Top 5 Heavyweight Champions in the 1980s | A Brief Chronology of the 1980s Heavyweight Championship

A brief chronology of the 1980s world heavyweight boxing championship.
Who were the Top 5 world heavyweight boxing champions during the 1980s?
In the 1980s there were 15 men who held claim to at least a portion of the heavyweight championship between January 1, 1980 and December 31, 1989. For the purposes of this video, we are specifically comparing championship reigns and championship bouts during this period, as we explore a brief chronology of the 1980s heavyweight championship landscape.
The video will also provide an opinion of the Top 5 heavyweight champions in the 1980s, from all 15 champions, including: Larry Holmes, John Tate, Mike Weaver, Muhammad Ali, Michael Dokes, Gerrie Coetzee, Greg Page, Tony Tubbs, Tim Witherspoon, Pinklon Thomas, James Smith, Michael Spinks, Trevor Berbick, Tony Tucker, and Iron Mike Tyson.
So who were the Top 5 heavyweight champions during the 1980s?
This video documentary will attempt to answer that question.
www.boxingnews...
This episode of Rummy's Corner was written, narrated, and produced by Geoffrey Ciani (aka - Rummy).
Ranking the Top 5 Heavyweight Boxing Champions in the 1980s | A Brief Chronology of the 1980s Heavyweight Championship
#Boxing #1980sBoxing #MikeTyson #LarryHolmes

[@MrSnowflake]

Such a great channel

[@grahamgreene779]

indeed!

[@saulstephen4743]

You nailed it!

[@MaccaveliPL]

I got Holmes at number 1 just because he was a top dog for almost 5 years while Tyson only held the lineage for 18 months. I also don't think Holmes championship resume is of a lower quality. He defeated 13 top 10 guys which includes 5 top 5s. Mike had 8 & 5 respectfully.

[@gregrussell7821]

Love this man's program So for years this edited video of great champs has been available to the public... well for a while- right? Rummy's Corner . To place a 80's Ranking Champion on just one of a dozen dimensions including- stylish and deadly. Brutally quick. An end to a once appreciated world champion. When most Kings die...some resurrect themselves. I've met Larry Holmes in his Easton business buildings, having lunch with a true champion. Not everyone can be a sports champion. Mr. Easton Assassin was and always is the Greatest Heavyweight standing. Only one other- Mike Tyson had success with Larry, but not his records.

[@Romans8-9]

Larry the very clear no.2 imo.

[@sasa1982uk]

The 16 defenses is hard to beat imo, I would edge the number 1 spot to Holmes.

[@ZBOXINGTALK]

The 80s was filled with a great fighters who unfortunately didn’t reach their full potential, they had excellent skills and a lot of talent but unfortunately most of the guys had too much addictions that ruined them.

[@RummysCorner]

There really were a lot of talented heavyweights throughout the 80s, and because many of them (as you mentioned) did not fullfill their potential, I think the talent level in the decade tends to get underrated by many.

[@demarcusmac2813]

@@RummysCorner severely underated

[@SPIDERM0OSE]

1980s was the start of Mega money being invested into the sport & all of a sudden smaller guys like Sugar Ray Leonard & Roberto Duran were living rock star lifestyles, no longer fighting for a pat on the back from the fans, a shiny belt & 3 mortgage payments up front. Now take a big guy without much education in a ghetto, who first got into boxing to keep himself outa gangs & outa prison. Now hes a pro, talented & he has promoters offering him big signing on fees up front. Maybe more cash than 3 generations of that guys family has seen. Rockstar lifestyle welcoming you, sex drugs n rock n roll. You need to think of the 80s guys as soldiers, they were the first to experience the mega bucks, they went from zero to hero in terms of wealth. From being a hated downtrodden element of society to being able to buy all of what they & their friends every wanted day to day & that change happened over night for them. Some made it through that minefield by retaining their discipline, some didn't n fell by the way side. The pros of today are pros because boxing men have learned lessons from the likes of Dokes, Biggs & others.

