Full Interview: Larry Holmes on Going 48-0, Beating Ali, Losing to Tyson & Holyfield (Full)
Part #3: Larry Holmes Wanted to Stop Ali Fight, Ref Told Him "Shut Up & Box", Cried After
Part #1: Larry Holmes on Dropping Out of School in the 7th Grade to Help Support Family
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Larry Holmes described working at a car wash for a dollar an hour and staying involved in football, wrestling, and boxing in order to keep himself out of trouble. After getting into boxing at 13-years-old and deciding to pursue the sport as a career, Holmes said many people doubted his career aspirations and shrugged him off as a copy of Muhammad Ali.
Holmes had 22 amateur fights before turning pro and becoming Muhammad Ali's sparring partner where he refined his skills. The boxing champ referred to Ali as his hero and would even show off his black eyes to prove he was sharing the ring with the boxing legend. Holmes also revealed that he was Ali's sparring partner during his two most storied fights, the Rumble in the Jungle and the Thrilla in Manilla.
In this clip, Larry Holmes details going from being Muhammad Ali's sparring partner and becoming the heavyweight champion of the world. Larry spoke about going pro and his upset win against Earnie Shavers getting him a lot of attention. From there, Larry would go on to face Ken Norton for the heavyweight title, which he won after 15 rounds. To hear more, including how his life changed afterward, hit the above clip.
