Former heavyweight boxing champion Larry Holmes has made a bold assertion, claiming that British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua would have emerged victorious in a bout against the legendary Mike Tyson during his prime.
Recalling Mike Tyson’s victory over Larry Holmes on January 22, 1988, after Tyson held the heavyweight title from 1978 to 1985, Holmes, who himself had a stellar boxing career, believes that Joshua possesses the skills and ability to defeat Tyson.
Larry Holmes, a respected figure in the boxing world, achieved remarkable success in his career. He recorded 50 wins, 6 draws, and only two defeats, with 44 of his victories coming by way of knockout. His achievements earned him a place in both the International and World Boxing Halls of Fame.
Holmes, having faced Mike Tyson in the ring during their professional careers, argued that Anthony Joshua has the potential to outmatch Tyson, despite recent criticism of Joshua’s boxing abilities.
“If he fought a guy like Mike Tyson, he’d win, he would have knocked out a prime Mike Tyson. There’s no doubt about it. Mike Tyson went down low and then came up and tried to throw roundhouses. But Joshua would just hit him with a straight right hand on the side of his damn chin, and Mike wouldn’t get up,” Holmes confidently stated.
He continued, “He never fought anyone who was coming up and trying to make their way in the sport. He just went in there – bang, bang, bang and knocked everyone out. That’s how he got the reputation as a puncher.”
Holmes, however, acknowledged Tyson’s prowess and gave credit to Tyson for his victory over him. He pointed out that he was out of boxing for two years and had quit the sport during that time, which contributed to his loss to Tyson.
This statement by Larry Holmes has generated significant discussion and debate among boxing enthusiasts, as the hypothetical matchup between Anthony Joshua and prime Mike Tyson remains a topic of intrigue and speculation.
Gloria