Hes like a ripe tomato. After an uneventful first round, Holmes dropped Cooney with a right in the second. In the first half of 1985, Holmes stopped David Bey in ten rounds for his 19th title defense. On June 22, 1979, Holmes faced future WBA Heavyweight Champion Mike Weaver, who was lightly regarded going into the fight sporting an uninspiring 198 record. [1] In addition to holding the WBC heavyweight title from 1978 to 1983, The family survived on welfare. As a former American boxer, Larry often ensures that he is physically fit. But in September 1985, he was defeated by Michael Spinks in a 15 round decision and again with the same outcome after six months. Who is Larry Hall? At the end of the round, the two nodded to each other in respect. The two fought close for most of the . Larry Holmes is an American heavyweight boxer. Currently, Larry Holmes is 73 years, 4 months and 2 days old. Hes opened a variety of businesses through the years, including restaurants, a nightclub, a training facility, and an office complex. I wish we had a camera in the car because of all of our laughing and joking. He was unsuccessful in four further comeback attempts (against Mike Tyson in 1988, Evander Holyfield in 1992, Oliver McCall in 1995 and Brian Nielsen in 1997) to regain the heavyweight title. International Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S. Catholic Youth Center, Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S. Last edited on 26 November 2022, at 23:43, "10 things to still appreciate about Larry Holmes", "Boxing: Historians Rankings of The Great Heavyweights", "Weaver hurts Holmes before bowing in 12", "Ali Reportedly Used Drug to Lose Weight", "Boxing King Casts His Shadow, Even at Time of Defeat", "Holmes and Cooney recall divisive fight", "Larry Holmes and Gerry Cooney: Foes for a Night, Friends for a Lifetime", "On Again, Off Again Fight May Be On Again", "Holmes signs for title fight in November", "Larry Holmes Says He Fought Mercer With a Detached Retina", "Holyfield beats Holmes by unanimous decision", "Larry Holmes: ESPN Documentary 'Didn't Do Me Justice', "Larry Holmes sells Easton building for $1.7 million, paves way for Internet-business incubator", "Diane Holmes Wife Of Champion And Mother Of Two Is Happier Away From Celebrity Lights Career", "Larry Holmes' Palmer Township estate just one holding of his for sale", "Larry Holmes: 'Ali Was One of My Best Friends', Highlights of Holmes' 1980 defeat of Muhammad Ali, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Larry_Holmes&oldid=1124023418, This page was last edited on 26 November 2022, at 23:43. In 2008, he owned two restaurants and a nightclub, a training facility, an office complex, a snack food bar and slot machines. Hes a regular around town. He did against me what I did when I fought Mike Tyson. After ten tough rounds, Holmes dropped Weaver with a right uppercut late in round eleven. After several retirements, Holmes finally called it quits in 2002 at age 52. [41], In 1979, Larry Holmes married Diane Robinson, with whom he has had two children. Once it happened, I told myself that I was going to take it out on Gerry.. Holmes got up, survived the round, and went on to punish Shavers in the eleventh round and the referee stopped the fight .[10]. [28], On January 22, 1988, Holmes was lured out of retirement by a $2.8 million purse to challenge reigning Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion Mike Tyson. Money. But who has he fought? Cooney entered the fight with 22 knockouts, mostly against unknowns, but his powerful left hook was undeniable. Houses Cars RELATED: These 10 Whopping Homes & Cars Of Celebrities Look Amazing! Yes, according to our best knowledge, Larry Holmes is still alive. Thomas Hauser is the lead writer for boxing website SecondsOut.com and is a contributing editor of this magazine, Thomas Hauser recalls how Larry Holmes reduced 'the Greatest' to a human punchbag - and called time on an era, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. Im not sure if that wouldve been good enough, but I wouldve learned a lot more. Larry started his boxing career when he was just 19 years old. Larry Holmes celebrates after defeating Gerry Cooney to retain the heavyweight title on June 11, 1982. Race riots ensued following Johnsons victory. For the next five years, Holmes stood alone atop the heavyweight standings defending his titles a total of 12 more times against the likes of Trevor Berbick, Leon Spinks, and Carl Williams. If I can hold my own now, what about later?'". The challenger made the cover of Sports Illustrated, while heavyweight titleholder Holmes was reduced to an inside page. He made his name in Toughman contests, moved into pro boxing and became a star. I told him no hard feelings and, years later, we started attending the same functions.. And its put out in front for the world to see.. Besides, Larry also has three daughters, Belinda Holmes, Misty Holmes, and Lisa Holmes from two previous relationships. Holmes retired from the