Larry Holmes Says ‘Everybody Knew’ One Heavyweight Legend Was ‘The Biggest Fraud In Boxing’

Larry Holmes is down in the history books as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, but doesn’t believe that one rival should be held in such high regard.

Holmes ruled the heavyweight division from 1978 until 1985, making a record 16 defences of his WBC belt. During his illustrious career he fought the likes of Muhammad Ali, Ken Norton, Earnie Shavers and Mike Tyson.

One man he didn’t face, even though he claimed a deal had been reached, was George Foreman.

Foreman first became champion in 1973 when he knocked out Joe Frazier inside two rounds. After losing the belt to Ali in ‘The Rumble in the Jungle’, ‘Big’ George made an incredible comeback 10 years later, ultimately defeating Michael Moorer and becoming the oldest heavyweight champion in history, a record that still stands today.

However, on that victory, Holmes believes Foreman’s achievement was down to nothing more than a lucky punch.

“George Foreman knocked Michael Moorer out, but a blind squirrel finds an acorn every now and then.

“That’s what Foreman found, an acorn. All night long he was eating right hands. His face was swollen up, he was taking punches all night and he was getting beat up. He got lucky.”

Holmes also claimed that ‘Big’ George couldn’t fight and branded him ‘the biggest fraud in the sport.’

“Everybody know that George Foreman can’t fight, everybody know that Tommy Morrison kicked his butt, everybody know that Shannon Briggs kicked his butt, everybody knew that he wouldn’t fight me. George Foreman is the biggest phoney ever.”

Regardless of the bad blood from Holmes’ side, both men are in the Hall of Fame for good reason.