Larry Holmes - 48-0 - Most Underrated Champion? (Original Documentary)

Today's video examines the career of one of the greatest heavyweight champions ever...Larry Holmes, the Easton assassin. Known for his elite jab and impressive title defense record. Holmes famously ended Muhammad Ali's career, Fought wars against Shavers and Ken Norton, and reigned atop the heavyweights for seven years, defending his title 20 times. This original documentary covers it all. Relive the knockouts, the comebacks, the back and forth battles, the title defenses, the legends, the defeats, the rivalries, and more.
Voice Over Narration by
Andrew Scott

[@mgannotti]

Watching Holmes work that jab… pure artistry. Best jab in Heavyweight history

[@hazeshi6779]

I'd argue Liston had a more dangerous jab just because of his monster reach and those massive fists! Though Larry makes better use of the jab.

[@weseethetruth158]

Holmes, Fury, Ali, Liston. In that order.

[@Pineapples-Mango_Smoothie]

​@@weseethetruth158fury? GTFO Big George Foreman

[@serenityinside1]

Liston , Holmes , Lennox Lewis , Norton .

[@codylasik1380]

When he was on Buster Douglas had a harder more explosive jab. Just ask Mike Tyson

[@KakashiInWinter]

I was stunned watching Larry ask the ref to stop the fight with Marvis Frazier. That's showing awareness and class right there.

[@rabbithole8592]

It was the same with Ali. He didn't want to hurt Ali. But Ali was standing in his way.

[@thomasschiuma8105]

It's showing goodness as well, he's not a total sadist. Though I understand to win you have to be a bit sadistic in the hurt biz.

[@davethorstry6700]

He also did the same in his fight with Ali.

[@dalemilnes1554]

That was ugly. Like Alexis Arguello and Aaron Pryor. Should have been stopped. Why didnt dad throw in the towel.

[@HanginWitLucid]

I never knew he was so good. He was definitely in Ali shadow because him beating old Ali was all I knew about. I gotta give him the respect. Underrated GREAT, Larry Holmes, retired with a win and 69-6. One of the all time greats for sure

[@CarlosHernandez-og6my]

The crazy thing is that Ali used to love those things. Ali beat old Archie moore his mentor and want to beat Holmes but the story repeated. No one hate Ali for it but the fan boys hate Holmes. Ali lost twice against Norton and Holmes knocked him out. Holmes was good really good.

[@PranksterKidsFamilyFun]

Norton only beat Ali once​@@CarlosHernandez-og6my

[@Grandmasterkiller]

​@@CarlosHernandez-og6myhe tko'd Ali or ref stoppage, Ali had a legendary chin and never got KO'd

[@djhardcorproductions6132]

​@@CarlosHernandez-og6myPeople didn't really hate Holmes they just didn't adore him like they did Ali because he was boring in comparison to the charismatic Ali.

[@pothaudio]

His jab was arguably the best ever, that snap was a whipcrack

[@menzimngadi6793]

I like Sonny Lostons heavy jab more

[@tier1solutions28]

Liston. Never seen hands like that

[@bounce12]

Larry Holmes, Lenox Lewis and Anthony Joshua. 3 of the best heavyweight jabs ever. I take Lewis as the best jab tho

[@Dark_Knight1189]

His left jab was like whiplash and no one can stand against it

[@deanladue5367]

Earnie Shavers said years later that he had nightmares about being hit by Holmes jab. Said that it stung hard and he couldn't escape it.

[@ramblinwanderer1]

Absolutely the most underrated HW champion of all time. That straight right was a laser!

[@aaronjackson9385]

The right cross, too.

[@aaronjackson9385]

@@newagain9964 right cross and right straight are not the same.

[@drinfernodds]

​@@newagain9964cross has a very small arc to go over the jab, hence the name. The straight is thrown right down the middle.

[@gusgus-yp6qh]

just a racist that ad beaten nothing

[@oengland28]

Always loved Larry Holmes. Definitely one of the best ever.

[@Riles3152]

Holmes didn't have the charisma of Ali, the captivation of Tyson, the aura of Joe Louis, the undefeated distinction of Marciano, or the redemptive story of Foreman, but simply put, he's right there, comfortably seated in the same class as all of those men.

[@Moneyovertruth]

Nah he under them all in my book 😂

[@conor9345]

@@Moneyovertruthhe would eat Marciano and joe Louis alive. Rest are close ass fights

[@b.7353]

Remove tyson

[@Riles3152]

@@Moneyovertruth You’re entitled to your opinion but all things considered, Holmes would have a solid to good chance to beat any of the aforementioned names if they all fought in their primes. Holmes could box, had one of the greatest jabs in heavyweight boxing history, courageous in the ring, and could take a punch like nobody’s business (See fight with Ernie shavers). Just because he’s not as popular or be loved as those fighters doesn’t mean he wasn’t as good or close to or heck even better.

[@Riles3152]

@@b.7353 Fair enough. I too think Tyson is overrated historically amongst all-time great heavy weights. Not his skills or talents when in his young prime, but his resume and how he handled himself when actually put to the test in the ring.

[@jagmichaelgilbert8523]

Larry lives in my hometown Easton PA. He is a legend and stayed in the community putting resources back into. I've met him many times and proud of being represented by the Easton Assassin. My dad grew up with the whole family and he says no one wanted to fight any of them!

