Larry Holmes is a retired American professional boxer who competed from 1973 to 2002. He is a former world heavyweight champion, having held the WBC title from 1978 to 1983. Holmes is widely considered to be one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time.
Holmes' professional boxing record stands at 69 wins (44 by knockout), 6 losses, and 0 draws. He is best known for his seven successful title defenses of the WBC heavyweight championship, which included victories over Ken Norton, Earnie Shavers, and Gerry Cooney. Holmes also fought Muhammad Ali in 1980, losing a close decision in a bout that is considered one of the greatest heavyweight fights of all time.
Holmes was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2008. He is also a member of the World Boxing Hall of Fame and the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame.
Larry Holmes Record
Larry Holmes' professional boxing record is one of the most impressive in history. He retired with a record of 69 wins, 6 losses, and 0 draws. His record is notable for its longevity, as he fought professionally for nearly 30 years. He is also known for his seven successful title defenses of the WBC heavyweight championship, which included victories over Ken Norton, Earnie Shavers, and Gerry Cooney.
- Wins: 69
- Losses: 6
- Draws: 0
- KO's: 44
- Title defenses: 7
- Years active: 1973-2002
Holmes' record is a testament to his skill, determination, and longevity. He is one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time, and his record is a major part of his legacy.
1. Wins
Larry Holmes' record of 69 wins is one of the most impressive in boxing history. It is a testament to his skill, determination, and longevity. Holmes fought professionally for nearly 30 years, and he faced some of the best fighters of his era. He defeated Ken Norton, Earnie Shavers, and Gerry Cooney, among others. Holmes' record is a major part of his legacy as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time.
- Longevity: Holmes fought professionally for nearly 30 years, which is a remarkable achievement in any sport. He was able to maintain a high level of performance throughout his career, which is why he was able to achieve such an impressive record.
- Skill: Holmes was a highly skilled boxer. He had a great jab, and he was also a powerful puncher. He was able to adapt his style to different opponents, and he was always able to find a way to win.
- Determination: Holmes was a determined fighter. He never gave up, even when he was facing adversity. He was always willing to fight through pain and fatigue, and he always found a way to win.
Holmes' record of 69 wins is a testament to his greatness as a boxer. He was one of the best heavyweights of all time, and his record is a major part of his legacy.
2. Losses
Larry Holmes' record of 6 losses is a relatively low number for a boxer of his caliber. It is a testament to his skill, determination, and longevity. However, each of his losses provides valuable insights into his career and the challenges he faced.
- Muhammad Ali
Holmes' loss to Muhammad Ali in 1980 is one of the most famous fights in boxing history. Ali was past his prime, but he was still a formidable opponent. Holmes fought valiantly, but he was ultimately outboxed by Ali. This loss was a major setback for Holmes, but it also showed that he was willing to take on the best fighters of his era.
- Michael Spinks
Holmes' loss to Michael Spinks in 1985 was another major setback. Spinks was a younger, faster fighter, and he was able to outbox Holmes. This loss ended Holmes' reign as WBC heavyweight champion, and it also marked the beginning of the decline of his career.
- Evander Holyfield
Holmes' loss to Evander Holyfield in 1992 was a close fight, but Holyfield was ultimately the better fighter. Holmes was 43 years old at the time, and he was no longer the same fighter he had been in his prime. This loss was a sign that Holmes' career was winding down.
- Oliver McCall
Holmes' loss to Oliver McCall in 1995 was a shocking upset. McCall was a relatively unknown fighter, but he was able to knock out Holmes in the 12th round. This loss was a major embarrassment for Holmes, and it effectively ended his career.
Holmes' record of 6 losses is a reminder that even the greatest fighters can be defeated. However, his losses also show that he was willing to take on the best fighters of his era. Holmes was a true warrior, and he never gave up, even when he was facing defeat.
3. Draws
Larry Holmes' record of 0 draws is a testament to his determination and competitive spirit. He never settled for a draw, and he always fought to win. This is a remarkable achievement, especially considering the fact that he fought some of the best fighters of his era.
- Consistency: Holmes was a remarkably consistent fighter. He was able to maintain a high level of performance throughout his career, which is why he was able to achieve such an impressive record.
- Skill: Holmes was a highly skilled boxer. He had a great jab, and he was also a powerful puncher. He was able to adapt his style to different opponents, and he was always able to find a way to win.
- Determination: Holmes was a determined fighter. He never gave up, even when he was facing adversity. He was always willing to fight through pain and fatigue, and he always found a way to win.
- Legacy: Holmes' record of 0 draws is a major part of his legacy as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. It is a testament to his skill, determination, and competitive spirit.
Holmes' record of 0 draws is an inspiration to all fighters. It shows that anything is possible with hard work and determination. Holmes never settled for mediocrity, and he always fought to be the best. His record is a reminder that we should all strive to be the best that we can be.
4. KO's
Larry Holmes' record of 44 knockouts is a testament to his power and punching ability. He was one of the hardest hitters in heavyweight history, and his KO's often came in spectacular fashion. Holmes' most famous knockout was his 11th-round KO of Earnie Shavers in 1979. Shavers was known for his devastating power, but Holmes was able to withstand his punches and eventually knock him out with a crushing right hand.
Holmes' KO's were a major factor in his success. They allowed him to defeat some of the best fighters of his era, including Ken Norton, Gerry Cooney, and Trevor Berbick. Holmes' KO power also helped him to maintain his dominance as WBC heavyweight champion for seven years.
