Larry Holmes is one of two fighters in boxing history to fight both Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson.
‘The Easton Assassin’ fought Ali in October 1980, knocking out ‘The Greatest’ in a contest that many people felt should have never been allowed to happen.
Eight years after the harrowing events of that night Las Vegas, Holmes was blasted out by a ferocious ‘Iron’ Mike in just four rounds at the Convention Hall in Atlantic City, which was his third consecutive defeat after back-to-back decision losses to Michael Spinks.
Holmes went on to challenge for versions of the world heavyweight title on two more occasions before eventually hanging up his gloves in July 2002, ending his career on a high with a points victory over Eric ‘Butterbean’ Esch.
Speaking during a segment of Sky Sports Boxing’s ‘Ringside’ show, ‘The Easton Assassin claimed that Tyson would have struggled to flourish in that golden generation of heavyweights, favouring Ali in the intriguing fantasy showdown.
“I ain’t knocking Mike Tyson. No [he couldn’t survive in that era]. Ali? He’d slap him all day with the jab.”
A fight between ‘Iron’ Mike and ‘The Greatest’ obviously never materialised, but boxing fans around the world often speak of what would have been a battle of the ages.
Ali retired from boxing shortly after defeat to Trevor Berbick in December 1981, with many critics expressing their disgust at ‘The Greatest’ being allowed to step into the ring following his knockout loss to Holmes.
Tyson made a return to the sport this year in a sanctioned eight round contest with Jake Paul, which was also met with controversy given ‘Iron’ Mike’s age and his extended absence from boxing. ‘The Problem Child’ got the better of the 58-year-old, picking up a comprehensive points win.
