Larry Holmes, the former heavyweight champion known as "The Easton Assassin," once stood on the brink of matching Rocky Marciano's legendary 49-0 record. But his pursuit of that milestone ended in a surprising twist.
Holmes ruled the heavyweight division from 1978 to 1985, beating notable opponents like Muhammad Ali, Earnie Shavers, and Trevor Berbick. His reign put him on track to equal Marciano's unbeaten streak, a record that had stood since 1956 when "The Brockton Blockbuster" retired at 32.
Marciano's perfect 49-0 record included a four-year reign as heavyweight champion from 1952 to 1956. He defended his title six times against tough opponents like Ezzard Charles and Jersey Joe Walcott before hanging up his gloves after beating Archie Moore in 1955.
Holmes' shot at matching this historic mark came in 1985 when he faced Michael Spinks in his 49th professional bout. The fight ended with Spinks winning by decision, handing Holmes his first pro loss.
In a recent interview with GQ Magazine, Holmes shared his thoughts on that pivotal moment:
"No. I didn't think so. I thought it was close, but I didn't lose. He didn't do nothing!"
Despite feeling he should have won, Holmes surprised many with his next statement:
"But do you know what? I was actually pleased they didn't give me the decision. Because then I didn't have anything to prove any more. If they want to say Rocky Marciano was the greatest, they could say that. If they want to say Muhammad Ali was the greatest, they can say that. I wanted to end up as the smartest, not the greatest. I didn't want to have to keep fighting and living up to that."
Holmes' perspective shows he valued being remembered for his intelligence over chasing records. After the Spinks fight, he faced a few more losses, including a rematch with Spinks and a bout against Mike Tyson.
Holmes' near-miss of Marciano's record and his unique take on the outcome add an interesting chapter to boxing history. It's a reminder that sometimes, the pursuit of greatness can take unexpected turns.
