Career Timeline of Larry Holmes: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Larry Holmes made an impact.

Larry Holmes, an American former professional boxer, reigned as the world heavyweight champion from 1978 to 1985. Widely regarded as one of boxing's all-time heavyweight greats, Holmes boxed professionally from 1973 to 2002. Known as "the Easton Assassin" due to his upbringing in Easton, Pennsylvania, he distinguished himself with his jab and overall boxing skills, securing a prominent place in boxing history.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1972: National Olympic Trials

In 1972, Larry Holmes participated in the National Olympic Trials, where he was stopped by Nick Wells in the semifinals and later disqualified for excessive holding in a match against Duane Bobick during the Olympic box-offs in West Point, New York.

March 21, 1973: Professional Debut

On March 21, 1973, Larry Holmes made his professional boxing debut, winning against Rodell Dupree.

1973: Turned Professional

In 1973, Larry Holmes began his professional boxing career, which would last until 2002.

March 1978: Upset Victory Over Earnie Shavers

In March 1978, Larry Holmes gained credibility by defeating Earnie Shavers in a unanimous decision.

June 9, 1978: Title Shot Against Ken Norton

On June 9, 1978, Larry Holmes had a title shot against WBC Heavyweight Champion Ken Norton in Las Vegas.

1978: World Heavyweight Champion

In 1978, Larry Holmes became the world heavyweight champion.

1978: Victory for WBC Championship

In 1978, Larry Holmes defeated Ken Norton to win the WBC championship.

June 22, 1979: Title Defense Against Mike Weaver

On June 22, 1979, Larry Holmes defended his title against Mike Weaver, winning by a TKO in the twelfth round.

September 28, 1979: Rematch with Earnie Shavers

On September 28, 1979, Larry Holmes had a rematch with Earnie Shavers, winning by TKO in the eleventh round after recovering from a knockdown.

October 2, 1980: Victory Over Muhammad Ali

On October 2, 1980, Larry Holmes defended his title against Muhammad Ali, winning by TKO in the tenth round and earning recognition as World Heavyweight Champion by The Ring.

1980: Ring Magazine and Lineal Heavyweight Titles

In 1980, Larry Holmes held the Ring magazine and lineal heavyweight titles until 1985.

April 11, 1981: Title Defense Against Trevor Berbick

On April 11, 1981, Larry Holmes successfully defended his title against Trevor Berbick by going the distance in a decision win.

November 6, 1981: Victory Over Renaldo Snipes

On November 6, 1981, Larry Holmes defeated Renaldo Snipes by TKO in the eleventh round.

June 11, 1982: Title Defense Against Gerry Cooney

On June 11, 1982, Larry Holmes defended his title against Gerry Cooney in a fight with racial overtones.

May 20, 1983: Title Defense Against Tim Witherspoon

On May 20, 1983, Larry Holmes defended his title against Tim Witherspoon, retaining it by a disputed split decision.

September 10, 1983: WBC Title Defense Against Scott Frank

On September 10, 1983, Larry Holmes successfully defended the WBC title for the sixteenth time against Scott Frank.

November 25, 1983: WBC Refusal to Sanction Fight Against Marvis Frazier

On November 25, 1983, the WBC refused to sanction Larry Holmes's fight against Marvis Frazier, ordering him to fight Greg Page instead.

December 11, 1983: Recognition by IBF

On December 11, 1983, Larry Holmes received recognition from the newly formed International Boxing Federation (IBF).

1983: Held WBC Heavyweight Title

Larry Holmes held the WBC Heavyweight Title from 1978 to 1983.

June 15, 1984: Cancelled Unification Fight

On June 15, 1984, the scheduled title unification fight between Larry Holmes and Gerrie Coetzee was canceled due to financial issues.

November 9, 1984: First Defense of IBF Title

On November 9, 1984, Larry Holmes made his first defense of the IBF title, stopping James "Bonecrusher" Smith.

September 21, 1985: Fight Against Michael Spinks

On September 21, 1985, Larry Holmes fought Michael Spinks for his twentieth world title defense.

1985: Loss to Michael Spinks

In 1985, Larry Holmes lost to Michael Spinks, ending his streak of 48 professional wins.

1985: Title Defense Against David Bey

In 1985, Larry Holmes stopped David Bey in ten rounds for his 19th title defense.

1985: End of Championship Reign

In 1985, Larry Holmes's reign as world heavyweight champion came to an end.

1985: Ring Magazine and Lineal Heavyweight Titles End

In 1985, Larry Holmes's reign with the Ring magazine and lineal heavyweight titles ended.

April 19, 1986: Rematch with Michael Spinks

On April 19, 1986, Larry Holmes had a rematch with Michael Spinks, losing by a disputed split decision.

November 6, 1986: Retirement Announcement

On November 6, 1986, Larry Holmes announced his retirement from boxing.

January 22, 1988: Comeback Fight Against Mike Tyson

On January 22, 1988, Larry Holmes came out of retirement to fight Mike Tyson, suffering his only knockout loss.

1988: Comeback Fight Against Mike Tyson

In 1988, Larry Holmes made a comeback attempt, fighting against Mike Tyson.

1991: Return to the Ring

In 1991, Larry Holmes returned to boxing, fighting regularly on USA Tuesday Night Fights.

February 7, 1992: Upset Victory Over Ray Mercer

On February 7, 1992, Larry Holmes defeated Ray Mercer by a unanimous decision.

June 19, 1992: Fight Against Evander Holyfield

On June 19, 1992, Larry Holmes fought Evander Holyfield for the Undisputed World Heavyweight Championship, losing by a unanimous decision.

1992: Comeback Fight Against Evander Holyfield

In 1992, Larry Holmes made a comeback attempt, fighting against Evander Holyfield.

April 8, 1995: Loss to Oliver McCall

On April 8, 1995, Larry Holmes fought Oliver McCall for the WBC title but lost by a close 12-round unanimous decision. Two judges scored the fight with Holmes losing by one point, and the other had him losing by three points.

1995: Comeback Fight Against Oliver McCall

In 1995, Larry Holmes made a comeback attempt, fighting against Oliver McCall.

June 1996: Holmes considers retirement

In June 1996, after knocking out Anthony Willis, Larry Holmes announced that unless he received a shot at the title, the fight against Willis was likely to be his last.

January 24, 1997: IBO Championship Fight

On January 24, 1997, Larry Holmes fought undefeated International Boxing Organization champion Brian Nielsen in Copenhagen, but Nielsen won by a 12-round split decision to retain the title.

1997: Comeback Fight Against Brian Nielsen

In 1997, Larry Holmes made a comeback attempt, fighting against Brian Nielsen.

January 23, 1999: Fight with George Foreman called off

On January 23, 1999, a scheduled fight between Larry Holmes and George Foreman at the Astrodome in Houston was called off by Foreman because the promoter failed to meet the deadline for paying him the remaining $9 million of his purse.

June 18, 1999: Rematch with Bonecrusher Smith

On June 18, 1999, Larry Holmes stopped "Bonecrusher" Smith in eight rounds in a rematch.

November 17, 2000: Rematch with Mike Weaver

On November 17, 2000, Larry Holmes stopped Mike Weaver in six rounds in a rematch.

July 27, 2002: Final Fight

On July 27, 2002, Larry Holmes's final fight took place in Norfolk, Virginia, where he defeated Eric "Butterbean" Esch in a 10-round unanimous decision.