During Larry Holmes’ illustrious career, he faced some of the biggest names – and biggest punchers – of his era.
“The Easton Assassin” won the WBC heavyweight title against Ken Norton in an unforgettable fight and holds wins over Earnie Shavers, Muhammad Ali, Leon Spinks, Gerry Cooney, Tim Witherspoon and James “Bonecrusher” Smith.
Even past his best, Holmes still shared the ring with a prime Mike Tyson in 1988 and went 12 rounds with Evander Holyfield four years later.
In an interview with Boxing News, Holmes reflected on his achievements – particularly his world title victory over Norton. But having faced some of the sport’s biggest hitters, who – out of Shavers, Tyson and Cooney – hit the hardest?
“Earnie Shavers, no doubt about it. He could knock the hell out of you!”
Holmes’ world title eliminator win against Shavers came three months before facing Norton. To understand the power he was up against, look no further than Shavers’ knockout record: 70 KOs in 76 wins from 91 fights – a staggering 92 per cent knockout ratio.
Before facing Shavers, referee Dave Pearl entered Holmes’ dressing room for the standard pre-fight talk, giving the fighters a chance to ask questions. Holmes, in a deadpan tone, asked:
“Is it OK if I carry a knife?”
Of course, it wasn’t permitted, but the remark summed up what ‘The Easton Assassin’ knew he was up against. A thunderous right hand in the second round turned pre-fight nerves into brutal reality. From then on, Holmes boxed masterfully – and proved he was ready for a world title shot.
In 1979, he would have to deal with Shavers again – this time as champion. Dropped in the seventh Holmes recovered to stop his old foe in the 11th round.