[@user-bl6gx9hr2n]

Holmes was stuck between the legendary 1970’s and Tyson. Holmes was my favorite growing up. Absolutely underrated!!!

[@serenityinside1]

He’s not understated dude - just nit liked owing to being something of an asshoke in real lit!

[@serenityinside1]

* asshole * real life 🙄

[@hoos3014]

This right here. Bad timing on his part.

[@vince11harris]

@@serenityinside1shut up

[@kvinche8120]

You couldnt put it better

[@Skelloter]

When you blurred out the noise of the ring in time with those devastating punches Shavers took from Holmes. Phenomenal.

[@rogeredwards4871]

By far the most underrated heavyweight ever, and so glad he ended up doing well for himself, i think in real estate. Watched a interview where he said Gerry Cooney became a great friend of his to this day, he couldn't say enough about what a good and giving person Cooney was. I'm glad Larry Holmes life turned out to be a happy one

[@integrativenaturalmedicine3897]

But cat's still salty about Tyson.

[@XboxAfty]

@@integrativenaturalmedicine3897about what?

[@blackmondayy1]

@@integrativenaturalmedicine3897 He made the same mistake with Tyson as Ali made with him, which is going into the ring when you are past your prime. Tyson did say that he would have lost against a prime Holmes ... but probably out of respect.

[@joeblow2069]

How was he under rated when he never beat an elite opponent? What did he do that was extraordinary? He had no left hook. Hardly went to the body. Was all just left jab and right hand. Mediocre power. He was the first heavyweight to lose his title to a light heavy. His biggest win was against Cooney who got blown up by Spinks and Foreman.

[@asheru9254]

@@joeblow2069 bro what you talking about? Holmes beat Kenny Norton who was elite and an impressive fighter

[@Alexanderpaal67]

Great jab! Great defence streak. Great heart. Great champion. A shame we never got to witness Holmes VS Foreman… That wud have been treat Stay strong champ 💪

[@brianbartolomeo107]

Great man

[@remywhite4377]

I don't think the world would've survived if that happened.😮

[@alguetsteve6799]

No honour

[@thomaslamacchia2109]

​@@brianbartolomeo107 Marciano was better than all of them.

[@coypandora0795]

@@thomaslamacchia2109😂😂😂😂😂😂 not in the slightest

[@stephenlwenje6795]

The man with the most dangerous jab in boxing history.

[@tramp2827]

Naaaah!

[@TIGMT0824]

George Foreman had a more dangerous jab IMO.

[@UnnamedBridgeburner]

The man that finally ended Ali’s career was bound to be hated in his day. Unfortunately for Larry it was him and only recently has his legacy come to be appreciated for what it was.

[@billrerikson6378]

Ali's career was arguably already over 2-3 years before he fought Larry lmao

[@MrXennon1]

@@billrerikson6378exactly, it's incredibly disingenuous to say Larry "ended" Ali's career. Ali's career was ended due to Parkinson's. Larry receives hate in some part because very often he showed little respect when speaking about other fighters. Tyson for example. Of course later in life he was humbled so he changed, much like Tyson.

[@Kamillius]

If anything it was Trevor Berbick who really ended Ali's career, as he was his last fight. I don't get why people looked at Holmes with such disgust when he did nothing wrong.

[@WalterWhiteFootballSharing]

@@Kamillius When a fan favorite loses, the winner is reviled. Remember how the Pistons were loathed for beating Larry and the Celtics for a title? Nobody was sad to see the Bulls beat them.

[@briantneary2248]

His day came too when he fought Tyson, so I've never understood the hate for him because of that. Ali took the fight. The young lion takes out the old lion and always will. But, Tyson took that personally, so if anything I feel bad for Holmes, not Ali. Holmes felt awful about beating Ali like that, which probably had a lot to do with the hate he received, just as much as he hated beating an idol of his. Combat sports are amazing in that way. It's not like a basketball player on his last leg losing in the NBA finals, then retiring. When someone goes out in boxing, it's usually life alerting and ends very badly, just like MMA. .

[@calsonambomatei8695]

It hurts to not be respected and recognized for your talent just because your mentor was the top dog. Honestly i didn't know how great Larry Holmes was until today. Thank you for this!

[@eddieworkman5855]

he should have won against spinks the 2nd time he was mugged off

[@darrenfarley4875]

Whenever my father and I would talk boxing I would always ask who had the best jab ever, his answer never changed, Larry Holmes.

[@DanielFranzen-vb2we]

My father was in his 20s in the 70s and always talks about Holmes. Great jab and movement overall. Top 5 heavyweight all time, easy. Great, great fighter.

[@BlackjackCZ]

Holmes was definitely underrated. One of the all time great heavyweights.

[@joeblow2069]

He hardly beat anybody.

[@stephenmarshall8367]

Didn't Tyson knock him out ..

[@adrianciobanu5856]

​@@stephenmarshall8367😂😂than Holmes was a pensioner , Holifild faked him 2 Times

[@DopeyDetector]

​@@adrianciobanu5856Holyfield* was on hgh,juice, and waited for Mike to lose 3byrs in prison

[@DopeyDetector]

​@@joeblow2069he beat the guys from the generation before when they were well past their prime. Then Tyson decapitated him😂😂😂

[@centinela24542]

We want and need a movie about the history of Larry Holmes! So great champion of the world

[@kvnrthr1589]

Video is already long but I think Holmes' 2nd career at 40+ is also amazing. Defeated a much younger champion in Ray Mercer (if Mercer was not stripped by the belt organization, Holmes would've been two time champ). Lasted 12 rounds against Holyfield, not just trying to survive but leaving everything in the ring round 11/12 to go for a win. And all this from a guy who relied on reflexes and speed more than power.

