Holmes started his boxing career in 1973 and quickly made a name for himself with one of the best jabs in boxing history. He held the WBC heavyweight title for nearly seven years and racked up an impressive 20 successful title defenses. Before his first retirement, Holmes boasted a 48-0 record, second only to Rocky Marciano in the history books.
The Pennsylvania-born fighter faced some of the biggest names in heavyweight boxing during his career. He defeated his former mentor Muhammad Ali later in Ali's career. Holmes also squared off against other legends like Earnie Shavers and Gerry Cooney.
In January 1988, Holmes came out of a nearly two-year retirement to face Mike Tyson in Atlantic City. Tyson knocked out Holmes in the fourth round. Holmes reflected on this fight, saying:
"I fought Tyson when I was kinda over the hill a little bit. I had retired then come back and fought Mike Tyson and I wasn't really in shape for it, but you know what, I did what I did at that time. But if I had to do it all over again I would have taken more time and done it right."
Despite these notable fights, when asked if Tyson was the best he ever fought, Holmes responded:
"No, my toughest fight was Kenny Norton."
Holmes' 1978 fight against Norton for the WBC heavyweight title lasted a grueling 15 rounds and turned out to be a career-defining moment for the Easton Assassin. The battle tested Holmes' skills and determination, solidifying his place among the heavyweight elites.
Holmes was part of a golden generation of heavyweights and proved to be as good as any of them in his era. His assessment of Norton as his toughest opponent speaks volumes about the skill and tenacity of both fighters during that remarkable period in boxing history.