[@SPIDERM0OSE]

@@RummysCorner The talent is always there, the potential is always there. They World Championships is every 2 years & the Olympics happen every 4 years, same as always. People are people, men are men. How the sport is managed & promoted is what chops & changes. Promote low level shit, then yer gonna get more low level shit. Promote quality, yer gonna get more quality.

[@lastexittobrooklyn1416]

@@RummysCorner If I was to rank the 80s HW's on pure talent, potential alone.... 1. Larry Holmes 2. Mike Tyson 3. Tim Witherspoon 4. Greg Page 5. Pinklon Thomas 6. Michael Dokes 7. Tony Tucker 8. Michael Spinks 9. Mike Weaver 10. Gerrie Coetzee

[@shahed-1367]

Rummy your channel is such a breath of fresh air from the toxic boxing discourse on social media. This era of boxing in particular is always subject to derision on social media. Everyone is always dismissing Holmes' and Tyson's accolades. It's annoying. Thanks for making these great videos.

[@villekyyny]

Holmes is the most underrated heavyweight champion of all time.

[@armyofninjas9055]

*laughs in Lennox Lewis

[@mikelomez9313]

@@armyofninjas9055 I'd say that Lewis isn't underrated but I truly believe that while he was training with Stewart he might have been the greatest heavyweight ever. Guy was unstoppable

[@tylerrobbins8311]

Marciano is simply because he is not given credit as the goat despite being the goat. Louis and Walcott are both criminally underrated as well.

[@Hello_combat_sports_fans]

He isn’t underrated anymore some stupid people’s are ranking him above Tyson in 80s

[@douglasborgaro6801]

@Hello_combat What’s amazing to me is that Marciano didn’t win for the same reasons as Ali or Joe Louis. Rocky won because he was stronger and in better shape than his opponents. He could outlast everyone and get stronger with every round. He wasn’t deterred by pain. He was relentless and determined. Of course he was a super hard hitter! Rocky wasn’t a scientifically skilled boxer. But with what Rocky was and what he could do he was too much for most all opponents. That’s kind of the simplest of concepts, but how do you beat that? Ali said in later years that based on his style he was still much prettier than Marciano, but he would have had trouble with Marciano if he would’ve faced him. I actually think he may have been right.

[@MarkyCannoli]

Can’t wait for the 90s. What a decade of fighting that was!! Holyfield or Lewis is the question. But you also had Tyson, Bowe, Moorer, Foreman, Morrison and the list goes on.

[@JP-rl4bc]

Agreed. I may lean towards Lennox for the 90s since he beat Holyfield convincingly, Ko'd Tyson and had Bowe throw his belt away to avoid fighting Lewis..

[@jtaco4101]

@@JP-rl4bc it's Lennox for sure.

[@thediaz07]

Tyson win was in mid 2002... So you can't include that win in the 90s Lewis.

[@active.7universal]

Lennox Lewis at his peak most likely would take em all in a trilogy

[@samueldowney2806]

Big George without a doubt! :)

[@alexroyster182]

I was lucky to see Holmes beat Norton as a young kid and see Tyson move up the ranks and unify the title. The whole HBO tournament was so cool. I remember loving watching the whole thing unfold and Tyson stood at the top when it was all said and done. I remember watching Tyson take apart Holmes and my dad said, you know the way he beat Holmes I don't think there is anyone around ready for Tyson. I myself thought Tyson would never be a beaten after that fight when I was 13. At school on Monday that's all us guys at the lunch table talked about. Today's average 13 year old kid probably has no idea who is champion of any weight class 😆 they probably talk about Jake Paul before knowing about any top boxer. Sad but probably true.

[@richardmorris7063]

Probably don't even talk sports, bury their heads in their cell phone's.

