In the eyes of millions, Muhammad Ali is the greatest fighter in boxing history.
The legacy of ‘The Greatest’ is undeniable, having held the undisputed heavyweight championship between 1974 and 1978, losing on just a handful of occasions during an incredible career that spanned over 20 years.
One fighter who got the better of Ali was Larry Holmes, who once made a shock claim that he actually copied the unique style of ‘The Greatest’.
Known as ‘The Easton Assassin’, the 75-year-old held the world heavyweight championship for seven years during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Speaking to Sky Sports Boxing, Holmes revealed how he ‘idolised’ the style of Ali which lead to him replicating it throughout his own career, but doing it ‘better’.
“They said my legs was too small, I couldn’t punch I was just a copy of Muhammad Ali. It’s because I idolised the guy, he boxed, he hit, he jabbed and moved around.
I idolised that, I liked his style. Just because I copied I wouldn’t say I was pretty or nothing but I copied some of his style, his jabs and movements and I bettered it.”
Holmes fought Ali in October 1980, stopping ‘The Greatest’ in the tenth round of their bout. Many felt the fight should not have gone ahead, after concerns over the health of Ali were made public in the lead-up to it.
He fought just once more before walking away from the sport, falling short to Trevor Berbick in a unanimous decision defeat. ‘The Greatest’ passed away in 2016 after a long and brave battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
