Holmes Discusses Legacy of Ali and Tyson in Revealing Interview

March 20, 2025 – LOS ANGELES, CA – Former heavyweight boxing champion Larry Holmes opened up about his experiences facing two of the sport’s greatest legends, Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson, in a recent interview with Sky Sports Boxing. Holmes, known as ‘The Easton Assassin,’ held the heavyweight title from 1978 to 1985 and has a unique perspective having fought both men during pivotal moments in their careers.

In October 1980, Holmes squared off against Ali, emerging victorious with a tenth-round stoppage in what was one of Ali’s last fights before his retirement. Eight years later, Holmes faced Tyson in Atlantic City, where Tyson knocked him out in the fourth round during his historic rise in boxing.

When asked to evaluate the two boxers, Holmes did not shy away from comparing their skills. He expressed his belief that Ali would have easily managed Tyson in a hypothetical matchup. ‘I ain’t knocking Mike Tyson. No [he couldn’t survive in that era]. Ali? He’d slap him all day with the jab,’ Holmes stated emphatically.

Holmes elaborated on the different styles of the fighters, noting that Ali’s agility and technical prowess offered a significant challenge. ‘Ali was at his best in the late 60s and early 70s. He was a slick mover and would have utilized his jab to keep Tyson at bay,’ Holmes explained.

Mike Tyson, known as ‘Iron Mike,’ rose to prominence in the early 1980s, becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in history after defeating Trevor Berbick in 1986. While both fighters are celebrated as some of the greatest to ever step into the ring, they were unable to face off due to the era they fought in.

Holmes’ insights are particularly valuable given his experience against both athletes. His opinions are supported by their distinctive legacies: Ali as the first three-time world heavyweight champion and Tyson as a ferocious power puncher.

Roy Jones Jr., another boxing great, also weighed in on the hypothetical matchup. ‘Muhammad Ali. If it wasn’t for Muhammad Ali, there would be no Roy Jones Jr. He will always be the greatest in my book,’ Jones remarked, further emphasizing Ali’s influence in the sport.

As boxing enthusiasts speculate on potential matchups and rivalries, Holmes’ firsthand experiences provide a rare glimpse into the qualities that defined both Ali and Tyson. With numerous young champions emerging in the sport today, the debate about who is the best heavyweight of all time continues to be a captivating topic, underscoring the lasting impact of these boxing legends.