[@MaccaveliPL]

He wouldn't be. WBO wasn't viewed as a major world title back then.

[@Priceluked]

Wouldn't quite have counted as two time champion anyway because WBO was nowhere near being recognized as legitimate at the time.

[@kvnrthr1589]

Oof, completely forgot about the WBO status at the time. Thanks for the correction.

[@milanbelovukovic8252]

WBC, WBA, IBF and lineal champion(ring, people) champion are the only major titles in boxing. WBO, IBO and other titles are shit... compared with major titles.

[@MaccaveliPL]

@@milanbelovukovic8252 WBO has the same value as WBC, WBA and IBF now. The Ring is the most prestigous belt and the lineal recognition makes you the king of the division.

[@TheUnlikelyPoet]

Larry Holmes deserves a place in the top five heavyweights of all time, excellent technique and boxing brain, it’s just a shame that he went on too long. Massive respect ❤

[@MBuliveivari]

Wow. I did not know Holmes went 48-0. Amazing.

[@markhill7392]

He didn't. I watched Michael Spinks beat him by decision and Mike Tyson beat his ass. That's not to say he wasn't amazing. The man defended his championship 20 times. But, undefeated? Absolutely not.

[@user-kz4dl9qh9n]

I knew someone would be stupid enough to mention Tyson and Spinks. U do realize that Holmes was way past his prime right?

[@TheCincinnatiCobra.1318]

​@@markhill7392he was old and overweight when he fought spinks and tyson, his prime years was 1976-1981, so he was 7 years out of his prime when fought mike tyson

[@aleksthegreat4130]

​@@markhill7392He was 48-0 before the Spinks bout,plus he was almost 40,2 years retired,having only 2-3 months to prepare before the fight,just couldn't resist the money Don King offered him.

[@RodNubianKing]

​@@markhill7392Mike Tyson was 21 and Larry Holmes was 38. Respect to both great fighters in their respective ERA'S

[@INEBRIATEDEPIPHANIES]

His jab was a thing of beauty.

[@jalenikezeue4114]

🤷 I don't understand why did the people Hate Larry So most He was champion

[@detrixinput9304]

@@jalenikezeue4114bro that’s what I’m saying. I guess people back then didn’t understand how truly great he was.

[@jalenikezeue4114]

@@detrixinput9304 how long was larry was the champion again 7 years Was It

[@sensorycircuits1338]

@@detrixinput9304 Probably because he was on the tail end of perhaps the greatest era of heavy weight boxing. Didn't get Ali or Norton in their primes, didn't fight Frazier. Very possible he could have won all of those fights, but we'll never know.

[@detrixinput9304]

@@jalenikezeue4114 I believe so

[@JoseDiaz-yl9sh]

One of the best heavyweights very underrated. Larry was special. One of the best

[@RidgeRunner-lz5ko]

I watched most all of Holmes' fights, surely every one of his title defenses. There were times I rooted against him, like against Norton and the over-hyped Cooney fight, but I came to respect that incredible jab. Now, watching this, I do believe Holmes was not necessarily under-rated but more like under-appreciated. I remember that era fondly and I think history will be favorable to Larry Holmes, he was a helluva fighter and an excellent champion.

[@e_z_livn]

What's amazing about Holmes & Norton is they fought in that very small pavilion that didn't seat all that many then got wise and moved them outside That was a great video you gave us..thank you

[@zionnewkirk4838]

This man Joseph Vincent has been on a tear!! Nothing like kicking back and watching these documentaries from start to finish!!🔥🔥🔥

[@Kataklyzim]

Thank you sooooo much for doing one on Larry Holmes. He's one of my favorite fighters ever.

[@eyoung74]

The 80’s and 90’s just wow! Glad I was able to experience that era.

[@serenityinside1]

I feel exactly the same - golden time to be a boxing fan . And free to watch in tv in 🇬🇧 too ! 😊. The great days of boxing gone for good now sadly - it sucks shit through a straw now ☹️

[@kasotaylor4842]

I’m 36. I considered myself a boxing fan until I watched this video and realized how much I knew about Holmes but left him completely out my legends list. Good video

[@GuyOfAbsoluteTerror]

My goodness that jab is lethal!!!!!

[@quentenwalton720]

There's a reason he's on every top ten list

[@pauclyoung2124]

But he's criminally underrated

[@gusgus-yp6qh]

no he is nothing like ali see marciano tyson or fury

[@quentenwalton720]

@@gusgus-yp6qh what?

[@cociglio9808]

Thank you so much for making this, i have always though Holmes deserves to be at the very top of all time boxing greats and he rarely gets his due, guy was an unbeatable monster for over a decade straight.

[@funkyflights]

Larry really was a great champion, he owned the heavyweight division for a long time, one of the sweetest jabs in the sport …

[@thegoodguywins1]

He owned it by fighting 💩 😂

[@generalwadehampton.2578]

Tyson fights shit. He got schooled by Holyfield.​@@thegoodguywins1

[@Lasershamm]

I dont understand the lack of respect for that man, What a great boxer. As always, thanks for the terrific movie Joe!! Absolutely amazing!