[@active.7universal]

Holmes 38 with 2 years rust lasted longer than Tyson first 18 opponents who were all young and active//

[@Priceluked]

That's mostly Alphabet bodies' fault, no one gives a shit for however many champions there are.

[@AlcibiadesMD]

Since society in general has been in a steep decline since then, no kids now care to read a good book or memorize anything, social media is making people dumber in bundles.

[@RobbieCalifornia69]

I know it's going to be a good week when Rummy's Corner drops a video on Monday :) That aside ... I think you pretty much nailed it with that list. I totally agree that Mike is the Number One guy of the 80s ...without hesitation. Just plain awesome power. What a whacky decade in the HW landscape.

[@BigSwervyy]

Rummy We Really Appreciate You ! I promise!

[@wraithstrongopark]

word! all love for the man.

[@JD.78]

Can't disagree with Tyson being the No.1. He beat the best, won every title, and was the undisputed Heavyweight Champion. Watching his rise to the the top was a pleasure to behold, i'm glad i got to see it.

[@travzimmerman1340]

He beat the best of a widely considered worst era in HW history mid to late 80s

[@Ehrle6969]

​@@travzimmerman134080s is in top 4 the best ones😂

[@mrbrooklynny]

Here's the decade I was waiting for! Are you going to do the 90s to?

[@RummysCorner]

Yes. May take me a few months to get through them all, but I intend to do the 90s, 00s, and 10s, and then 2 follow-up episodes based on the decades I cover (50s-10s).

[@mrbrooklynny]

@@RummysCorner sweet man.

[@miabueloesamunikeymipadrel4878]

@@RummysCorner Hype in 3,2,1, hahahah

[@slidecounter5813]

The 90's Era was very great as well

[@fiucik1]

The 80's were a huge mess, but the 90's are really interesting. With 2 reigns of Holyfield and Lewis, with Big George Foreman regaining his title after 20 years, with Bowe, Tyson, Moorer and others in the mix. Can't wait. Thanks for another great episode Rummy.

[@nastynaz3376]

I'm just gonna compare Holmes from 1978 till 85, and Tyson from 86 to 1990. Larry was the greater Champion.

[@carson21211]

Started watching boxing with my Dad and his friends around 1995 when I was around 11yrs old. Tyson was such an unbelieveable guy to my young eyes. His technique and ferocity is still amazing to watch even now as an adult. I couldn't imagine with 100 years of training ever being able to fight that guy. A true all-time great. Interesting to see who is the the 90's best HW. That is gonna be a tough one to list.

[@darealgodzilla]

Completely agree. Tyson united the belts and Larry was mostly whining about being wronged.

[@Romans8-9]

@@RatatRatR Tbh, I think Rummy is a little biased towards Holmes here. There is just no way Larry is that close to being the no.1 of the 80s. He lost 2 of his biggest fights to Spinks, who was demolished by Tyson in 1 round before eventually losing to Tyson himself. Tyson on the other hand never lost a fight in the 80s. Larry is the clear no.2

[@kiowhatta1]

Kudos to you - someone finally recognising not just Witherspoon but other top HW’s of the sometimes erroneously referred to ‘weak’ decade of the 80’s.

[@donovanchilton5817]

I mean yeah, I’d have to agree. Context is important and the truth is Holmes fought Tyson at 37/38 after two years of inactivity.

[@daveday6728]

For me Holmes ranks much higher than Tyson in the all time list

[@sj4448]

Larry was just after the bag by then. Prime Larry's movement and jab would have dealt with Mike.

[@SincerelySagacious]

The Holmes Tyson fought was much better than the Ali that Holmes fought.

[@smileykid18]

But Holmes was still a formidable opponent.

[@kennykross3306]

@@daveday6728 mike is better than larry holmes

[@willienganga]

Most of the footage is of fights and brilliance (Holmes) until Tyson arrives on the scene. The footage becomes about demolition jobs from then onward 😆.

