Larry Holmes fought Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson but named another heavyweight as the best he faced

Larry Holmes suffered only one stoppage defeat during his illustrious career, succumbing to the astounding power of Mike Tyson in 1988. Yet, ‘The Easton Assassin’ maintains that Tyson was not the fighter who provided him with his toughest fight.

Holmes’ legendary seven-year run as the heavyweight ruler remains as one of the most prestigious reigns in boxing history, reaching 48-0 as a professional and registering 20 successful title defences during that time.

However, consecutive losses to Michael Spinks cost Holmes his title, leading to his retirement in 1986, before a comeback against Mike Tyson two years later resulted in a fabled beatdown; where ‘Iron Mike’ famously avenged the defeat of his idol, Muhammad Ali, by halting Holmes.

Although, whilst that bout is still considered as one of the hardest to watch for fans of the heavyweight division, Holmes told TMZ that he believes his split decision victory over Ken Norton, when he first got his hands on the WBC title in 1978, was the toughest fight of his career.

“Norton [was the best I faced]. My toughest fight was Kenny Norton.

I fought Tyson when I was kind of over the hill a little bit. I had retired then come back and fought Mike Tyson, and I wasn’t really in shape for it, but you know what, I did what I did at that time. But, if I had to do it all over again, I would have taken more time and done it right.”

Holmes continued to fight for a further 14 years following his damning defeat to Tyson, twice challenging for the heavyweight crown before hanging up the gloves with a record of 69-6 in 2002.