Larry Holmes began his professional boxing career on March 21, 1973 against Rodell Dupree. He continued to improve, and eventually found himself a job as one of Muhammad Ali’s sparring partner, fighting numerous times on his undercard. He eventually broke is ties with Ali, and after defeating tough Earnie Shavers in March of 1978, earned his first shot at the heavyweight crown vs. Ken Norton on June 9, 1978 in Las Vegas. Larry won a close 15 round decision, and had his hand raised as the WBC champion of the world.
With each successive victory, Holmes showcased his tremendous left jab and boxing skills and slowly gained credibility. But his TKO win in a second bout with Shavers on September 28, 1979 really proved his metal. Larry got up after being clocked with thunderous right hand, and battled back to stop Earnie 4 rounds later.
The problem was in the spring of 1980 Muhammad Ali starting talking comeback, and set his sights on Larry. The self admitted ‘Cloud that hung over me’ in Holmes’ own words, could only be removed by defeating the 3 time champ. The October 2nd showdown would be Larry’s opportunity to do just that.
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM AT kensoldtimeboxingchat