[@ThePinkMan]

The Mike Weaver KO of Big John Tate was insane. Tate dominated the fight for 15 rounds before Weaver knocked him out cold with less than a minute to go. Weaver was only considered cannon-fodder for Tate, who was supposed to be the next big thing in the heavyweight division. And yet, Weaver went on to have several successful title defenses for his WBA belt, while Tate's career went absolutely nowhere after that.

[@mohammedaesmaoui312]

Thank you for dropping us boxing fans these gems rummy.we appreciate the time,quality, and effort you put into your videos.

[@jahkarl7376]

Jesus bless you, sweet memories of my youth watching this division.

[@markmmcaulay]

👍 Great job! Mike Weaver is a tough omission. I can't help but look at how rough he is career started and then winning against John Tate coming from behind in a start and behind in the fight.

[@samnewton9568]

Things would have been different in the 80's if Lennox and Bowe hadn't of waited so long to turn pro

[@miabueloesamunikeymipadrel4878]

The 80s for me have been a time that was behind the shadows, of the great golden decade that was the 70s. Another great video to complement our knowledge of this, our beloved sport. Thank you Rummy for bringing us the good yeyo dose. Greetings from Canary Island.

[@arjunakorale6166]

A PERFECT ANALYSIS of the 1980s heavyweights - well done!

[@jasonellis9777]

Was there ever any try to have Tyson vs Witherspoon that you know of? Tim could have given Tyson if he was having a good night. Dokes also could have been a good fight as well. Thanks for another good video!

[@RummysCorner]

It would have happed (and was expected to happen) in March 1987, but it was derailed when Bonecrusher Smith stopped Witherspoon in round 1 in December '86.

[@donovanwilliams9006]

I still think Tim would've given Mike all types of problems had he got past Smith.

[@bigboris5774]

@@donovanwilliams9006 100%. I think has that fight happened the legend surrounding “Prime Tyson” would be a lot different now. Witherspoon was really similar to Douglas, same height, almost identical weight, etc. Tyson definitely would’ve won but Witherspoon would’ve given him a close fight especially in the latter rounds and could’ve very well knocked him down.

[@thediaz07]

@@bigboris5774 maybe...but Tony Tubbs was phenomenal too...Tony Tubbs beat Witherspoon IMO and beat Riddick Bowe .. Tokyo Douglas was honestly in his bag and would've given ANY champ a run for their money.

[@RAZVANJUSTIN1]

The 90' should be packed with champions again Morrison,Foreman,Holyfield,Moorer,Tyson,Ruiz,Klitsko,Bowe,Lewis,Mercer,

[@t.c.9978]

Rummy tends to hold a special place in his heart for the Easton Assassin, so the fact that Holmes didn't take first shows he's really being disciplined in this decade by decade process.

[@richardharrison859]

It's close. But, I have Larry at number 1. Yes, Tyson had 8 out of 10 title fights against champions and former champs. However, Holmes beat the better versions of his title opposition. Larry more frequently faced guys who were primarily undefeated, uninjured, and fit, save for Ali, as in L. Spinks, Berbick, Weaver, and Witherspoon. Tyson's opposition included non-effort Smith, drug-ravaged Thomas, injured-early Tucker, ancient Holmes, obese Tubbs, showed-up-for-a-payday terrified M. Spinks, and Frank Bruno who 9 times out 10, always found a way to lose when it mattered most (Smith, Witherspoon, Lewis). I understand how you would have M. Spinks as your #3. However, I seriously doubt he could beat the other four on your list at their best.

[@presence5426]

I can see the logic in these picks. But I think Tony Tucker was underrated. He only lost to Tyson (in the 80's), and put on a pretty good performance. Tucker's opposition in the 80's wasn't great. But he had terrific athletic skills, good stamina, good chin. I think he could have beaten Witherspoon, Thomas, and Michael Spinks. And, probably given Larry Holmes all kinds of problems. Even when Tucker was a shot fighter in the 1990's, he went the distance with Lennox Lewis...