[@hoos3014]

It's because his reign fell in the gap begin the gargantuan heights of the 1970s heavyweight era and the phenomenon of Mike Tyson. He never had a worthy rival.

[@willcardona7712]

He tended to cherry pick his fights and didn't try to unify all the belts. The fact that he never fought Greg Page, Michael Dokes, or Gerrie Coetzee will remain a blemish on his legacy. He also had three very controversial decision wins over Ken Norton, Tim Witherspoon, and Carl Williams. He never had rematches with any of them. A few of his fights I felt were stopped somewhat prematurely, though you could argue that he would have won them anyway. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of Holmes and I feel he should have gotten much more credit and recognition in his time than what he got. But I also understand why he didn't get it for so long.

[@isaacfernandes560]

@@hoos3014 Tyson beat an old man. Had they fought at the same age Holmes would've murdered Tyson. Tyson talks big about beating a 40yo man.

[@dsc1256]

@@isaacfernandes560 Zero chance Holmes beats Tyson when/if both are in their prime. Absolute zero chance. Holmes was just way too slow of fighter compared to prime Tyson and his peek a boo tactic eliminates Holmes jab. Holmes lost to Michael Spinks twice (also his first two losses). And both fights were Spinks’ first two fights at the heavyweight division. And Spinks only had 3 months of experience as a heavyweight yet Holmes still couldn’t even knock him down or win. And Tyson completely destroyed Spinks (a more seasoned heavyweight fighter now) two years later. I could go into so much detail around this subjective argument but it’s so lopsided in Tyson’s favor, there’s no point.

[@biggatesy5844]

I would never have known how good he was if I didn't watch this, why is he not spoken about. He's a beast

[@blacksuburban2410]

The mafia got involved in his career to stop him from breaking Marciano’s record.

[@qandidhater673]

Two words....Mike Tyson

[@Riles3152]

@@qandidhater673 21 year old Tyson KO'd a 38 year old Holmes who hadn't fought in 3 years and took the fight on only 8 weeks notice. But let's leave those not so small details out? 1978-1982 Holmes would have AT LEAST a solid chance to beat that same version or any version of Tyson.

[@PlayerToBeNamedLater1973]

​@@qandidhater673Tyson would have been outclassed and beaten by Holmes if he'd been in fighting shape and perhaps 5 years younger. Holmes took the fight on short notice after he'd been retired for years. Even Tyson acknowledged these facts.

[@morkujinirukandji4820]

@@Riles31521978-1982 Holmes would knock out Tyson in round 6. And I’m not kidding. If Buster Douglas could do it I hate to think of what peak Holmes would do

[@TheUrbanflyman]

One of the best for sure! Great boxer with a killer jab. Durable and tough. 20 title defences over 7-years.

[@michaelminer7367]

I have had the pleasure of meeting Larry Holmes. 100% greatness, yet SO humble. He and Jack Johnson are, for me, the top two heavy weights in history. Best jab ever, and a murderous right hand. And AMAZING defensive skills.

[@arlingtonfoster925]

The fact this took so long in the queue is almost a testament to how underrated he is

[@RiderABC187]

💯x💯

[@adrianmartinez9406]

My dad loved him so I got to see his early career. Dad loved that his jab was so powerful it could knock you out. He didn’t deserve to be villanized the way he did.

[@elysium3079]

One of the best chanels of KZbin. Great job, flawless edits. Keep it going guys.

[@jamesgregory2962]

Great documentary. Holmes WON the second bout with Spinks but the judges were against him. Holmes was a great great champion period.

[@CarlosDiaz-uc9eh]

I had the privilege of growing up and attending school with his son, who was truly an exceptional individual - down to earth and a remarkable human being.

[@GamingGuruGuy975]

His fights with Ernie shavers deserve respect, especially after he got up and gave shavers a double punch out of exhaustion 😂

[@spacecity7136]

Then beats Norton after...that is impressive

[@billybob9961]

I think that punch from Ernie shavers is one of the hardest punches in the man has ever been able to get up from. Ernest said he was heavyweight champion of the world for nine seconds. Larry Holmes was truly an amazing champion

[@drinfernodds]

​@@billybob9961Larry said the only reason he woke up was from his head hitting the canvas. He was out on the way down but the second hit brought him back. Shavers had a nuclear right hand.

[@davidcook680]

Shavers is considered the hardest hitting fighter ever too. To fight him get knocked down get up and still win. Is impressive.

[@raamyasharahla535]

Man your documentary’s are 🐐‘Ed…. Good job!

[@AS-qy1zl]

These are some of the fiercest knockouts and finishers I’ve seen.

[@davidzrufko1341]

I almost cry at the end of the video. And i dont cry often , cause im a man. In my book there is no greatest. Only legends,and Mr.Holmes you are my favorite!🎉 Thank you for everything!🤞

[@jay.g.]

You don’t cry often cause yer a Man? Real Men have emotions. It’s ok, guy.

[@Daniel-ot7zf]

did yous see that kick he gave to berbick straight up dank

[@davidzrufko1341]

@@Daniel-ot7zf that was something! I mean Larry wasnt that loud bully type of man. Guess Berbick well deserved that flying double lung kick.

