It probably would have been one of the best match-ups ever!
Who would have won, and how?
I say Holmes on points in a glorious fight.
2007-05-01 13:08:58 · 14 answers · asked by Zezo Zeze Zadfrack 1 in Sports ➔ Boxing
Ali in 15 split
2007-05-01 13:11:06 · answer #1 · answered by nas88car300 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you think that a prime Larry Holmes beats a prime Muhammad Ali, you're sadly mistaken.
Both called themselves the Greatest, but Ali is universally recognised as such, and has more right to the moniker.
The 1960's Ali would dance around Holmes, tantamount to teasing Larry, while Larry tries to catch him. Ali pumps out the jab and fires fast and hurtful combos. My verdict: A UD for Ali, or maybe even a late TKO, if Ali's combos really start to grind Holmes down. Holmes survived full on bombs from Earnie Shavers, who was dubbed as the puncher of the century, so I don't feel Ali will KO Holmes, unless Holmes gets tired from trying to chase Ali around the ring.
The 1971-1975 version of Ali would take alot more hits. In my view,very little chance ofAli KOing Larry - Larry had a good chin, and Ali wasn't really a concussive knock out puncher, but he would have enough power to get the attention and respect of Holmes - just like he did to Liston in the first three rounds of their title fight. My verdict: A UD for Ali.
Holmes may have been GREAT, but Ali was the GREATEST.
2007-05-02 11:05:47 · answer #2 · answered by Oneirokritis 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Close fight, very tough. We never realy got to see Ali's prime as he was suspended for the 3 1/2 years that would've been his best. There is the younger, quicker, prettier Ali and the older, craftier, tougher Ali. Holmes had the height and reach advantage, Ali had the better footwork and speed. Holmes probably had the better power though, but Ali had an iron jaw. I'd say Ali takes the decision. Close though.
2007-05-02 16:31:42 · answer #3 · answered by mowglieboy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The blogbaba's old school, and Ali in his prime was just about untouchable by any heavyweight. If anything had a chance of getting near him, it was Holmes's jab, but Ali's lightning quick counter punching would have more than neutralized the Holmes jab. Larry had a chin that was underrated and Ali, even at this best was never a one punch KO artist, but I just can't see the pre-suspension Ali loosing to Larry.
Ali by decision.
2007-05-01 20:15:52 · answer #4 · answered by blogbaba 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Muhammad Ali
2007-05-05 19:30:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ALI - W 56 (KO's 37) TF 61 - W pct 92% - KO pct 61% - wins over Frazier[2], Bonvena, Liston{2}, Patterson, Ellis, Norton, Chuvalo and Foreman - KO'ed by Holmes (Ali was old) - #3 greatest fighter of all time
One of the greatest chins ever add will and heart
Won 1960 Olympic Gold medal at Light Hy wt
Ali is still hated for his stand on the Vietnam War
Great boxing skill and athletic speed/prowess
Fought and defeated some of the greatest punchers in Hy wt history
HOLMES - W 69 (KO's 43) TF 75 - W pct 75% - KO pct 57% - wins over L. Spinks, Witherspoon, Ali, Norton, Berbick, Mercer, Cooney, Shavers and Weaver - KO'ed by Tyson (he was 40 yrs) - #27 ranked fighter
Good chin
He lost 2 controversial decisions to M. Spinks but he also won controversial decisions over Witherspoon and C. Williams.
A classic bout that exemplifies/typlifies life, the student versus teacher (9 of 10 goes to the teacher). This could be a boring bout, that only boxing purist enjoy. Ali in 15 rd close unanimous decision.
2007-05-03 12:20:14 · answer #6 · answered by smitty 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ali, no question about it. Larry Holmes, as we all know, was Ali's sparring partner for years and he did study The Greatest up close and thereafter incorporated the latter's fighting style into his own. The result? Holmes almost cloned Ali. He danced around the ring while firing his left jab and punctuated his attack with his good right hand. However, Ali is still superior to Holmes in almost every aspect. Ali was faster, both in terms of hand and foot speed. He unleashed his power punches in fast and sustained combinations. Most of all, Ali was smarter than Holmes that he could improvise or change strategies in the middle of the fight in order to beat his opponent. Holmes failed to solve the puzzle that was Michael Spinks. Ali got beat by the likes of Frazier, Norton and Leon Spinks, but he came back and outboxed them in their rematches. Lastly, Ali had that tremendous fighting heart that carried him through tough fights. That can't be said of Holmes who was never in a tough fight except with Ken Norton and Michael Spinks. Now, to answer your question, I think the prime Ali and Holmes would figure in a chess match with Ali winning by unanimous decision.
2007-05-01 22:36:59 · answer #7 · answered by bundini 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ali was a master of the outside ring movement. Holmes was pretty much a flat-footed fighter. If they were both in their primes Ali would have kept holmes off step with his movement. Even though holmes had a stiff quick jab, Ali would have countered that jab plenty of times. I see Ali with a UD in 15
2007-05-01 22:15:36 · answer #8 · answered by Devon P 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think Ali would have worn him down and won it. What about Mike Tyson in his prime? I know he is not the same caliber of fighter, but I don't think I've ever seen anyone hit harder.
2007-05-01 20:12:49 · answer #9 · answered by Nc Jay 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you remember how bad Holmes beat Ali? Ali was all swollen up and defeated. In their prime the roles would be reversed. Who do you think Holmes learned to jab from? Holmes would lose a fight to a prime Ali. Ali was too fast and Holmes would be the puffy loser by decision.
Bundini has a great answer. I like that name too.
2007-05-03 01:55:06 · answer #10 · answered by gman 6 · 0⤊ 5⤋