The Neutral Corner

BY MIKE ROSE

It was good to read last week that Larry Holmes will be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in June.

Holmes definitely deserves it.

I was lucky enough to cover Holmes in 1997 when he won a split decision over Maurice Harris in Madison Square Garden’s Theatre. I also wrote a column after that fight saying Holmes should retire for good. I wanted to remember Holmes from his heyday of the 1970s and 80s.

Holmes held the world heavyweight title for nearly seven years (1978-85) and made 20 successful defenses.

But the comments from boxing experts and historians would suggest that despite what he did in the ring, Holmes has never gotten the respect he clearly earned. Two words were common themes in last week’s stories about Holmes - “underrated” and “unappreciated.”

The Associated Press story has Hall of Fame referee Arthur Mercante including Holmes in his top 5 heavyweights of all time. But Mercante also calls Holmes underrated in that same story.

Why?

Well, let’s break it down, examining three key areas:

-- Following a legend. As my colleague Bobby Cassidy wrote in a previous post, Holmes had to follow Muhammad Ali as champion of the heavyweight division. Obviously, Ali is a tough act to follow. Ironically, Holmes was a sparring partner for Ali in the early 1970s. Then Holmes had to fight his mentor in October 1980. He beat the aging Ali decisively, causing Angelo Dundee to throw in the towel after the 10th round. Some people still remember the vivid image of a beaten and battered Ali on his stool in the corner after the 10th round. But give Holmes credit. It was a very emotional fight for him. During the later stages of the fight, Holmes looked over at the referee, almost pleading with him to stop it.

-- The era of no-names. Holmes never had a Joe Frazier. Or a Sonny Liston. Or a George Foreman. When you examine Holmes’ record, which opponent’s name really stands out? Holmes beat the very tough Earnie Shavers twice, once in a WBC eliminator bout in 1978 and then as world heavyweight champion in 1979. Holmes easily beat Shavers in a unanimous decision the first time, but was knocked down in the seventh round the second time before rallying for a TKO win in the 11th. Holmes did beat champion Ken Norton, who gave Ali big trouble in their three fights, by split decision to win the WBC title in 1978. The 15th round of that fight is considered one of the best in heavyweight history. But after that, the list of title-defense opponents reads like a who’s not of contenders - Scott LeDoux, Randall “Tex” Cobb, Lucien Rodriguez and Ossie Ocasio to name a few. In other title defenses, Holmes won a split decision in an unexpectedly tough fight against Tim Witherspoon, and was knocked down by Renaldo Snipes before winning by TKO. Not exactly big-time wins against that kind of competition. The signature win of his championship reign – or at least the most hyped – was his TKO victory over Gerry Cooney in 1982. It’s not his fault, but Holmes simply came along when the heavyweight division wasn’t filled with big names.

-- The Michael Spinks factor. Holmes will always be remembered for losing his heavyweight title to Michael Spinks, the world light heavyweight champion, in September 1985. It was a big upset. Spinks, who would vacate the light heavyweight title after this fight, won a 15-round unanimous decision. Holmes then fought Spinks again in April 1986, this time losing a controversial split decision. (I thought Holmes won the rematch). Unfortunately, people remember what you did last.

When his career is analyzed, I think those factors hurt Holmes in the eyes of some.

But I personally don’t pay attention to any of that. For me, Larry Holmes was a great champion.

I will always remember a dominant Larry Holmes, with a sharp left jab, one of the best in boxing history, and a thunderous overhand right and uppercut.

If ever a fighter needed a moment like this, it's Larry Holmes. This June, Holmes will be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York. He was heavyweight champion from 1978-85 and had one of the best left jabs in boxing history. Yet, when you think back about his career, what do you remember?

That Michael Spinks became the first light heavyweight champion to upset the heavyweight king at the expense of Holmes?

That endearing quote, "Rocky Marciano couldn't carry my jockstrap?

Or, Holmes pummeling an aged Muhammad Ali?

Maybe it's all of the above. Holmes had the misfortune of following Ali as heavyweight champion. Even if you are good, it's difficult replacing a legend. Ask Tino Martinez and let's ask Joe Girardi the same question in October.

The problem was, Holmes tried too hard to be liked. And when it became clear that he wasn't going to be embraced in the same manner as Ali, he began to resent it. Every slight -- real or imagined -- became a tremendous issue. Usually, the coverage that followed was not flattering.

Remember the classic Ali interview with Howard Cosell when Howard asks, "You seem truculent today champ?" Ali answer goes something like this, "Whatever truculent means, if that's good, I'm that."

Holmes was good, and at times, truculent. But few are as deserving as Holmes for induction into the Hall of Fame. He won the title from Ken Norton and heading into the final round the score was even. Two of three judges voted for Holmes and one of the greatest reigns in heavyweight history was underway. It's just too bad he didn't always seem to enjoy the ride.

Larry, in June you'll be driven through the streets of Canastota for the Hall of Fame's wonderful parade. Please, finally, enjoy the ride.

To read more about Holmes and the Hall of Fame, visit the hall's web site, ibhof.com.