Mike "Hercules" Weaver, a former WBA heavyweight champion, has picked Larry Holmes as the best fighter he ever faced. Weaver shared his thoughts in a recent interview with Boxing News 24/7, drawing from his personal experience of fighting both Holmes and Lennox Lewis.
Weaver, now 73, made his mark in the early 1980s as the WBA heavyweight champion. He defended his title twice before losing it to Michael Dokes in December 1982. Throughout his career, Weaver stepped into the ring 60 times, facing some of the toughest opponents in the heavyweight division.
The former champ fought Holmes twice during his career. Their first encounter was in June 1979 for the WBC heavyweight crown. Holmes won that bout with a 12th-round knockout. Weaver's final fight, 21 years later, was also against Holmes, ending in a 6th-round stoppage loss.
When asked about the best fighter he ever faced, Weaver didn't hesitate. "Yes, Holmes is the best I fought, of course. No doubt," he stated firmly.
Holmes, known as "The Easton Assassin," had a thunderous punching power and a ram-rod jab that made him a formidable opponent. His reign as champion lasted from 1978 to 1985, during which he racked up impressive victories over fighters like Earnie Shavers, Ken Norton, and Muhammad Ali. Holmes' career stretched for just short of 30 years, cementing his place among boxing's greats.
On the other hand, Lennox Lewis, dubbed "The Lion," had a 14-year professional career. He became the world heavyweight champion on three separate occasions. Lewis suffered only two losses in his career, both of which he avenged in rematches against Hasim Rahman and Oliver McCall. Many consider Lewis the greatest British boxer ever, as he effectively beat every opponent he ever faced.
Weaver's bout with Lewis took place in 1991 and ended with a 6th-round knockout loss for Weaver. Despite this defeat, Weaver still rates Holmes higher based on his personal experience in the ring with both fighters.
It's worth noting that Weaver isn't alone in having faced both Holmes and Lewis. Another notable heavyweight who shared the ring with both champions is "Iron" Mike Tyson. However, Weaver's unique perspective as a former champion who fought both men adds significant weight to his opinion on their respective skills and abilities.
Weaver's statement sheds light on the ongoing debate among boxing fans about the greatest heavyweights of all time. While Lewis and Holmes are both considered boxing legends, Weaver's firsthand experience suggests that Holmes' skills in the ring left a more lasting impression.
