Larry Holmes, the former heavyweight champion, claims he's the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time, surpassing even Muhammad Ali. Holmes made this bold statement in a recent interview with Sky Sports.
Ali, often called 'The Greatest', captured world honors three times and defeated boxing legends like George Foreman, Joe Frazier, and Sonny Liston. His 1974 'Rumble In The Jungle' victory over Foreman, where he used the famous 'rope-a-dope' style, is considered one of boxing's most iconic moments.
Holmes, however, argues that his own achievements outshine Ali's. He reigned as world heavyweight champion from 1978 to 1985, making 20 successful title defenses. Holmes even defeated Ali in 1980, marking the end of Ali's career.
In the interview with Sky Sports, Holmes explained his claim:
"Everyone said I was just a copy of Muhammad Ali, just because I idolised they guy, he hit, boxed, moved around and looked good, I like his style, I copied some of his styles, his jabs and moves and whatnot and I bettered it."
Holmes argues that he held the title longer than Ali and made more successful defenses. He also compares his achievements to Mike Tyson's, stating:
"I don't get the recognition that I should get, like a Mike Tyson. Hey listen, I had 20 title defences, Mike Tyson had three or four and lost, I was champion for seven and a half years, he was champion for seven months, they don't want to recognise me. Ali don't have the fight record that I have with defending the title, he didn't hold his title for seven and a half years. Why can't I fit in that box, why does Muhammad Ali have to be the greatest, he can say he's the greatest, you can say he's the greatest, but I know different, I'm the greatest."
Despite Holmes' claims, Ali's legacy as 'The Greatest' remains strong in boxing history. Ali's iconic fights, cultural impact, and larger-than-life personality have cemented his place in sports history. Holmes' frustration with lack of recognition highlights the ongoing debate about how to measure greatness in boxing.