[@Steve-yf2th]

Holmes 1 Tyson 2 Politics stopped Holmes from becoming undisputed champion while Tyson was entered into a tournament where the champions are fighting to become undisputed champion If that tournament was staged in 81 in Holmes prime then Holmes would have been undisputed champion and got the respect he deserves 48-0 20 title defences Tyson could only dream of a record like that I think a prime Holmes would have beaten any other heavyweight champion through history There's 4 fighter's that would have been a real challenge for a prime Holmes Jack Johnson Mike Tyson Evander Holyfield and Oleksandr Usyk because of their movements but if Holmes can dictate the pace of the fight he was unstoppable My thoughts Cheers Steve

[@paulnesbitt1698]

Where as I really enjoyed this feature and it was very well put together , and I agree with the majority , there are a few points I'd like to make . Would a Michael spinks beat a prime Tim Witherspoon? I believe Mike spinks most certainly wouldn't have beaten Tim Witherspoon. If you look at spinks career as a heavyweight he had wins over stefa tangstand who at best was an average heavyweight Gerry cooney who sadly had seen much better days and a declining Larry Holmes who to be fair , I thought Larry won the second fight. Michael spinks , who to take nothing away from , met 1 young inform devastating heavyweight puncher. Mike Tyson. Spinks suffered a first round knock out. I honestly could not make a genuine case for Michael spinks being in the top 5. He was one of the greatest light heavyweights of all time, but most certainly not one of the great heavyweights . I would also put a young in his prime Larry Holmes at number 1. My reasons being as explosive as Mike Tyson was , Mike had trouble with clever boxers who could move and create problems , such as tillis , mitch green , bonecrusher, ribalta , Tony tucker and buster Douglas. Mike was in his prime when he fought all of the above with the exception of buster Douglas. Could not Larry Holmes in his prime do the same ? Were any of the above better boxers or had more ring experience than Larry Holmes? Could not a prime Larry Holmes frustrate Tyson?. Its only an opinion and a lot of people may disagree , but that's what makes boxing the greatest sport of all.

[@donrebel1340]

great video ..im a Tyson man ..and that was tight ! but Holmes was 48-0 before that fight with spinks ... and his comments made about Rocky didn't help him ! i might have Holmes above Mike ..even though i agree with you ! hard one

[@MiRi-zi4wp]

Larry was 38 and had not fought in 3 years prior to the Tyson fight. Larry in his prime was much better skilled than Buster Douglas and we all know what Douglas did to Tyson. Reasonable to think Larry in his prime could have beaten Tyson in his prime. Larry at 38 vs Tyson at 38 I'd take Larry again Tyson looked really bad in his declining years.

[@downtownsportsanatomy1631]

Williams beat Holmes on points I think. Very underrated fighter.

[@redauerbach2753]

Great video. Really enjoy your stuff. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@ollywurk]

A question for you Rummy, can you honestly see anyone beating a prime Mike Tyson. I've wrestled with this for a long time?

[@electrofunk5442]

I love how you solved the Holmes vs Tyson conundrum.

[@rockingboxer6037]

I agree, if to take the 80s alone, Tyson surely gotta be higher, but the overall legacies of Tyson and Holmes are much more competetive in matching, while Holmes should edge.

[@TommyLasagna718]

Definitely a close comparison but I agree Tyson unified the titles and destroyed the competition put in from of him in outstanding fashion.

[@jamiepike6909]

Out of interest, when would you consider the WBO belt a genuine world title. Splitting hairs and would have been 16th regardless, but there was a WBO champ in 1989.

[@RummysCorner]

I actually did a video on this, and I think the WBO became a major world title in Sept 2004 when Hopkins and DLH squared off in the first 4-belt undisputed championship fight.