[@Daniel-ot7zf]

ye

[@Nastydealerr]

7:39 the rocky impersonation 💀💀💀💀🐐 stuff 😂

[@IRONFIST540]

Thank you Joseph Vincent. For bringing light to these legends like you. In the 'Golden Era" of boxing, Smokin Joe was my favorite. I'm hoping that you make one of another great in Ron Lyle and Ken "The Black Hercules" Norton

[@Greg_Huff]

I really appreciate your work and going to comment everytime I watch one of your inspiring productions of champions 😂 At my old ass age I finally appreciate boxing and rewatch much of your work my brother. These videos are a huge source of my entertainment! Keep it up bro!

[@biggsybiggs6266]

OMG FINALLY!!! THIS WILL BE LEGENDARY 🔥🔥💥💥

[@shotgunshawzy]

Nothing Legendary about his classless overrated bum.

[@JoseDiaz-yl9sh]

Ur correct 💯

[@bentejallow5272]

Finally a video about the Magnificent Larry Holmes made by my favorite youtuber

[@istvandejesus]

He didn’t need that 49-0. He was a legend already

[@hunterrobinson9709]

Despite Floyd Mayweather’s record 50-0. 🥊

[@istvandejesus]

@@hunterrobinson9709 The quality of opponents he faced was insane.

[@Danieljordan2]

Amen

[@freddiecorleone4411]

Tex Cobb...Ossie Occasio...Reynaldo Snipes...Gerry Cooney etc...all great competitors!

[@GuilhermeSilva-sp5ls]

Amazing work as always joe

[@billybob9961]

One of a very short list of my all-time favorites. I could never understand how Larry’s skills were not appreciated especially his jab. He clearly won the rematch with Michael Spinks. And then he came back like big George Foreman and cleaned out most of the division and gave a prime Holyfield 12 tough friends. Pure legend Larry Holmes is a crossover fighter he would’ve been at the top during any era complete fighter. Champions heart

[@GrubKiller436]

He was on top of the world for 7 years. Then he fought a young prime man Michael Spinks and had two close fights. Then he was even older and gave a tough fight to Evander Holyfield. Larry Holmes has a very good chance of beating these two even more decisively if he was in his prime.

[@perfectblindguy]

Could a prime Larry beat a prime Fury? No, Could a prime Larry beat a prime Wladimir? No. Could he beat Lennox? Probably not.

[@GrubKiller436]

@@perfectblindguy Wladimir got a few losses in his prime and Lennox got sparked twice in his prime.

[@kenlipson8686]

Joe, you're a MASTER storyteller...thank you for these. Any chance you might do one for Ken Norton?

[@iskandertime747]

I second the request for a Ken Norton episode.

[@nastyc85]

The football player 🤣

[@kevinwilliams6889]

I cannot agree more with this post. You area true master with these videos, and one on Ken Norton would be fantastic!

[@jaimegggarcia868]

I would also enjoy a ken Norton documentary

[@kendyjapri1559]

Let’s go ken norton

[@RaulSanti28]

awesome video Bro! I like the sounds effects you use from street fighter and such. You caught me off guard with Sly unintelligible mumbles tho LMAO

[@peterjensen9108]

Such a classy jab. He will be my jab role model. His looks more like a jolt to be honest. Also thank Joseph for these videos. They are fantastic

[@Nastydealerr]

An absolute beast well legacy you've left behind brother 🦾🐐💯

[@gusgus-yp6qh]

a great nothing when the boxe was nothing between marciano and fury

[@WarioSaysSo]

"The Easton Assassin" Larry Holmes # PRO record: 69-6-0, KO's 44 / World title record: 21-5-0, KO's 15. # Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World: 1978 - 1985 # Defeated 9 recognized world champions: Mohammad Ali, Ken Norton, Leon Spinks, Tim Witherspoon, Ray Mercer, Trevor Berbick, Mike Weaver x2, James "Bonecrusher" Smith x2 & Ossie Ocasio. # Defeated over 18 recognized top contenders; Earnie Shavers x2, Gerry Cooney, Randall "Tex" Cobb, Carl "The Truth" Williams, Lucien Rodriguez, Lorenzo Zanon, Leroy Jones, Scott LeDoux, Renaldo "The Sniper" Snipes, Scott Frank, Marvis Frazier, David Bey, Jesse Ferguson, Eric "Butterbean" Esch, Roy "Tiger" Williams, Rodney Bobick, Ken Lakusta etc In 2002, Larry Holmes won his last professional boxing match at impressive advanced age of 52 when he out-boxed the known King of 4 rounders Eric "Butterbean" Esch (65-2-3 KO's 50). Holmes even at such high age proved to be a worthy HW boxer in the ring as he managed to out-box the 17 year younger - heavy hitting opponent to win a clear UD. 5 of his 6 career losses are world title fight losses and 4 of 5 closer to disputed decision contests; # Michael Spinks x2 = UD & SD losses (controversial SP decisions). # Mike Tyson = TKO 4 (the only clear loss in Holmes entire PRO career). # Evander Holyfield = UD loss (fare but near close decision and old Holmes frustrated prime Holyfield with his defense skills). # Oliver McCall = UD loss (again fare but it was just 1 point or 2 that made the difference here and Holmes at age 46 did that). # Brian Nielsen = SD loss (a bad decision where homecountry man was given a gift decision. Holmes was better here.) Larry Holmes had to struggle for his recognition as a top heavyweight boxer. Even to this day many people refuse to see his talented ring skills for what they really was. Holmes was a well schooled heavyweight boxer with speed, power, ring inteligence, good stamina, good chin, balanced footwork and of course a gifted legendary sharp jab that NO heavyweight boxer have matched. That jab worked like a firing motor piston! Holmes remained the world heavyweight champion for INCREDIBLE 7 years straight with most impressive 20 world title defenses = All "W". He went career 26 world title fights (21-5-0) in the ring witch is the 3rd highest number of official title fights in heavyweight boxing history! Only Joe Louis's 27 world title record (26-1-0) & Wladimir Klitschko's 29 world title record (25-4-0) is above his.