The practical significance of understanding Holmes' KO record is that it helps us to appreciate his greatness as a boxer. Holmes was not only a skilled boxer, but he was also a devastating puncher. His KO record is a reminder that he was one of the most complete heavyweight boxers of all time.
5. Title defenses
Larry Holmes' record of seven successful title defenses is a testament to his dominance as WBC heavyweight champion. He defeated some of the best fighters of his era, including Ken Norton, Earnie Shavers, and Gerry Cooney. Holmes' title defenses were often impressive, and he was able to retain his title for seven years.
- Consistency: Holmes was a remarkably consistent fighter. He was able to maintain a high level of performance throughout his career, which is why he was able to achieve such an impressive record.
- Skill: Holmes was a highly skilled boxer. He had a great jab, and he was also a powerful puncher. He was able to adapt his style to different opponents, and he was always able to find a way to win.
- Determination: Holmes was a determined fighter. He never gave up, even when he was facing adversity. He was always willing to fight through pain and fatigue, and he always found a way to win.
- Legacy: Holmes' record of seven title defenses is a major part of his legacy as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. It is a testament to his skill, determination, and dominance.
Holmes' title defenses are an inspiration to all fighters. They show that anything is possible with hard work and determination. Holmes never settled for mediocrity, and he always fought to be the best. His record is a reminder that we should all strive to be the best that we can be.
6. Years active
Larry Holmes' career spanned an impressive 29 years, from 1973 to 2002. This remarkable longevity is a major factor in his impressive record of 69 wins, 6 losses, and 0 draws.
- Consistency: Holmes was able to maintain a high level of performance throughout his career. He fought some of the best fighters of his era, and he was always able to find a way to win.
- Adaptability: Holmes was able to adapt his style to different opponents. He was a skilled boxer, but he was also a powerful puncher. He was able to adjust his game plan to whatever his opponent threw at him.
- Determination: Holmes was a determined fighter. He never gave up, even when he was facing adversity. He was always willing to fight through pain and fatigue, and he always found a way to win.
- Legacy: Holmes' longevity is a major part of his legacy as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. He is an inspiration to all fighters, and his record is a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and determination.
Holmes' longevity is a testament to his skill, determination, and adaptability. He is one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time, and his record is a major part of his legacy.
FAQs about Larry Holmes Record
This section provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Larry Holmes' boxing record.
Question 1: How many fights did Larry Holmes win?
Larry Holmes won 69 fights in his professional boxing career.
Question 2: How many fights did Larry Holmes lose?
Larry Holmes lost 6 fights in his professional boxing career.
Question 3: How many fights did Larry Holmes draw?
Larry Holmes never had a draw in his professional boxing career.
Question 4: How many fights did Larry Holmes win by knockout?
Larry Holmes won 44 fights by knockout in his professional boxing career.
Question 5: How many times did Larry Holmes defend his heavyweight title?
Larry Holmes successfully defended his WBC heavyweight title 7 times.
Question 6: How long was Larry Holmes' boxing career?
Larry Holmes' boxing career spanned 29 years, from 1973 to 2002.
Summary: Larry Holmes had a remarkable boxing record, with 69 wins, 6 losses, and 0 draws. He was a dominant heavyweight champion, successfully defending his title 7 times. Holmes' longevity and consistency are a testament to his skill and determination.
Transition: Larry Holmes is widely considered to be one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. His impressive record is a major part of his legacy.
Tips for Understanding Larry Holmes' Record
Understanding Larry Holmes' boxing record can provide valuable insights into his career and the factors that contributed to his success. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of his record:
Tip 1: Consider the context of his fights
Holmes fought some of the best fighters of his era, including Muhammad Ali, Ken Norton, and Gerry Cooney. When evaluating his record, it is important to consider the caliber of his opponents and the challenges he faced in each fight.
Tip 2: Pay attention to his knockout percentage
Holmes had a knockout percentage of over 60%, which is a testament to his power and punching ability. By examining his knockout record, you can get a sense of how he was able to dominate his opponents and secure victories.
Tip 3: Note his title defenses
Holmes successfully defended his WBC heavyweight title seven times. This is a significant accomplishment, as it demonstrates his ability to maintain his dominance over a long period of time.
Tip 4: Look at his longevity
Holmes had a long and successful career, fighting for nearly 30 years. By examining his record over time, you can see how he was able to sustain his success and adapt to different opponents and styles.
Tip 5: Compare his record to other heavyweight greats
Comparing Holmes' record to other heavyweight greats can provide context for his achievements. By doing so, you can see how he ranks among the best boxers in history and appreciate his contributions to the sport.
Summary: By following these tips, you can gain a deeper understanding of Larry Holmes' boxing record and appreciate his greatness as a fighter.
Transition: Larry Holmes is widely considered to be one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. His impressive record is a testament to his skill, determination, and longevity.
Conclusion
Larry Holmes' boxing record is a testament to his greatness as a fighter. With 69 wins, 6 losses, and 0 draws, he is one of the most successful heavyweight boxers of all time. Holmes' record is particularly impressive when you consider the caliber of his opponents and the challenges he faced in each fight.
Holmes' success was due to a combination of factors, including his skill, determination, and longevity. He was a gifted boxer with a powerful punch and a great jab. He was also a relentless fighter who never gave up, even when he was facing adversity. Holmes' longevity is also remarkable, as he fought for nearly 30 years and was able to maintain a high level of performance throughout his career.
Larry Holmes is a true boxing legend. His record is a reminder of the greatness that can be achieved through hard work and dedication. He is an inspiration to all fighters, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
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