[@jamiepike6909]

@@RummysCorner I’ll look it up👍

[@markmmcaulay]

I was trying to say how rough of a start he had to his career and him being behind in the fight with Big John Tate. Weaver just had a way of coming back!

[@jamiepike6909]

First decade you could do a top 10 and have some fighters looking in🤔

[@Revanxxx1]

Larry had 19 consecutive title defenses with 11 ko's ... Your stats at the end were wrong.

[@AcrylicGoblin]

Tony Tucker was the only guy who gave Tyson a good fight during his peak.

[@alexgrayafc49]

Rummy the GOAT just not at predictions had to my guy LOL

[@duncaninglis5407]

Great video Rummy thank you for recognising the absolute brilliance of the Eastern Assassin inside the ring he was unparalleled in his prime and he fought Tyson arguably out of his prime he Is sometimes forgotten because of the way Iron Mike came up through the HW absolutely destroying opponents boxing fans were mouth wide open at Tyson.

[@kvnrthr1589]

I think most people unfairly underrate Mike Tyson. It's entirely fair to rank him above Holmes based on championship achievement in the decade. Granted, Tyson benefits in this analysis as the Buster Douglas loss gets cut out of the picture. And Holmes' 90s comeback, comfortably beating Mercer and even in the loss to Holyfield, really showed that he was not just a mediocre fighter fighting worse opponents but could have challenged the best of the 90s heavies if he was in his prime. Holmes just didn't have an ATG fighter to beat in the early 80s to solidify his resume.

[@jamesbradshawpyro4127]

Sorry rummy I take the great Larry Holmes over Mike Tyson

[@turdferguson2839]

Holmes had a longer title run and beat more guys but Tyson is #1 because... HE'S MIKE TYSON.

[@hawk992]

No

[@nicholaslacovara2381]

Holmes dodged certain fights and did not unify the belts. Tyson never dodged an opponent and never lost.

[@somah1470]

Mike Tyson was such an amazing phenomenon that there was no way Holmes could overtake him.

[@presence5426]

I sort of agree. But Larry was a different type of fighter. Absolutely incredible stamina and longevity. Perhaps the best defensive heavyweight there ever was.

[@johnaustin209]

Typical fanboy logic.

[@turdferguson7264]

Tony Tucker could have had it all, but he never quite gave everything required to become a great.

[@sj4448]

One of my favourite fighters, Tucker was probably Iron Mike's best win.

[@itsnotme3882]

Tucker fought his best night against Tyson. He went the distance and that was a lot more than most anyone else could do. Prime Tucker seemed to fight to the level of his competition, but struggled to break over when he was put to the test. Good fighter. Unfortunately he became a footnote an stepping stone after the Tyson fight.

[@ukraine_tbic]

Purely 80s I can defo see why you chose Tyson. If you went from 78 Holmes would sit comfortably on top.

[@marekczyz9036]

Tyson is overrated. Mike fought with bum. He was champion of weak era. When he fought agianst better oponent he always struggled The best opponent Tyson has defeated is one-handed avrage Ruddock whom Lewis defeated with one punch. Lewis, Ali, Klitschko brothers and Evander would easly beat any version of Tyson

[@kennykross3306]

prime mike tyson will kill those slavic brothers and holified and lewis gay ass

[@peterswarpeterson3493]

What a great channel 👍 always look forward to your videos 🥊🥊 many thanks

[@breezecardenas3941]

Thanks for clearing up the "Alphabet soup of the 1980's", Rummy! As I commented on your previous video, I was always curious about the heavyweight division in the 1980's. Thank so much, and keep up the great work! 👍🏽

[@BadselS]

Relatively new boxing channel known as "Rummy's Corner"

[@andrew3xuk346]

Another good call. Difficult to dispute the raw data from Jan 1 1980 to Dec 31st 1989. A period of great confusion for the Heavyweights until Tyson cleaned it all up! 💪🏻 Great Work

[@RummysCorner]

Thank you very much!