sport in 2002, with a record of 69 wins (44 by knockout) and 6 losses. After winning his next four bouts, Holmes fought Brian Nielsen for the International Boxing Organization heavyweight title on January 24, 1997, but was defeated. Holmes first gained credibility as a contender when he upset the hard-punching Earnie Shavers in March 1978. After beating Jake Paul, Tommy Fury's boxing career is at a crossroads, Tommy Fury edges out YouTuber Jake Paul in fight for the new age, Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury tonight: UK start time, how to watch and undercard line-up, Tommy Fury must beat Jake Paul for boxing's sake. Caught Smoking: These Are The 60 Most Shocking Celebrity Smokers, These 50 Celebrity Tattoos Went Horribly Wrong, Top 60 Celebrities Without Makeup (Before & After), 40 Whopping Homes & Cars Of Celebrities That Will Amaze You, Top 55 of Worlds Richest Actors Current Net Worth, Top 60 Craziest Tattoos Of Celebrities in 2023, Top 15 Highest-Paid Soccer Players Of All-Time Revealed (2023), Yes, father of: Larry Jr. Holmes, Kandy Holmes, son, daughter & daughter. Larry Holmes, byname the Easton Assassin, (born November 3, 1949, Cuthbert, Georgia, U.S.), American heavyweight boxing champion of the late 1970s and early '80s who was known for his solid defense. [46], Defeating Norton and winning WBC heavyweight championship. Holmes was back in the ring five months later, resuming the pace he had set since his comeback. "[13], Holmes' trainer Richie Giachetti called Holmes' pummeling of Ali "awfulthe worst sports event I ever had to cover." According to astrologers, Scorpio-born are passionate and assertive people. Holmes' father went to Connecticut, where he visited the family every three weeks and worked as a gardener there until his death in 1970. Bio, Age, Net Worth 2023, What is Steve Howey Net Worth 2023? He won 19 of his 22 fights and several titles before turning professional at age 24. He appeared in one of the Jackass films alongside Johnny Knoxville. The defeat of Ali was Larry Holmes eighth title defense of his WBC belt. Holmes achieved much better results in his second comeback, and it lasted much longer. The streetfighter matured into an excellent boxer when he decided to adopt boxing for a living. Larry Holmes Net Worth 2023: Age, Height, Weight, Wife, Kids, Bio-Wiki. He switched trainers and got the guidance of many other trainers, including Don King. Bobick mauled Holmes in the second round but could not corner him. ", Holmes had a rematch with Spinks on April 19, 1986. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. Muhammad Ali Didnt Quit Because Trainer Angelo Dundee Wouldnt Let Him. Scorpio is a Water sign and lives to experience and express emotions. It would have been an interesting fight, me and him, but I have change-ups, going in, or staying out. Find out more, The latest offers and discount codes from popular brands on Telegraph Voucher Codes, Larry Holmes regrets Muhammad Ali coming out of retirement to fight him in 1980, Holmes beats Earnie Shavers to become world heavyweight champion in 1979, Creed III: No Stallone? Holmes picked up the pace in the middle rounds with his legendary jab and opened a cut on Cooneys left eyelid and bridge of his nose. Once boxing fans looked beyond the unfortunate promotion, the bout between Holmes and Cooney was intriguing. Holmes won in 11 rounds, cementing his claim as world heavyweight champion. But I didnt beat him up because he couldnt fight. After retiring from his boxing career, Larry employed more than 200 people through his various business holdings. He retired from the sport in 2002, with 69 wins and 6 losses. "This man knocked the devil out of me", Holmes said. Holmes regularly sparred against champions, including Earnie Shavers, Jimmy Young, and the great Muhammad Ali. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a2fe03e1c5d7813 We had a great fight and lets get on with our lives, Cooney said. However, we don't know much about Larry Holmes's health situation. A phone was installed in Cooneys dressing room so President Ronald Reagan could call him if he won. He is the only boxer to have defeated Muhammad Ali by stoppage and the last living boxer to have defeated Ali. Holmes retired later in 1986. Takes comfort in friends and family and is a reliable, protective and strong companion. [16], After the fight, Holmes and Cooney became close friends. But since those ugly days, Holmes and Cooney have routinely traveled together to memorabilia shows and, most recently, events celebrating their historic fight. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Tyson dropped Holmes in the fourth round with an overhand right. The Holmes-Cooney bout was must-see, but it wasnt the first heavyweight championship fight where many fans chose sides not necessarily based on boxing. On November 9, 1984, after a year out of the ring, Holmes made his first defense of the IBF title, stopping James "Bonecrusher" Smith on a cut in the twelfth round. Former heavyweight champion Larry Holmes recently decided to have a cookout on his estate near his hometown of Easton, Pennsylvania. Holmes held the Ring magazine and lineal heavyweight titles from 1980 to 1985[2] and the inaugural IBF heavyweight title from 1983 to 1985. At the end of the tenth round, Ali's trainer stepped in to stop the fight as Holmes was inflicting major blows on Ali, handing Ali the only stoppage defeat of his career. Holmes said that if Cooney wasn't white, he would not be getting the same purse as the champion (both boxers received $10 million for the bout). Spinks, meanwhile, was looking to join Bob Fitzsimmons as the only other boxer at the time to win titles at both light heavyweight and heavyweight. Holmes dominated Ali, who had come out of retirement, winning every round on every scorecard. Holmes, early in his career, was amongst a group of extraordinary fighters. In the mid-1970s he was a sparring partner for both competing heavyweight champions, Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. The 70-year-old Holmes, who has a reported net worth of$18 million, has seen recent headlines about former foes, including Mike Tyson making a return to the ring. Don King. Despite his no longer being recognized by the WBC as champion, Holmes was still regarded as the lineal champion as well as being recognized as world champion by The Ring. After the fight, Holmes again retired. I beat him up. He won 19 of his 22 fights and several titles before turning professional at age of 24 years old. Being born on 3 November 1949, Larry Holmes is 73 years old as of todays date 5th March 2023. After this, he defeated Ken Norton in a fifteen round decision in a prestigious contest. He retired in 2002 with a 69-6 record. Almost two years after retiring, Larry Holmes was lured back into the ring with a chance to reclaim the title belts. In his twenty-first bout, he boxed Nick Wells in the semifinals of the 1972 National Olympic Trials in Fort Worth, Texas. Ali blamed his poor performance on thyroid medication which he had been taking, saying that it helped him lose weight (he weighed 217, his lowest weight since he fought George Foreman in 1974), but it also left him drained for the fight. Boxing tradition dictates that the champion be introduced last, but the challenger, Cooney, was introduced last. [25] After the fight, a bitter Holmes said, "Rocky Marciano couldn't carry my jockstrap. On 3-11-1949 Larry Holmes (nickname: The Easton Assassin) was born in Cuthbert, Georgia. On May 20, 1983, Holmes defended his title against Tim Witherspoon, the future WBC and WBA Heavyweight Champion. When was Misty Copeland married? I remember working with Joe as a sparring partner and he broke my ribs. Larry holds an American while he belongs to Afro-American ethnical background. A victory for Holmes would have tied Rocky Marciano's mark of 49 consecutive wins without a loss. Below we countdown to Larry Holmes upcoming birthday. Wells, a southpaw known for unprecedently high knockout-to-win percentage for an amateur boxer, with a majority of knockouts coming in the first round, stopped Holmes in the first round. On June 11, 1982, Holmes defended his title against Gerry Cooney, the undefeated #1 contender and an Irish-American. Each stoked the flames with comments of their own. 1 contender. Instead, it was Spinks who made history defeating Holmes by unanimous decision to become the first-ever reigning light heavyweight champion to win the heavyweight title. He has been a controversial figure, partly due to a manslaughter conviction and civil cases against him, as well as allegations of dishonest business practices by numerous boxers. His final fight was against the 334lb, Eric Butterbean Esch. Hate, hostility, anger and doubt. If the paycheck was right, Butterbean was always ready to cash in. Showing results for . I fought Mike Tyson and I lost. [1] Rocky III debuted a month before the fight. Even after cutting the purses dramatically, they still couldn't come up with enough financial backing to stage the fight. Two of the judges had him losing by one point, while the other judge had him losing by three points.[33]. [32], On April 8, 1995, he fought Oliver McCall for the WBC title. In the thirteenth, a barrage of punches sent Cooney down. He took the help of Butler who once fought professionally. Holmes later said that Cooney "hit me so damned hard, I felt itboomin my bones. So would Ali, Joe Frazier, Norton and George Foreman. Although emotions are very important for Scorpio, they manifest them differently than other water signs. He got up and danced out of range, landing several stiff jabs in the process. In 1978 he won world boxing council heavyweight crown, which he defended several times subsequently. Larry Holmes married his wife, Diane Holmes in the year 1979 at a private wedding. Holmes was promised $13 million and Coetzee was promised $8 million. "[16] Cooney was tiring by the ninth, a round in which he had two points deducted for low blows. One thing is