Introduction

The legendary rivalry between Larry Holmes and Muhammad Ali has always been a fascinating topic among boxing enthusiasts. This article delves into a hypothetical comparison of the two heavyweight champions, exploring how Holmes would fare against three different periods of Ali's career.

1967 Ali

First, let's consider a hypothetical scenario where Larry Holmes faced Muhammad Ali in 1967, the height of Ali's prime. In this scenario, it's clear that Ali would come out victorious. Despite Holmes' reputation as a durable and tactical fighter, Ali's combination of exceptional speed, agility, and technical skill would prove too much for Holmes.

Ali, with his renowned jab and powerful right hand, would easily outjab Holmes early in the fight. As Ali circles around Holmes, striking from awkward angles, his powerful right hand would begin to take its toll. This strategic approach would leave Holmes vulnerable, and Ali would likely score a knockout by the mid-rounds, resulting in a techincal knockout (TKO).

1971 Ali

For the 1971 Ali, a period when Ali had returned from his boxing ban and was still relatively fit but not at his peak, the fight would be a very close and controversial decision. Although Ali's speed and agility were still razor-sharp, his stamina and fluidity had noticeably declined. In this scenario, Holmes would likely rally in the later rounds, putting Ali under considerable pressure and forcing him to overextend himself.

Ali would dominate the early rounds, winning enough points to maintain a lead. However, Holmes' relentless attack and his improved stamina would eventually wear down Ali. By the end of the fight, it would be a razor-thin victory for Ali, but it would certainly be a very close contest.

1974 Ali

The final scenario involves a hypothetical fight between Holmes and a seemingly invincible Ali from 1974. By this point, Ali had become the strongest, toughest, and perhaps the most intelligent boxer in the history of heavyweight boxing. However, his speed and stamina were no longer what they once were.

While Ali's durability and power would pose a significant challenge to Holmes, Holmes' superior in-fighting and cardiovascular endurance would eventually give him the edge. Ali's offense may not be as fluid, and his stamina may not be as robust, but he still possesses the power to land devastating shots. In a long and grueling contest, Holmes would likely win a unanimous decision (UD), leveraging his conditioning and defensive skills to wear down Ali and earn the victory.

Conclusion

Throughout these hypothetical scenarios, it becomes evident that Ali's prime years would still be too formidable for Holmes. However, as Ali aged and his speed waned, Holmes would slowly gain the upper hand, ultimately winning a unanimous decision in the 1974 era. This comparison highlights the immense impact Ali had on heavyweight boxing and the overall sport.

Ali's legacy as a pioneer and innovator in the ring is unmatched, shaping the landscape of boxing and leaving a legacy that cannot be replicated by any fighter. The dialogue around who was the greatest boxer of all time often misses the fact that Ali created the blueprint for many of the great fighters who followed him, including Larry Holmes and others.

Holmes, Lewis, and others might not have had the blueprint Ali provided, but they certainly benefited from the lessons and techniques that Ali taught. In the end, Ali remains a towering figure in boxing history, and his contributions continue to resonate in the sport to this day.