Emanuel Steward, one of boxing's greatest trainers, picked Larry Holmes as the most underrated heavyweight champion ever. Steward shared this view in a past interview, highlighting Holmes' often overlooked career.
Steward, the founder of Kronk Gym, trained top heavyweights like Lennox Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko. He helped both fighters become number one in their eras. His opinion on Holmes carries weight due to his experience in the sport.
Larry Holmes, known as "The Easton Assassin," held the heavyweight title from 1978 to 1985. He defended his belt 20 times and faced big names like Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, and Evander Holyfield. Holmes ended his career in 2002 with an impressive record of 69 wins and 6 losses.
Steward believed Holmes didn't get the credit he deserved. He explained why in an interview:
"I have no doubt in my mind that Larry Holmes entry into the heavyweight [history books] is definitely hampered by him falling in between two of the most two of the most charismatic fighters in the history of our sport, meaning Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson. Nobody thinks so much about Larry Holmes."
Holmes' career sat between Ali's dominant era and Tyson's rise to fame. This timing made it hard for him to stand out, despite his skills.
Steward praised Holmes' abilities:
"Larry Holmes' left jab alone, his speed, the stamina, determination and ability to recuperate, he would've been a threat to anybody. That left jab was almost a machine by itself, he didn't have to have too much more than that."
The trainer thought Holmes' style would have troubled other great heavyweights:
"I think, style-wise, he would've been a problem particularly for George Foreman … People overlook him cause he came on at a time people was caught up in Ali's image and after that you had Mike coming along … The most underappreciated heavyweight ever in history."
Holmes' left jab stood out as his best weapon. He combined this with good speed, stamina, and toughness. These qualities made him a tough match for any opponent.
Steward's words remind us to look closer at Holmes' career. While Ali and Tyson got more attention, Holmes' achievements shouldn't be forgotten. His long reign and 20 title defenses show he was a truly great champion.
