Larry Holmes, one of the greatest heavyweights in boxing history, has called out George Foreman as "The Biggest Fraud" in the sport. Holmes, known for his exceptional jab, made these claims in a resurfaced YouTube clip.
The former champion didn't pull any punches when talking about Foreman. Holmes said:
"George Foreman can't fight. Tommy Morrison kicked his butt. Shannon Briggs kicked his butt. He wouldn't fight me."
Holmes, nicknamed "The Easton Assassin," held the world heavyweight title for seven years from 1978 to 1985. He put together an impressive professional record of 69 wins in 75 fights, including a remarkable streak of 48 straight victories to start his career. His list of notable wins includes names like Trevor Berbick, Leon Spinks, and Muhammad Ali.
Foreman's career took a different path. He won the heavyweight title twice, with a decade-long break in between. After retiring in 1977, Foreman made a comeback ten years later. In 1994, at the age of 45, he defeated Michael Moorer to become the oldest heavyweight champion in history.
Despite their overlapping careers, Holmes and Foreman never faced each other in the ring. Reports suggest a fight between the two was considered before Foreman's initial retirement, but it never materialized. Instead, Foreman pursued a role as a preacher during his time away from boxing.
Holmes' harsh words for Foreman have stirred up controversy in the boxing community. The YouTube clip where Holmes calls Foreman a fraud has reignited discussions about their respective legacies and the matchups that never happened.
As two of the most recognizable names in heavyweight boxing history, the ongoing debate about their abilities and achievements will likely continue among fans and pundits alike.