left by Muhammad Ali as the sport's ambassador and consequent search for a new boxing hero, the continuous presence of Don King as the sport's most famous promoter, the surge of rival promoters as Bob Arum, Butch Lewis and Murad Muhammad, and major rule changes. In 1986, Mike Tyson emerged as a fresh new face in the heavyweight division, which had seen a decline in champion quality level after Ali's retirement and, later on, after longtime WBC ruler Larry Holmes' prime. In addition, the IBF and WBO began operating.

During the 1970s, boxing was characterized by dominating champions and history-making rivalries. The decade had many superstars, who also had fierce rivals. Alexis Argüello, for example, who won the world Featherweight and Jr. Lightweight titles in the '70s, had to overcome Alfredo Escalera twice before the decade was over.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trevor Berbick</span> Jamaican boxer (1954–2006)

Trevor Berbick was a Jamaican professional boxer who competed from 1976 to 2000. He won the WBC heavyweight title in 1986 by defeating Pinklon Thomas, then lost it in his first defense in the same year to Mike Tyson. Berbick was the last boxer to fight Muhammad Ali, defeating him in 1981 by unanimous decision.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Larry Holmes vs. Gerry Cooney</span> Boxing competition

Larry Holmes vs. Gerry Cooney was a heavyweight boxing match that took place on June 11, 1982, in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. It was one of the most highly anticipated fights of the early 1980s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tim Witherspoon</span> American boxer

Tim Witherspoon is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1979 to 2003. He was a two-time world heavyweight champion, having held the WBC title in 1984, and the WBA title in 1986. He beat Heavyweight World Champions Greg Page, James Smith, Tony Tubbs, Frank Bruno and Cruiserweight World Champions Alfonzo Ratliff and Al Cole. He is best known for his fight against undefeated Heavyweight World Champion Larry Holmes in which he lost by Split decision. Witherspoon also worked as a regular sparring partner for Muhammad Ali.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Duane Bobick</span> American boxer

Duane David Bobick is an American former boxer. As an amateur, Bobick won the gold medal at the 1971 Pan American Games and fought at the 1972 Olympics. He then turned professional in 1973 and retired in 1979 with a record of 48 wins and four losses, all by knockout. He scored notable wins over future heavyweight champion Mike Weaver and contenders Chuck Wepner, Scott LeDoux, Randy Neumann and Manuel Ramos. From 1973 to 1977, he compiled a record of 38–0 with 32 knockouts which made him the number 3 contender in the division before he was defeated by number 1 contender Ken Norton.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mike Tyson vs. Michael Spinks</span> Boxing competition

Mike Tyson vs. Michael Spinks, billed as Once and For All, was a professional boxing match which took place on June 27, 1988. Both fighters were undefeated and each had a claim to being the legitimate heavyweight champion. At the time, Tyson held the belts of all three of the major sanctioning organizations while Spinks was The Ring and Lineal champion, regarded as "The People's Champion," and was considered the lineal champion. The fight was held at the Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey U.S., it was at the time the richest fight in boxing history, grossing some $70 million, of which Tyson earned a record purse of around $22 million and Spinks $13.5 million. Tyson won the fight, knocking out Spinks in 91 seconds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mike Tyson vs. Tony Tucker</span> Boxing competition

Mike Tyson vs. Tony Tucker, billed as The Ultimate, was a professional boxing match contested on August 1, 1987 for the WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight championships.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mike Tyson vs. Larry Holmes</span> Boxing competition

Mike Tyson vs. Larry Holmes, billed as Heavyweight History, was a professional boxing match contested on January 22, 1988, for the WBA, WBC and IBF Heavyweight Championships.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mike Tyson vs. Pinklon Thomas</span> Boxing competition

Mike Tyson vs. Pinklon Thomas, billed as Hard Road to Glory, was a professional boxing match contested on May 30, 1987, for the WBA and WBC heavyweight championships.

The heavyweight unification series, also known as the Heavyweight World Series, was a sequence of professional boxing matches held in 1986 and 1987 to crown an undisputed champion of the heavyweight class. The series was produced by HBO Sports and promoted by Don King. It ended with Mike Tyson as undisputed champion, holding the championship belts of the International Boxing Federation (IBF), World Boxing Association (WBA), and World Boxing Council (WBC).

Anthony Perez was an American boxing referee and judge of Puerto Rican descent. During his career, he refereed many major boxing fights and participated in a number of boxing related documentaries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">José Ribalta</span> Cuban boxer

José Manuel Ribalta is a Cuban former professional boxer who competed in the heavyweight division from 1982 to 1999. A talented and physically imposing gatekeeper, Ribalta is best known for his brave performance against Mike Tyson in 1986.

The Michael Dokes vs. Mike Weaver or, alternately, Mike Weaver vs. Michael Dokes, boxing fights were a pair of fights that occurred in 1982 and 1983 and were for the World Boxing Association's world Heavyweight title. Both fights were considered controversial due to a separate set of situations. They are both among the most widely spoken about heavyweight boxing contests of the 1980s.