certainHolmes established his legacy long ago as one of the greatest heavyweights ever, and nothing will ever change that. If you dont work, you dont get paid, he told me. After five straight wins, he fought Ray Mercer, the undefeated 1988 Olympic Gold Medalist, on February 7, 1992. To be called great, you need to be compared to some truly great fighters, and he hasnt got that far yet., And Fury? [8], After compiling an amateur record of 193, Holmes turned professional on March 21, 1973, winning a four-round decision against Rodell Dupree. He was most impressive in his previous bout, a first-round stoppage of former champion Ken Norton. On September 21, 1985, Holmes took on Michael Spinks, who was the undisputed light heavyweight champion. And they tried to knock me down. Source: ringsidereport.com 'ali is 38 years old,' holmes said. Holmes, a street fighter in his youth, entered organized boxing at a youth centre in Easton, Pennsylvania. The family survived on welfare. Some people didnt want a Black man to continue as heavyweight champion, Holmes said. [38], Holmes invested the money he earned from boxing and settled in his hometown of Easton. Its the money.. [43][44] As of 2019, Holmes is living in Palmer Township, Pennsylvania, near Easton. Larry Holmes is considered by most to be one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. Side to side, switch hitting, says Holmes, starting to throw out the jab, then the right hand.Look, Im happy with all the gifts I was given, I cant complain. Larry Holmes was born in the Year of the Ox. Thanks for watching! Holmes retired after the loss, his first in 49 bouts, which kept him from matching Rocky Marcianos career record of 490. Are there any death rumors? Larry Holmess zodiac sign is Scorpio. Somehow, two of the three judges would have had Cooney ahead after the 12th round if not for three point deductions against Cooney for low blows. Leander Holmes, Pearl Holmes, Charles Holmes, Jacob Holmes, Perry Holmes, Antoinette Holmes, Floyd Z. Fede Holmes, John Henry Holmes, Jr, Robert Holmes, Redell Hurst, Mark Holmes, Kandy Holmes, Larry Holmes Jr, Belinda Holmes, Misty Holmes, Lisa Holmes. The 10th round was the most action-packed as each fighter exchanged blows. In 1973 he decided to turn professional. I was walking around holding my ribs. He might have it. The referee warned Holmes twice in the second round for holding. Just before the referee appeared ready to stop the action, Cooneys trainer threw in the towel with seconds left in the round. Don is Don. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. Holmes had to follow Ali, and that was a hard act to follow.. Larry Holmes (born November 3, 1949) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1973 to 2002 and was world heavyweight champion from 1978 until 1985. Maybe you know about Larry Holmes very well But do you know how old and tall is he, and what is his net worth in 2023? Bio, Age, Net Worth 2023, Allegations, What is Erica Hernandez Net Worth 2023? His first significant achievement was defeating the hard-punching Ernie Shavers in March 1978. Whod ever thought Larry Holmes and Gerry Cooney would be at a cookout talking [smack] with each other now?. On October 2, 1980, Holmes faced the celebrated Ali, who at age 38 was mounting a comeback. Your search - larry holmes is he still alive - did not match any items. He counted Ali as a good friend, and this fight, occurring after Alis prime, put Holmes in the position of having to beat, in fact pummel, his mentor. You dont go out like that, you go out standing on your feet, recalls Holmes of that night in 1980 when he peppered and dismantled Ali, stopping him in the 10th round. Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and the rest will be added. Cooney managed to get to his feet and survived the round. From 1978 to 1983, he held the WBC heavyweight title and, To date, Larry won his first 48 professional bouts, including victories over. Cooney rose to become the No. [16] Cooney lost another point because of low blows in the eleventh. I always liked Gerry. Tears appeared in Holmes' eyes during a post-fight interview. Doing very well, he decided to turn professional when he was 24. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. 10 Larry Holmes Greatest Knockouts Please support my channel. Larry Holmes, a fierce boxer who nurtured his childhood penchant for a street fight into a lucrative career spanning more than two decades. Round robin? He later drove a dump truck and worked in a Lehigh Valley quarry. Holmes' left jab is often rated among the best in heavyweight boxing history. His income came primarily came from his boxing career. Still, in later years, he has invested in various business ventures like restaurants, night clubs, and office space where he has employed more than 200 people. Bey had beaten former champ Buster Douglas and respected fighter Greg . How many Siblings Does Larry Holmes have? It had nothing to do with the two fighters, explains Holmes. [35], Holmes's