The Night Larry Holmes Became WBC Champion In Las VegasLarry Holmes was born on the 3November 1949 former world Heavyweight Boxing champion who won his first 48 professional fights, threatening to break Rocky Marciano's record of having the most fights without being beaten for a world boxing champion. Marciano record still stands today 49-0. Larry Holmes was given the nick name "The Easton Assassin." He was a guy who spent most of the early part of his boxing career as one of Muhammad Ali's sparring partners. Larry Holmes won the WBC Heavyweight title 9th of June 1978 by gaining a points decision over Ken Norton in 15 rounds championship contest. Larry Holmes successfully defended what was now his WBC Heavyweight title the 11th of December 1983, when he relinquished that title for the championship of the new [International Boxing Federation to become the IBF first World Heavyweight Champion. Many boxing fans attribute the IBF survival to Holmes' involvement as its very first World Heavyweight Boxing Champion. On His Way To Equal Rocky Marciano's Record of 49 Wins. He Lost on a Split DecisionAmong the boxers Holmes defeated during his career were former world champions Muhammad Ali, when Ali was not in good condition and suffering from an ailment that is still with him today. Trevor Berbick, Ray Mercer, Ossie Ocasio, Mike Weaver Leon Spinks and Tim Witherspoon. He also earned victories over well known non champions such as Gerry Cooney Randall Cobb and Ernie Shavers. During the 90s he made a comeback, beating the then recently stripped former WBO world champion and undefeated Ray Mercer on a points decision over 12 rounds. He received another world title shot against Evander Holyfield which he lost on a point decision over 12 rounds. He also lost a bitterly close match to Oliver McCall] for the WBC World title over 12 rounds. Holmes also lost to Mike Tyson, by knockout in round four, and to Brian Nielsen. When on his way to equal Rocky Marciano feat of 49 fights without being defeated in the boxing ring Holmes lost to Michael Spinks. Holmes Fought In 26 World Heavyweight Title Bouts and Won 24.Larry Holmes still holds the distinction today of being the longest reigning World Heavyweight Champion in boxing history 1978 to1985, rating second only to the great Joe Louis. Unfortunately, The name Larry Holmes was only an afterthought for most of the decade. Ali, Foreman and Frazier were fighting much hyped, big money championship bouts in the boxing hotbeds like Las Vegas, Atlantic City and New York City Madison Square Garden the home of champions. Meanwhile, Holmes was fighting mostly unknown boxers for double digit purses in hardscrabble towns like Scranton and Landover, Larry Holmes defended his title twenty 24 consecutive times and fought a total of 26 world title bouts throughout his career. He held the record of forty eight straight wins. Larry Holmes was always ready and raring to get to enter the ring, sometimes fighting nine times in one year. Marciano Couldn't Have Carried My Jockstrap: Said Holmes The Easton Assassin never backed down from any contender throughout his career. Larry Holmes proved himself a worthy Champion with a strong desire and heart to win. During the 90's Larry Holmes made a comeback, beating the former WBO world champion and the undefeated Ray Mercer each on points decision over 12 rounds. He received another world title shot against Evander Holyfield which he lost on a point decision over 12 rounds. He also lost a bitterly close match to Oliver McCall for the WBC World title over 12 rounds. In all, Larry Holmes won 69 bouts against 6 losses, with 44 KO's. Holmes defended the WBC and the IBF title 24 times from1978 to 1985 before losing the IBF crown to Leon Spinks Brother: Michael Spinks. This loss was predominantly frustrating for Larry Holmes because had he been victorious, he would have tied the record of Rocky Marciano in winning 49 professional fights with no defeats. |
A Professional Record of 69 wins 6 Losses with 44 KO'sHolmes was criticised by many for comments he made after the fight. Larry Holmes made a statement, when he said that the great Rocky Marciano couldn't have carried his jockstrap. That statement was a rather instinctive remark of a person who had suddenly come into money from being poor man. Larry Holmes would again lose a split decision to Michael Spinks on the 19th April 1986 in the rematch, while aiming to retained the World Heavyweight title. Larry Holmes beating Ken Norton to win the W B C world championship boxing title was the highlight of Holmes' career. Defending his crown over a 7 years stretch and 20 fights demonstrates an impressive consistency. Larry Holmes, claims his boxing career is complete, unless someone offers him major money to fight again. Larry Holmes has a professional fight record of 69 wins 6 losses with 44 knockouts. | |