[@pauclyoung2124]

He's criminally underrated

[@WarioSaysSo]

@@pauclyoung2124 Amen to that! In my old boxing club, there have been a lot of negative opinions where they do not want to give him credit as one of the very best. And on internet I have debated lots of ignorant people doing the same.

[@tandemtransport7702]

Wow, Impressive post. Larry Holmes beat the odds and everyone didn't like that. Larry Holmes was a Beast in the Ring. People can hate him but he out shined all of his opponents.

[@WarioSaysSo]

@@tandemtransport7702 Thank you! And yeah I fully agree with you. It is insane wha a bad rap he have taken despite being one of the most skilled and dominant champions ever.

[@CryptoGrady]

Great videos guys! 🔥🔥👌

[@cubencis]

Great documentary. Larry was definitely an underrated and underappreciated warrior

[@azembejta2463]

Throwing his punches Larry Holmes almost looks like a mix of Muhammad Ali and George Foreman just with more power holy cow Larry holmes's beyond a legend wow

[@CC-xu2yz]

Not more power than George. Not even close. Much better fighter, though.

[@jacksonvang2946]

Best Line too ...

[@Moneyovertruth]

Foreman is top 5 punchers of all time. He definitely wasn't even close to foremans power even he would say that.

[@soitsanightmare]

​@@CC-xu2yz how do u figure that? Foreman had all the tools .

[@peteparry9730]

I watched the Holmes-Shavers first fight and knew then Holmes was a future Champion. In his very next fight he defeated Ken Norton in one of the greatest heavyweight fights of all time to become the WBC Heavyweight Champion. He then went on to defend the title successfully 20 times, including winning the lineal title from Muhammad Ali in his 8th defense. Larry is undoubtedly the most underrated Heavyweight Champion in history!

[@staticshockboxing]

Learning a lot on Holmes and is in the deep queue for study. Solely a side note: I've noticed Ali through psychological punches to his opponents as I watch more footage from his time- like in interviews etc but not until really seeing it did I see it actually affected them to his advantage... like 4th wall breaking type power... I can't help but feel this is almost another meta-example of him beating his opposition in a multi-dimensional way. Ali to Holmes before they both came to earth: "You're gonna be 48-0 but they're gonna only remember my name."

[@bboyarpeggios909]

Aye the easton assassin!! One of my favorite HW's from the old days. Never understood why he got so much hate back then. Holmes was a straight up beast 🔥🥊

[@Spidaface666]

In my opinion because he was a dark skin black man. I never experienced colorism until I came to the United States. In this country Africa Americans are divided between light skin and dark skin. Alexander O'Neal was an amazing singer just like Larry Holmes but neither got the credit they deserve because they were dark skinned in the 70s and 80s. My father had dark skin and he would tell me how people would hate on him. It's kind of sad to say but I still see colorism in 2023

[@farimangjawara7428]

We need a Joe Vincent documentary on Joseph Vincent at this point. You sir are a legend. You've done these fighters proud. Nobody brings it home like Joe Vincent.

[@bobmiller7502]

you can see a lot of alis moves style in Larry the 70s/80s was a amazing time for boxing,thanks for putting this together and sharing with us,"dam good job that man"

[@ichbinich762]

Technically the best ever. Totally underrated. One of the top five boxers of all time.

[@thegodfather1924]

Ali was better i but I respect your opinion.

[@sergiomendoza7030]

Finally! The Easton Assassin gets his Joseph Vincent videos. The greatest jab probably ever.

[@gusgus-yp6qh]

jab is nothing see marciano or wilder ok man

[@mikewilkins2030]

He is an amazing Champion! So happy he did amazing with his earnings!

[@romainvicta7392]

I would die for you to create a jalen hurts doc. Featuring his college days getting benched for tua than transferring and his draft process ultimately to his Super Bowl last year!

[@Exiledrapier]

Without a doubt the most under rated heavyweight champion of my time and maybe all time. I once heard a fighter say his Jab was like being punch in the face with a telephone pole, ..... thats just the jab...... His mouth lost him some fans, no other way of putting it, but when you feel you are that good, and you continually show you are that good, and are constantly questioned about if he's up to par with the legends.... not sure how anyone would react differently in his place. He beat anyone and everyone they threw at him in his prime, and did it convincingly. Chasing that respect he so desperately craved cost him and the chase never even got him a taste once it was gone. Say what you will, but 7 years atop the heavyweight division is legendary Larry, its a shame it wasnt paid the respect it should have been back then. Love ya big guy, from serious fight fan.

[@emoski1235]

Growing up as a kid my Pops referred to him as Mr. Smooth 😂underrated and under appreciated

[@chukemmang]

Watching this video has made me respect Larry Holmes. Thanks for doing videos like this to make those of us who were not born in those years get a glimpse of what these old fighters looked like in their prime.

