Muhammad Ali, Larry Holmes, and Joe Frazier are undoubtedly some of the biggest names in boxing history. Way past their prime, all three of them sat down together for an interview where they talked about the new blood of that time, Mike Tyson. Before that interview, Holmes fought Tyson in 1988 and lost the fight via KO. The host took the opportunity to ask Holmes about Tyson’s achievements.
Holmes, who lost to Tyson, was not really impressed by the fighter and said, “Who? Everybody in this room here would have been able to beat Mike Tyson. Mike Tyson was born right. You would have never heard of him.”
However, Frazier who was sitting right next to and listening to all this had other ideas regarding ‘Iron Mike’. Frazier revealed that Tyson is similar to every other great boxer and has a motive. The legend named Tyson a ‘marksman’ for efficiently using his punches every time.
“I think that the young man has something that you know we all had ourselves. This idea that he’s there and he’s doing his job,” said Frazier. “He’s sacrificed and you know, he’s a marksman. Look at this young man, when he’s throwing punches. He don’t throw a punch for the heck of it, there’s a cause and reason and belief in that he’s right on target.”
It seemed like Holmes was not totally over the fact that he lost to Tyson in a fight. He was not in a position to acknowledge his ability and skill set of Tyson.
Larry Holmes talks about getting hit by Mike Tyson and losing the fight
When both Larry Holmes and Mike Tyson grew old, their relationship got way better and Holmes started respecting Tyson. In 2014, Tyson and Holmes sat down together for an interview where both the legends gave insights about their fight. Holmes explained how his fighting style was to avoid getting hit; however, Tyson was the only one to hit him hard and knock him out.
He said: “The only time I got stopped is when Mike Tyson hit me…my style of boxing is to move here and move there and don’t get it. But Mike was only one who hit me and he knocked me down. I got up, I thought I slipped, I got up he hit me again. Knocked me down, I got up again I thought,’S*** Imma get him now.’ My arm got caught in the rope and you know what I said, ‘Ah s***’.”
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Tyson was right there with Holmes and both shared a laugh while talking about it. It is safe to say that both reached a position where they can gladly commend each other’s legacy.
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