Holyfield, known as "The Real Deal," has got a list of achievements that's hard to ignore. He's the first fighter to become undisputed champion in both cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. He's also been heavyweight champ four times. That record stood for 24 years until Oleksandr Usyk matched it last year.
Larry Holmes, on the other hand, held the world heavyweight title from 1978 to 1985. He beat some big names like Muhammad Ali, Earnie Shavers, and Trevor Berbick. But he also faced tough losses, like when Michael Spinks beat him twice in a row.
When it comes to the greatest heavyweight, Holmes gives the nod to Muhammad Ali. He's got a soft spot for Ali, even after their 1980 fight. Holmes shared a touching moment from that night in a YouTube clip:
"I said 'I still love you man,' he said 'if you love me why you beating me up then?' I said it's part of the game. And after the fight I went to his dressing room, grabbed him, hugged him, gave him a kiss. I told him you'll be the greatest man, you'll always be the greatest in my book."
But Holyfield sees things differently. In an interview with Seconds Out, he made his case:
"I'm the only four-time heavyweight champion of the world but they are still talking about Ali when I broke his record. I've been the only four-time heavyweight champion of the world for 24 years."
He feels his achievements aren't getting the recognition they deserve:
"You can't talk about it until you break someone's record, they don't say nothing about me. How do you cut somebody out of history? Now I didn't even know I was the first person to be undisputed in two weight divisions, until Usyk did it."
Holyfield didn't mince words about where he stands:
"They keep saying Ali is the best fighter, no I am. He was three times, I'm four."
The debate about the greatest heavyweight boxer isn't easy to settle. Many fans and experts still favor Muhammad Ali, even with the impressive records of boxers like Holyfield and Holmes. It's a topic that'll keep fight fans talking for years to come.