Professional record: 69-6-0
Lineal Heavyweight Title
WBC Heavyweight Title
IBF Heavyweight title
25 World Title fights won 20
19 Title Defenses
16 Fights against Champions won 11
Beat 9 Champions
Beat 2 Hall of Famers
5 Fights against Hall of Famers
He fought many capable opponents like Ernie Shavers, Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Ken Norton, Trevor Berbick, Muhammad Ali and Michael Spinks. Pretty much all of his losses came out of his prime for example when he lost to Tyson in 1988 he was 38 while Tyson was 21 at his best. Later in his life Tyson admitted that if that was a prime Holmes he would lose, but I am not under grading Tyson or anything Holmes had respect for Tyson as well. He suffered his first defeat in 1986 against Michael Spinks, he was 48-0 and was close to breaking the record of the undefeated Champion Rocky Marciano with a record of 49-0.
One more thing about Holmes is that he had arguably the greatest left jab in Heavyweight history. Also was a master technician and craftsman. It's also worth to note that he had a great heart, I've seen him get knocked down by Shavers by the most ferocious uppercut I've ever see and still get up and win the fight.
He is probably hated because he beat what was left from Muhammad Ali since Ali showed signs of Parkison in that fight sadly. But that is no reason to underrate him since he was the best of his era and dominated every Heavyweight he fought in his prime.
Final thoughts: Just like I've said above, I believe he should be mentioned more when talking about Great Heavyweights. Hating on him because he beat an old Ali is just plain stupid, just for the record after the Ali fight Holmes cried. You have to give this man the respect he deserves for his achievements and performance in the ring. He was also one of the most committed people in the sport fighting till his 50's.
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