[@olaasteman2071]

Tyson transcended boxing much in the same way Ali did. Few outside the circle of boxing fans can name champions other than Ali and Tyson. Decades after their prime, they were still the most exciting heavyweights in the world in public opinion. That counts for something, Tyson is #1 in the 80's. Holmes is arguably one of the most underrated champions ever.

[@BigBrainLynx]

Great video

[@MichaelVLang]

Larry's jab/cross was just absolutely lethal. Like a 50cal sniper rifle going off, backed up by 105mm howitzer.

[@duanesemmons2913]

thanks again Rummy we are not worthy

[@fasasitaiwo5782]

I totally agree with your rankings Rummy, nice video as always and good analysis. Taiwo watching from Nigeria 🇳🇬👍🏿.

[@danielchernau3503]

1. Holmes 2. Tyson 3. everybody else

[@bryanv4081]

Nice job again, Rummy.

[@datapro007]

Hi Geoff, Would you still favor Mike over Larry if you look at their entire career, not just the 80s?

[@RummysCorner]

No. In my all time ranking, I have Larry at #3 behind Louis and Ali.

[@samueldowney2806]

Great fun video Rummy. I agree on all counts. Really, really hard to separate The Eastern Assassin and Iron Mike; what if Larry had got the decision he deserved in the rematch vs Spinks? But even discounting the incredible spectacle and phenomenon of Iron Mike's rise, I think Mike still clinches it. I can't remember a greater sense of excitement in any sport compared to those fights when Mike climbed into the ring glowering around like the baddest man on the planet and then gave endearing toothy lisping interviews afterwards claiming to just be a kid having fun, while being the youngest Heavyweight Champion ever. Truly legendary.

[@wraithstrongopark]

WOOO!!!!!

[@silenceman2849]

Damn Mike Tyson came in guns blazing in this video, putting nearly everyone to rest at only 20 years old 🤯! what a phenomenon big mike was wish I could have seen him live at his peak.

[@thediaz07]

Me too

[@daveyboy_]

It was awesome up until summer of 88, then it was watching a train wreck in slow motion . Real ugly

[@kufujitsu]

@@daveyboy_ Tyson should have stayed with his original management & training team. Things started to fall apart for him after he left them. The people who came on the scene after that couldn't control him.

[@xandermarley8552]

Because Homes had controversial close fights against Witherspoon and Williams…..Iron Mike dominated everybody during his reign in the 80’s and of course Mike is the ONLY Fighter to Stop the Easton Assassin in Larry’s legendary career.

[@TheGOAT-dr1sq]

Larry was old and rusty he hadnt fought in 2 years was retired and getting fat... later holmes almost beat evander when he was 42

[@Ehrle6969]

@@TheGOAT-dr1sq evander was trash

[@alexnumber1317]

Mike tyson number 1 ? You HAVE to be kidding. His career best win was a career lhw in spinks. Tyson NEVER beat a prime world class heavyweight in his career, got knocked out and quit 5 times. Most over rated boxer from any weight in any era.

[@kennykross3306]

hater

[@alexnumber1317]

@@kennykross3306 the stats don't lie or dictate love or hate

[@jodytimpany1529]

Great job Rummy! I think you did a great job in the Holmes/Tyson debate. Much closer than many of the Iron Mike fans would understand. Larry was a great Champion but because he came after Ali and was never as popular. Tyson come along with awesome marketing people and great fight record in the 1980's. So Mike was a MUCH more famous Champion than Larry but in reality they were very close in record. Great job and I agree with Tyson edging out Larry.

[@stephenokombo3064]

Great summary.

