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LH
Boxing Biography

Larry Holmes

“Easton Assassin/Holmes”

American · Cuthbert, Georgia · Born 1 January 1949

Professional Boxer
63
professional record
44
knockouts
44
career knockouts

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48-0 as champion — the most underrated dominant heavyweight of modern boxing.

Larry Holmes was born in Cuthbert, Georgia in 1949. He was Muhammad Ali's sparring partner before winning the WBC heavyweight title from Ken Norton in 1978 in one of the sport's most dramatic fights — scoring a knockdown in the final round to earn a split decision. He defended the title 20 times — one fewer than Joe Louis's record — before losing to Michael Spinks in 1985. He had a record of 48-0 as champion. He is widely regarded as one of the most underrated heavyweight champions in boxing history — overshadowed by his position between the Ali and Tyson eras despite a reign of exceptional quality.

Famous For

WBC Heavyweight Champion, 20 consecutive title defenses

Playing Style

How They Played

Technical boxer with powerful left jab

Legacy

Lasting Impact

One of greatest heavyweight champions, exceptional jab

Best Known For

World Heavyweight Champion 1978-1985 (WBC)

Honours & Achievements

Career Honours

  • World Heavyweight Champion 1978-1985 (WBC)
  • IBF Champion 1983
  • Unbeaten 48 fights as champion
Career Journey

Timeline

1973 📌 Professional boxing debut
1978 🏆 Won WBC Heavyweight Championship vs Ken Norton
1980 🎯 Defeated Muhammad Ali at Caesars Palace
1981 🎯 Stopped Gerry Cooney in 13 rounds
1983 🏆 Won IBF Heavyweight Championship
1985 🎯 Lost championship to Michael Spinks
1988 🎯 Failed comeback attempt vs Mike Tyson
2002 📌 Final retirement from professional boxing
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

5 common questions about Larry Holmes

Larry Holmes's professional record is 63.

Larry Holmes won 44 fights by knockout in his professional career.

Larry Holmes was born in 1949 in Cuthbert.

Larry Holmes is American.

Larry Holmes played as a Professional Boxer.

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Career Timeline — Larry Holmes
1973
Professional boxing debut
1978
Won WBC Heavyweight Championship vs Ken Norton
1980
Defeated Muhammad Ali at Caesars Palace
1981
Stopped Gerry Cooney in 13 rounds
1983
Won IBF Heavyweight Championship
1985
Lost championship to Michael Spinks
1988
Failed comeback attempt vs Mike Tyson
2002
Final retirement from professional boxing
—
World Heavyweight Champion 1978-1985 (WBC)
—
IBF Champion 1983
—
Unbeaten 48 fights as champion