Larry Holmes is undeniably one of boxing’s greatest ever heavyweights.
Known as ‘The Easton Assassin’, Holmes had an impressive professional career which culminated in him reigning as the world heavyweight champion for seven years between 1978 and 1985.
During his reign as champion, Holmes prevailed against a number of that era’s best heavyweights including Earnie Shavers, Tim Witherspoon and the fighter who is often considered to be the greatest of all time – to the frustration of Holmes – Muhammad Ali.
‘The Easton Assassin’ did suffer a number of defeats throughout his career, with one of these coming against the once ferocious ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson, who knocked Holmes out in the fourth round of their 1988 showdown.
Speaking to Sky Sports Boxing, Holmes was asked if he thinks ‘Iron’ Mike would have been competitive during that golden era of heavyweights which included the likes of ‘Smokin’ Joe Frazier.
“I ain’t knocking Mike Tyson, no [he wouldn’t survive in that era]. Joe Frazier would beat him up at his own style. Joe liked guys like that.”
Frazier is often regarded as being one of the greatest pressure fighters in boxing history. He became the first fighter to defeat Muhammad Ali when they clashed in 1971’s ‘Fight of the Century’, although ‘The Greatest’ would go on to get revenge in their second and third encounters.
After he was defeated by George Foreman in 1976, Frazier took a 5-year break from the sport before returning in 1981. After he drew with Floyd Cummings in an underwhelming performance, ‘Smokin Joe’ made the decision to draw the curtain on his career. After a long and brave battle with cancer, Frazier passed away in November 2011 at the age of 67.