[@lilpenny1982]

Frank Bruno has to be in the Top 10 in the 1980's

[@staraptorflock3661]

If it's a top 10 maybe but not if it's a top 5

[@cityside75]

The early 80's was kind of a post-Ali malaise era where nobody was particularly dominant or impressive. Holmes was a respected but not well loved champ. Heavyweight boxing seemed to be on the decline with more public outcry around the violence and shady nature of the various characters. Then Tyson blew up on the scene with his early shocking knockout power (I remember seeing many of them featured on George Michael's Sports Machine!) and the world was once again captivated as he marched through the heavyweight ranks like an unstoppable force. No doubt he'd be my #1 from the 80's. Plus there was no Larry Holmes' Punch Out for the Nintendo!

[@lennoxpeters7792]

I love this channel. Very good content, I was born in the early 80’s so it’s great to catch up on fights era’s and reigns I wouldn’t have been aware of at the time.

[@johnnievanderwalt6910]

RIP Gerrie Coetzee 🇿🇦 passed away last month 12 January 2023 aged 67

[@TheGhost0312]

Excellent series this one, are you planning on doing a top 5 or 10 heavyweights of all time taking in consideration the top 3 or 5 of each decade when you finish this series? That would be great indeed.

[@olufemiakeredolu5235]

Brilliant Analysis

[@DanBamber8]

Always excellence with Rummy’s videos. Well reasoned arguments here too.

[@bjh7924]

I was 10yrs old in 1982 when I first laced up some gloves, stepped in the ring & got punched straight in the face before I even laid a punch. Never forget it. Loved it 😊 The 80s were great for boxing. James 'Bonecrusher' Smith had the best nickname, but Mike Tyson was the baddest man on the planet 💯🥊❤

[@philtomlinson67]

Excellent summary of what was a crazy era but deep with talent where anybody could beat anybody. The last real era where they all fought each other regularly in the top 10. Also puts paid to some of the stupid modern day narrative some clowns push about Tyson.

[@stephen313]

The results same as mine. I remember following the rise of iron mike a phenomenon a force of nature he was. Great content as always sending love and blessings from ireland

[@smv9338]

I love this series, thank you. Will you be turning to middleweights once you've completed the heavies?

[@HitmanConan]

I would have gone with Weaver over Thomas myself. Also, the top three is pretty clear and I'm with you on your argument for Mike over Larry.

[@jaygee8039]

Hey Rummy have you ever done a video on Joe Calzaghe? I think he is very under rated all time great..

[@Rock33b]

Great job

[@briharrisWarhmmer40kfan]

I got the same results as you rummy and yes my American brother I also loved through the rise of iron Mike and it's just impossible to fully explain to people who weren't born at that time just how amazing and exciting it was.i was 6 yes old in 86 when Mike won the first title and he was just everything to me and the reason I fell in love with our incredible sport 👊❤️👊 respect and God bless as always mate 🙏

[@MarkyCannoli]

Spot on!

[@SPIDERM0OSE]

Havent watched yet but already Im struggling to think of 5. #1 Tyson #2 Holmes #3 Witherspoon at a push #4 Spinks at a push #5 .....

[@jamiepike6909]

Been waiting for this one🎉❤

[@goldwolf0606]

1) Iron Mike 2) Michael Spinks 3) Larry Holmes 4) The Rest don’t matter 😂

[@pilates68]

Too bad you didn’t show Holmes comeback against Reynaldo Snipes.

[@gaddaitherage8204]

Tyson was a force of nature. Great video!

[@KrishnanSachin]

The 1990s is going to be tough decade to decide on - think the video might stretch to an hour! My prediction is 1-Lewis, 2-Bowe, 3-Holyfield, 4-Tyson, 5-Foreman

[@adammostello7270]

If you think Larry Holmes was better than Mike Tyson please stop watching boxing.

[@maxpower2511]

80's was really a who's who of American heavyweights. I believe 90's was just as crazy before the European invasion in the 2000's with the Klitchkos

[@rileygibson4615]

Rummy’s I I know a keep asking this but a Chronology Of The Heavyweights In the 1970s You did 90s There the 2 best ears in heavyweight history