References

    1. ↑ "List of the 10 greatest heavyweight boxers of all time: Has Tyson Fury done enough to make the cut? | DAZN News UK". DAZN. 2022-04-24. Retrieved 2023-05-20.
    2. ↑ Fischer, Doug (2016-02-10). "Bill Caplan's 20 greatest heavyweights". The Ring. Retrieved 2023-05-20.
    3. ↑ "The Best Heavyweights Of All Time, Named And Ranked". SPORTbible. 2021-09-03. Retrieved 2023-05-20.
    4. ↑ "10 things to still appreciate about Larry Holmes". ESPN.com. 6 June 2008. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
    5. ↑ "Larry Holmes". Cyber Boxing Zone. Retrieved 20 November 2016.
    6. ↑ "The Bryan Times". News.google.com. Retrieved 2016-02-25– via Google News Archive Search.
    7. ↑ "Larry Holmes". Boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-02-25.
    8. ↑ "Larry Holmes – Boxer". boxrec.com. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
    9. ↑ "Boxing: Historians Rankings of The Great Heavyweights". tripod.com. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
    10. 1 2 Pat Putnam (November 6, 1978). "Don't Hate 'em Just Hit 'em". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on October 26, 2012. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
    11. ↑ "Bobick Captures Olympic Berth". The Tuscaloosa News. Associated Press. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
    12. ↑ "Weaver hurts Holmes before bowing in 12". The Spokesman-Review. Associated Press. June 23, 1979. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
    13. ↑ Will Grimsley (September 29, 1979). "Holmes Wins Wild Brawl". The Argus-Press. Associated Press. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
    14. ↑ "Doom In The Desert". Sports Illustrated. October 13, 1980. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
    15. ↑ "Ali Reportedly Used Drug to Lose Weight". The Pittsburgh Press. UPI. October 6, 1980. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
    16. ↑ Video on YouTube
    17. ↑ Hale, Mike (October 26, 2009). "Boxing King Casts His Shadow, Even at Time of Defeat". The New York Times. Retrieved March 5, 2012.
    18. 1 2 3 Dahlberg, Time (June 30, 2007). "Holmes and Cooney recall divisive fight". USA Today .
    19. 1 2 3 4 Tallent, Aaron (June 9, 2006). "Larry Holmes vs. Gerry Cooney". TheSweetScience.com. Archived from the original on February 21, 2009.
    20. ↑ "Larry Holmes and Gerry Cooney: Foes for a Night, Friends for a Lifetime". Worldboxing101.com. Archived from the original on February 27, 2016. Retrieved February 25, 2016.
    21. ↑ Pat Putnam (May 30, 1983). "Holmes Really Had a Spoonful". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
    22. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on February 27, 2016. Retrieved February 21, 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
    23. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on March 12, 2016. Retrieved February 21, 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
    24. ↑ "Google News Archive Search". news.google.com. Archived from the original on July 11, 2012. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
    25. ↑ "On Again, Off Again Fight May Be On Again". Times Daily. July 3, 1984. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
    26. ↑ "Holmes signs for title fight in November". Eugene Register-Guard. Associated Press. September 19, 1984. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
    27. ↑ Liebman, Glenn (1996). Boxing Shorts. Chicago, IL: Contemporary Books, Inc. p. 16. ISBN   0-8092-3216-2.
    28. ↑ Pat Putnam (September 30, 1985). "Michael Played the Heavy". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
    29. ↑ "Holmes vs Spinks 2nd Fight Scorecards". boxrec.com. Retrieved March 28, 2011.
    30. ↑ Pat Putnam. "Battle of the Ballot". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
    31. ↑ "SPORTS PEOPLE – Holmes Retires". The New York Times . November 7, 1986. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
    32. ↑ "Tyson Batters Holmes in 4 Rounds". Herald-Journal. Associated Press. January 23, 1988. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
    33. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on February 27, 2016. Retrieved February 21, 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
    34. ↑ "Larry Holmes Says He Fought Mercer With a Detached Retina". Associated Press. December 30, 1992 – via LA Times.
    35. ↑ Tim Wahlberg (June 20, 1992). "Holyfield beats Holmes by unanimous decision". The Argus-Press. Associated Press. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
    36. ↑ "McCall beats Holmes". The Daily Gazette. Associated Press. April 7, 1995. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
    37. ↑ "Holmes loses to Nielsen". Gadsden Times. January 25, 1997. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
    38. ↑ "Holmes–Foreman fight reportedly is off". The Free Lance-Star. Associated Press. January 2, 1999. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
    39. ↑ "'Bonecrusher' Smith retires". Manila Standard. June 26, 1999. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
    40. ↑ "Spotlight". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. November 21, 2000. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
    41. ↑ "Holmes Wins". Lakeland Ledger. July 30, 2002. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
    42. ↑ Satterfield, Lem (October 28, 2009). "Larry Holmes: ESPN Documentary 'Didn't Do Me Justice'". AOLNews. Archived from the original on July 21, 2012. Retrieved May 16, 2012.
    43. ↑ Deegan, Jim (December 19, 2014). "Larry Holmes sells Easton building for $1.7 million, paves way for Internet-business incubator" . Retrieved December 19, 2014.
    44. ↑ "Larry Holmes". International Boxing Hall of Fame. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
    45. ↑ Reaman, Denise (September 25, 1994). "Diane Holmes Wife Of Champion And Mother Of Two Is Happier Away From Celebrity Lights Career" . Retrieved June 26, 2015.
    46. ↑ Holmes, Larry; Berger, Phil (1998). Larry Holmes: Against the Odds. St. Martin's Press. ISBN   9780312187361.
    47. ↑ Williams, Andre (December 31, 1999). "A Real Champ". The Morning Call . p. C6.
    48. ↑ Bresswein, Kurt (January 3, 2019). "Larry Holmes' Palmer Township estate just one holding of his for sale". lehighvalleylive.com. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
    49. ↑ "BoxRec: Mark Holmes". boxrec.com.
    Sporting positions
    World boxing titles
    Preceded by WBC heavyweight champion
    June 9, 1978 – December 11, 1983
    Vacated    		Vacant
    Title next held by
    Tim Witherspoon
    Vacant
    Title last held by
    Muhammad Ali     		The Ring heavyweight champion
    October 10, 1980 – September 21, 1985     		Succeeded by
    Inaugural champion IBF heavyweight champion
    December 11, 1983 – September 21, 1985
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