5 Most Memorable Larry Holmes Fights

Larry Holmes (69-6, 44 KOs) is to many, one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. Most boxers from any weight class have their signature move, and Holmes was his brilliant jab. His left jab busted many opponents’ faces throughout his distinguished career, which helped contribute to one of the most dominant title reigns – in the history of heavyweight boxing. Big Fight Weekend wanted to pay homage to “The Easton Assassin” and bring you the most memorable Larry Holmes fights.

5 Memorable Larry Holmes Fights

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Larry Holmes vs. Earnie Shavers

Holmes came into the fight against Earnie Shavers as a big underdog, having worked as a sparring partner for Shavers. “The Easton Assassin” knew what a big puncher his opponent was, so he boxed diligently behind his jab, controlling the distance and cruising to a comfortable unanimous decision victory.

Larry Holmes vs. Muhammad Ali

Holmes faced Ali in a fight that was billed “The Last Hurrah.” Despite Ali being 38 years old, this was a disciplined, impressive performance, which saw Holmes use his jab and move around the ring, picking his opponent off at will. Ali’s trainer stepped in to stop the fight, awarding a tenth-round TKO victory to Holmes. The defeat was part of a string of Muhammad Ali losses of three in his final four fights in the conclusion of a hall of fame career.

Larry Holmes vs. Leon Spinks

The build-up to this fight was full of trash talk from Leon Spinks, which seemed to anger Holmes, who proceeded – to beat up Spinks and knock him out in round three. It was a devastating performance, which showed it was not wise to anger “The Easton Assassin.”  

Gerry Cooney

The build-up to the fight was full of racial overtones, with members of the Gerry Cooney camp wearing t-shirts that said “Not the White Man, but the Right Man.” Promoter Don King also called Cooney the “Great White Hope.” Holmes did his talking in the ring, knocking his opponent down in round two and trading heavy shots with him throughout. Cooney began to tire in the later rounds, and Holmes knocked him down again in round 13 under a barrage of punches, with Cooney’s trainer, Victor Valle, coming into the ring to signal the end of the fight. 

Ray Mercer

At 42 years old, Holmes decided to take on 30-year-old, undefeated Ray Mercer. The Georgia-born fighter – took the best shots Mercer had to offer and returned with his own vicious punches. Boxing brilliantly throughout and landing almost at will, Holmes won via unanimous decision with the judges scorecards reading 117-111, 117-112 and 115-113.

Take a trip down memory lane, and remember Evander Holyfield vs. Holmes.