[@KirillChufarov]

7:44 Stalone insertion is hilarious 😂

[@Daniel-ot7zf]

y i wish i knew the name of the audio id laugh to it

[@samuelmahmud1909]

Great video coverage💯🥊🥊💪💥 no-doubt-about-it Larry Holmes was the best in his era

[@adamdesanti6713]

Larry got no love because he came after Ali. He was a great, long-reigning champion. Thanks for the video!

[@Peksisarvinen]

Great documentary. Superbly put together. Larry Holmes is relatively unknown to me as a fighter, but he definitely deserves to be remembered among the greats of the sport.

[@oluwagbengaaborisade3179]

As far as I am concerned, Holmes is a legend in his own right, he did the job in the ring. Going 48 fights unbeaten is no joke in an era of fighters with tough jaws and thunderous punches... Give him his dues!

[@richardvaiciulis]

I met him yesterday in the airport he was extremely humble and friendly a regular person. I thanked him for retiring Howard Cossel

[@Jabbing_Jack]

Holmes made 20 defenses of the Heavyweight title over a seven year reign and shoulda retired 48-0. Larry is considered to have the best jab in history and could use it as an offensive weapon to make openings for his slashing right hand. Prime Holmes was blazing fast, possessed a rock-hard chin, huge heart and excellent stamina.

[@AUDIOANDWHIPS2]

He still would have got smashed no matter what age he was going up against a Prime Mike Tyson with Kevin Rooney in his corner he was unstoppable! When Mike Tyson lost Kevin Rooney in his corner he lost 60% of his boxing ability your coach is what makes you and can adjust the fighter! Mike Tyson was too young to be handed a hundred two hundred million dollars at the age of 20 21 years old with no guidance. Women drugs and party in and not training is what beat Mike Tyson. Sugar Ray Robinson still the greatest fighter who ever lived.

[@Challengeyourself-vg2pm]

​@@AUDIOANDWHIPS2facts 💯

[@kutz206]

​@@AUDIOANDWHIPS2nobody said anything about Tyson. My god, Tyson fanboys are obnoxious

[@AUDIOANDWHIPS2]

@@kutz206 stay on your side of the fence kid and he was talking about there's nobody that would smash him so I told him who would smash him and I am a Sugar Ray Robinson fanboy. And the way you use the word obnoxious. I can tell your not even old enough to been able the know nothing about any of these boxers and set for the clips you're watching because you wasn't able cuz you wasn't old enough to be able to watch any of these boxers live. I apologize and some of the words are off my Maybach GLS 600 I haven't trained the voice text to match my voice so some of the words are off so well

[@rationalmuscle]

Shoulda woulda coulda. He was a disgraceful loser - disrespecting Marciano and all. Great fighter thought.

[@iboyd2824]

I think it's probably true to say that anyone who knows anything about boxing, never really 'underrated' Larry Holmes as such... It's just really unfortunate for Holmes, that he broke through towards the end of Ali's career. Then when Ali retired, the public were never really going to warm to whoever came along next, as Ali was so revered by pretty much everybody. The defeat of an aged Ali (who sadly should never have been put into that boxing ring), also didn't help Holmes - and by no fault of his own, by the way. Great video by the way!

[@hammertime5453]

Well said!

[@ShayneMicchia]

No fault of his own? BS. He knew how damaged Ali - his mentor - was at that stage. It should have declined the fight out of pure respect. He's a POS

[@paganserenade]

I guess it was business, finally@@ShayneMicchia

[@nobbytang]

It wasn’t just the peak Larry that was special it was also the older Larry too …his longevity at a good , decent standard was only matched by big George ….

[@kentbergstrom3020]

Larry is one of my favorit heavyweights, I rank him in top 3 of all time.

[@bentejallow5272]

this guy makes the best boxing vids when im a pro boxer imma reference this guy

[@NBWDOUGHBOY]

Damn! Larry Holmes was an Absolute Legend.

[@andresugueruaga6920]

Unfortunately not for Tyson

[@NBWDOUGHBOY]

@@andresugueruaga6920 he was like 100 years old by then.

[@serenityinside1]

And nit fought for 3 years , overweight, and given 3 weeks notice ffs. Fought for the money. Literally no comparison.. dumbass

[@cltv5407]

Absolute hate to see disrespecting for Larry. He was a great champion.

[@jahstreet1224]

Great Documentary.

[@doug3805]

He deserves the recognition for sure. His record proves it.

[@Samantha_Lavery_Medici]

Larry Holmes has not received the credit and respect he is due as a great Heavyweight because there is a perception that he cherry picked his opponents, which was untrue - Larry would have fought the entire Eagles defense at the same time if someone paid him enough.

[@gusgus-yp6qh]

holmes was racist and etest white peoples not ali that admired and love ROCKY MARCIANO

[@abcdef-py6rh]

true he even gave a boxing lesson to young lion ray mercer

[@dexterjankaren]

He almost beat Evander Holyfield in his prime.

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

I don't know who he avoided? There were some guys he didn't fight: Greg Page, Gerry Coetzee, Michael Dokes all come to mind. But he didn't fight them because right about the time they were in line for a title shot, each of them lost to someone else. So I'm not sure what Larry was supposed to do about that. I'm also confident Larry would have beaten each of those guys. After all, he beat all the fighters that beat them.