next two fights were rematches with old foes. Im not going to knock him, and say hes a bad fighter. The judges scored the fight: Judge Joe Cortez 144141 (Holmes), Judge Frank Brunette 141144 (Spinks) and Judge Jerry Roth 142144 (Spinks. In the 13th round, Holmes nailed Cooney with a series of rights. The selection committee of the National Olympic authorities chose him to fight at the Olympic Box-offs in West Point, New York. Abhorrence and greed is what the system of white superiority stands for. Foreman called off the fight several weeks before it was to take place because the promoter failed to meet the deadline for paying him the remaining $9 million of his $10 million purse. Different to today. We expected it to be a good fight because Holmes was being recognized for being so good, said longtime sportswriter and former HBO commentator Larry Merchant. Larry is alive and kicking and is currently 72 years old. But Don King wanted to sell everything, hed sell the hair off your head, laughs Holmes. Holmes dominated the first six rounds, but in the seventh, Shavers sent Holmes down with a devastating overhand right. [citation needed] Holmes currently co-hosts a talk show entitled What The Heck Were They Thinking? 92.42.140.251 Who is the Current Spouse of Betty White? The fight between Holmes and Ken Norton was a tough, competitive fight. So I worked.. Cooney wanted to kick my ass right then and there.. Corrections? Same thing. Holmes pulled off the upset and won by a 12-round unanimous decision. This is a white and Black fight, King said to the media. Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S. Casino Magic, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, U.S. Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S. Watres Armory, Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S. Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. Roberto Clemente Coliseum, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Holmes proved beyond belief that he was a remarkable fighter, King said. The two left animosity in the ring after the fight and became friends. Holmes and former fighter and friend Gerry Cooney have discussed the possibility of a playful charitable exhibition, but with the pandemic have put those thoughts on the back burner. Its the way its supposed to be. In fact, both men despised the way it was billed, and Holmes who stopped Cooney in the 13th round in Las Vegas had armed police securing his safety. And when I was beating them up, I was sad about it. Each fighter made a record-setting purse at that time of $10 million, when the challenger often made less than the champ. The great Larry Holmes regrets coming out of retirement to face Mike Tyson, remains thankful for his four years learning from Muhammad Ali as his sparring partner, believes Anthony Joshua. Holmes is the only fighter to have stopped Muhammad Ali and the only man still alive to have beaten Ali. In June 1978, he defeated Ken Norton in Las Vegas in a title fight. Holmes lost by a close 12-round unanimous decision. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Larry-Holmes, International Boxing Hall of Fame - Biography of Larry Holmes, Pennsylvania Center for the Book - Biography of Larry Holmes, The New Georgia Encyclopedia - Biography of Larry Holmes, Larry Holmes - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). [15], The bout was held in a 32,000-seat stadium erected in a Caesar's Palace Parking lot, with millions more watching around the world. Larry holmes is a retired american boxer who has a net worth of $18 million dollars.larry holmes net worth. But I was holding my own sparring those guys", Holmes said. Cooney and Holmes ran into each other eight months later in Las Vegas. On December 11, 1983, the newly formed International Boxing Federation extended recognition to Holmes, and he accepted. "I thought, 'hey, these guys are the best, the champs. That was Cooneys last gasp as Holmes dominated the rest of the way. When asked why he was crying, he said that he respected Ali "a whole lot" and "he fought one of the baddest heavyweights in the world today, and you cannot take credit from him. Larry Holmes stands at a height of 6 feet 3 inches tall. In 1954 the family moved to Easton, Pennsylvania. In his next fight, two months later, Holmes knocked out former Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion Leon Spinks in three rounds. Half of my family is white., The Telegraph values your comments but kindly requests all posts are on topic, constructive and respectful. We were physically different. When he retired from boxing, Holmes employed more than 200 people through his various business holdings. I had the pleasure of meeting him, eating his food, running on his grounds and people always ask what was it about Muhammad Ali? and I try my best to explain it but, you know, its unexplainable, because he did so much of everything. Gebruiksvoorwaarden | Privacybeleid | Gepersonaliseerde advertenties | Europese Privacy Regelgeving | Cookiebeleid | Beheer voorkeuren, 2023 ESPN Enterprises, Inc. Alle rechten voorbehouden, Larry Holmes, Gerry Cooney forever connected 40 years after 1982 championship bout that pitted Black against white. As per our current Database, Larry Holmes is still alive (as per Wikipedia, Last update: May 10, 2020). Only problem was the man holding those titles was Mike Tyson. Holmes retired after losing a rematch to Spinks the following year but made repeated comebacks. Holmes had an easy time with Frazier, knocking him out in the first round. "This man might not have had credit before tonight, but you'll give it to him now. In 2016, Holmes guest starred as himself in an episode of Mike Tyson Mysteries, titled "Unsolved Situations". But Holmes had to extend one more invitation. Not even the threat of rain could deter Holmes plans for barbecue, old-school R&B and the gathering of several family members. In the tenth, they traded punches relentlessly. Once I hang up with you, I have to call Gerry [Cooney], Holmes said. Just having the opportunity to work with him and to learn from him and to get paid was a helluva thing.. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You have entered an incorrect email address! His father was a gardener. Holmes, whose nickname was The Easton Assassin, has stayed in Easton all these years. Guy whos big, nice size, strong. I'm just busting your balls. Last Updated: 19th December, 2019 15:28 IST Larry Holmes Cried After Defeating The Legendary Muhammad Ali Back In 1980 Larry Holmes discloses his feelings after defeating his "buddy" Muhammad Ali at 'Last Hurrah' in 1980. I took no pleasure in beating Ali. Holmes is the only fighter still alive who defeated Ali. Mike Tyson is still alive. Weve demonstrated that were nice guys and we get along no matter our backgrounds, Holmes said. After Holmes defeated Ken Norton in June 1978 to claim the WBC heavyweight title and improve his record to 28-0, Holmes took on his former sparring partner and friend two years later for the vacant The Ringandlineal heavyweight titles. Larry Holmes opened his eyes on 3rd November 1949, in Cuthbert, Georgia, in the United States of America. He retired for good later that year and finished with a 69-6 record. He taught me so much, and then he came back to fight me in the ring. It was the only time Holmes was knocked out in his career. We spent time in London together and we had a great time, Cooney said. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2008. Copyright 2022 All Rights Reserved Bio Gossip. Larry Holmes Death Fact Check Larry is alive and kicking and is currently 73 years old. From 1973 to 1978 Holmes won 28 consecutive bouts, culminating in a victorious 15-round decision over reigning champion Ken Norton on June 9, 1978, for the World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight crown. Each time Larry Holmes retired, including the last time in 2002, he returned to his roots in Easton, Pennsylvania. The 70-year-old Holmes, who has a reported net worth of $18 million, has seen recent headlines about former foes, including Mike Tyson making a return to the ring. Larry Holmes has a net worth of around $18 million as of 2022. He agreed to terms to fight Michael Spinks, the undisputed champion at light heavyweight, for his twentieth world title defense. The Easton Assassin as Holmes was known was, indeed, the only opponent to stop Ali, and looking back on a masterful career at the tail end of the golden age of heavyweights, with victories over Ken Norton, Earnie Shavers, Mike Weaver, Cooney, Tim Witherspoon, Carl Williams, Marvis Frazier and others, Holmes explains: There were so many great fights, and we are all tempted to go on for too long, but early on, I learned so much working as Muhammad Alis sparring partner for four, five years. John Iacono/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images, Holmes and Cooney were honored in England, Muhammad Ali and Joe Fraziers first fight. "I borrowed it all from Ali. These 10 Whopping Homes & Cars Of Celebrities Look Amazing! After fourteen rounds, each of the three judges scored the fight dead even at seven rounds each. Once again Spinks won, this time by a controversial split-decision. He is the son of John Holmes (father) and Flossie Holmes (mother). Yet it was Holmes who went on to become a revered heavyweight world champion in a reign from 1978 until 1985, his career record reaching 48-0 before his first defeat by Michael Spinks. Ali is my friend. Larry Holmes is an American former professional boxer who is known for his solid defense in the late 1970s and early 1980s. At the age of 7 years, his parents got separated and he eventually moved with his mother to Easton, Pennsylvania in the year 1954. Larry took me aside and said, Gerry, f these people. View more / View less Facts of Larry Holmes, Is Ben Smith-Petersen Married? Is Castle Star Nathan Fillion Married Now? He recorded victories against many of the boxing greats: Ken Norton, Muhammad Ali, Gerry Cooney, and others.