Larry Holmes

Larry Holmes is a renowned American former professional boxer, whose career spanned from 1973 to 2002. Hailing from Easton, Pennsylvania, he earned the moniker "The Easton Assassin" due to his exceptional skills in the ring, particularly his legendary left jab, which is often regarded as one of the finest in boxing history.

Holmes held the WBC heavyweight championship from 1978 to 1983 and claimed the lineal heavyweight and The Ring magazine titles from 1980 to 1985. He was also the inaugural IBF heavyweight champion from 1983 to 1985. During his reign, he successfully defended his title 19 times, second only to Joe Louis, and established a record for the longest heavyweight title streak in modern boxing. Notably, he is one of only five boxers to have defeated the legendary Muhammad Ali, and he remains the only one to have stopped him.

With an impressive start to his career, Holmes won his first 48 fights, which included victories over notable opponents like Ken Norton, Ali, and Gerry Cooney. His only defeat before retirement came in a controversial bout against Michael Spinks in 1985, where he fell just short of matching Rocky Marciano's undefeated record. Following his retirement, he attempted comebacks but faced setbacks against prominent fighters like Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield.

Off the ring, Holmes has successfully ventured into business, employing over 200 people in his hometown. By 2008, his enterprises included restaurants, a nightclub, and a training facility. He is also a co-host on the talk show "What The Heck Were They Thinking?" Holmes is frequently celebrated as one of the greatest heavyweights in boxing history and is a proud member of both the International Boxing Hall of Fame and the World Boxing Hall of Fame.