[@abcdef-py6rh]

@@PhilAndersonOutside larry fought bigger names than all of those names. yeah he didn't need to avoid them

[@Ericthomas692]

Thank you for making this sir 😊 as an old time boxing fan its a struggle to find good content on the prime days of boxing! Off topic but im from Baltimore but tank can never ever compare to duran!

[@mohammaddavoudian7897]

Amazing that each and every opponent left himself wide open to Larry's right bomber punch. I have 20 favourite boxers. Larry is among the top 10. A true legend.

[@connoisseur9069]

Waiting on this for a long time! Larry Holmes is criminally underrated! and definitely in the top 5 greatest heavyweights of all time

[@thomasandrew1575]

Top 20 not top 5

[@HitchcockJr985]

@@thomasandrew1575 hes closer to 1st than 20th

[@AUDIOANDWHIPS2]

@@thomasandrew1575 I agree I'd say top 25!

[@MaccaveliPL]

Top 3.

[@Mjb2110]

@@AUDIOANDWHIPS2 I agree, top 25. He's overrated if anything

[@grims9564]

Larry Holmes definitively deserve more credit because he just cleaned his division for over 7 years,beat the best of the best during his reigns and almost beat Rocky Marciano reccord The most underrated fighter ever

[@neymarzito7608]

@@AUDIOANDWHIPS2I think it’s either from 2005 - now in which may be the weakest era for heavyweight boxing

[@MaccaveliPL]

​@@AUDIOANDWHIPS2Tyson did too and had less title defences and top 10 boxers defeated.

[@AUDIOANDWHIPS2]

@@MaccaveliPL Mike Tyson was a twenty-year-old kid that won the heavyweight championship and was worth a hundred to two hundred million dollars handed to him and with no guidance! With Kevin Rooney was in his corner there's not a fighter alive that would have beat Mike Tyson and I'm not a big Mike Tyson fan I'm just a person that gives you fax! 85, 86, 87, 88, 89 then after the middle of 89 he already fell apart cuz Rooney left an 88 and his best friend and manager Jim Jacobs died in 1988 and if Constantine D'Amato would have lived another ten years Mike Tyson would have went undefeated cuz it except Don King away from him. When you lose your trainer you lose 60% of the fighter. The trainers the one is who's watching for weaknesses in the. Like Tyson fury would probably got beat by Dante Wilder if sugarhill wouldn't have found and broke his weakness in the eighth round. It's basically your trainer is your remote control and you are the player and when you don't have no trainer anymore it's like trying to play a video game with a broken joystick. Sugar Ray Robinson's the greatest fighter that ever lived. Sorry if some of the words are off I'm having to voice text still stuck in and this Maybach GLS 600 hasn't learned my voice yet cuz I haven't trained it

[@MaccaveliPL]

@@AUDIOANDWHIPS2 boxers change trainers all the time. All these wouldas and couldas are not facts, just speculations. Tyson lacked discipline and it finally blew up in his face when he got schooled by Buster.

[@grims9564]

@@AUDIOANDWHIPS2 weakest era??You really need to see all the killer they were in this era bro

[@esoundzezekiel]

Joe your story and documentary made me love boxing 🥊 I feel like I can begin a career in boxing I am 40 I am so passionate for this.

[@skulijakobsson5116]

Magnificent! Much Enjoyment 👍😎

[@jaynsilentboom]

He deserves respect. Everyone hates him because he beat an aged and brain-diseased Ali. But he was a Hall of Fame Boxer.

[@gilbertruiz8515]

Yet the same folks praise Mike Tyson for beating a 38 yrs old Larry Holmes

[@xavierrodriguez7938]

And he didn't want to fight him

[@amc7185]

There is this this fake story going around today about Tyson “getting revenge” for Ali against Holmes. There was ZERO talk of such a thing back then.

[@eddieworkman5855]

1 best boxers ever

[@jaynsilentboom]

@@amc7185 No there IS a story about what Ali and Tyson talked about. There was bad blood going in for sure. Tyson did it for Ali. That was/is his idle. Just search it here on KZbin there are plenty of clips of Tyson watching the fight and being devastated and also overheard Cus talking to Ali asking him why he let a bum beat on him. Tyson got the ultimate revenge.

[@niradnagrom2356]

Larry wasn't flashy or a big talker but he was a workhorse of a boxer that came close to tying Marciano's pro record. Larry Holmes was a great heavy weight boxing champion!

[@freddiecorleone4411]

so close and yet so far...haw .haw !

[@niradnagrom2356]

@@freddiecorleone4411Fredo? *HAW HAW!*

[@user-ec2bu1nq3n]

In fact, his opponents were weak

[@niradnagrom2356]

@@user-ec2bu1nq3n What? You saying YOU could have beaten all of his opponents? What exactly are you trying to convince me of?

[@user-ec2bu1nq3n]

@@niradnagrom2356 You're a strange one, because I'm not a professional boxer, he's as motionless as a statue

[@Whitebrowpriest]

Holmes had the misfortune of simply not being a likeable personality. But despite that, dude was nasty in the ring! Definitely one of the best heavyweight fighters ever!

[@roasthunter]

Great video, what a champ, definitely a contender for greatest heavyweight ever.

[@TheGOAT-dr1sq]

No, he is a top 2 to 7 all time great, but Ali is better no matter how you look at it.... Holmes was a worse version of ALI

[@davidsondavinci6478]

Been waiting on ya Joey 😂🎉we got a video. You the GOAT 🐐