Larry Holmes Didn’t Hesitate When Asked If Prime Mike Tyson Would Beat Prime Joe Frazier

Larry Holmes once predicted what he believes would have happened in a fantasy fight between Mike Tyson and Joe Frazier.

Also known as ‘The Easton Assassin’, Holmes wrote his name into boxing folklore as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, reigning as the world champion between 1978 and 1985.

After defeating Ken Norton to capture the WBC title in ’78, Holmes would go on to make 20 consecutive defences of his crown, beating a number of boxing’s greatest heavyweights along the way including Muhammad Ali, Earnie Shavers and Leon Spinks.

Holmes’ reign came to an end when he was beaten by Michael Spinks in 1985 and 1986, followed by another defeat to Mike Tyson in 1988.

Speaking to Sky Sports Boxing, Holmes was asked if he believed ‘Iron’ Mike would have been competitive during that golden era of heavyweights, which included the late-great Smokin’ Joe Frazier.

“I ain’t knocking Mike Tyson, no [he wouldn’t survive in that era]. Joe Frazier would beat him up at his own style. Joe liked guys like that.”

Frazier was a relentless pressure fighter with a devastating left hook who became the first man to defeat Muhammad Ali, cementing his place in the heavyweight history books. His unwavering determination and ferocious style made him an iconic figure in boxing’s golden era. He retired with a record of 32 wins from 37 fights four years before young Tyson made his debut.

After almost two decades out of the ring, ‘Iron’ Mike made a controversial return to the sport to face YouTube sensation turned professional fighter Jake Paul last November, suffering a unanimous decision loss against the 27-year-old from Cleveland, Ohio at the AT&T Stadium in Texas.