Did Big George duck Larry Holmes?

[Mintcar923]

If you guys recollect, Larry had called out George more than once during the latter stages of their careers. I recall when they had asked Foreman about a match-up with Larry he had responded with, "I don't want to mess with Larry Holmes!" I think it's pretty strange how George Foreman was never known for ducking fighters but it seemed as though he never wanted any part of Larry Holmes. In any event, that would've been a fight for the ages. No pun intended!!

[joseph5620]

If you guys recollect, Larry had called out George more than once during the latter stages of their careers. I recall when they had asked Foreman about a match-up with Larry he had responded with, "I don't want to mess with Larry Holmes!" I think it's pretty strange how George Foreman was never known for ducking fighters but it seemed as though he never wanted any part of Larry Holmes. In any event, that would've been a fight for the ages. No pun intended!!

Foreman and Holmes were actually scheduled to fight on Foreman's birthday. I think it was his 50th but I'll have to look it up to be sure. It was promoted as "the birthday bash". The promoter failed to come up with the money and the rest is history.

[Jim Jeffries]

Looks like they were going to fight Jan 23, 1999 when Foreman had just turned 50 and Larry was 49. Foreman just over a year off a questionable decision loss to Shannon Briggs and Holmes a few months longer than that off a win over journeyman Maurice Harris. Foreman pulled out because he didn't get his money on time. George was to be paid 10 million and Larry 4 million.

Wouldn't have meant much at that stage, but it would've been a good payday for both. As it was George made a million and Larry 400K. Worth noting that George never fought again, while Larry fought three more fights.

I'd say no duck and still find hard to believe the stories of him avoiding Jerry Quarry back in his prime, then again I've always been a bit partial to Foreman.

[DarkTerror88]

Money was the issue regarding Holmes v Foreman.

IMO Holmes would have one a boring ass fight


The best chance Quarry would have is the Ron Lyle version of Quarry vs The Jimmy Young version of Foreman.

[Pastrano]

Holmes been doin a lotta thrashing of Big George after that...I don't like to see it, its a sore sight. Larry sure never knew what stuff to keep to himself and what he should never say in public. Plus that whole Berbick "stunt" in '91...pretty unworthy of a former great champ.

[DarkTerror88]

Holmes been doin a lotta thrashing of Big George after that...I don't like to see it, its a sore sight. Larry sure never knew what stuff to keep to himself and what he should never say in public. Plus that whole Berbick "stunt" in '91...pretty unworthy of a former great champ.

"Rocky MArciano aint good enough to carry my jockstrap"

[Pastrano]

"Rocky MArciano aint good enough to carry my jockstrap"

Lol yea, that one was very low indeed!

[Terry A]

To answer the original question, no, I don't believe that Foreman ducked Holmes.

Foreman always defered to other fighters in his 2nd career. He also used a lot of self-deprecating humor. He may have paid Holmes some compliments but no way Foreman was afarid of him. I actually think Foreman used that "nice guy" attitude as a sort of a soft con on the guys he fought. He acted all nice & friendly BEFORE the fight but was trying to kill them DURING the fight!

If they had fought when they were trying to get the fight together, I think Holmes would have won the first 2-3 rounds & then Foreman would start slowing Holmes down with his thunderous shots. Holmes beats Foreman in their primes, but I really believe George would have beat Larry had they fought late in their respective careers. Holmes wound down quickly in fights as he got older. George had that same "steady as she goes" pace during his comeback, and I think he would have been more effective against Holmes that way instead of going "bombs away" like the original George did.

[Capaedia]

Holmes beats Foreman in their primes.

Mind if I ask how you see this one going?

[Terry A]

Not at all

Mind if I ask how you see this one going?

The Foreman who beat Frazier & Norton was also the Foreman who was outboxed by Jimmy Young. Holmes hit harder then Jimmy Young, had better ring generalship, had a sturdy chin & a huge heart that MADE him get up against Shavers & the others who rattled him. What Jimmy Young was able to do, I think Holmes, with his jab & right hand, would do easier.

Foreman would shine against sluggers who came to him. The Jimmy Youngs, Ali & Holmes (great boxers) gave him the most trouble.

I actually like Foreman better as a fighter then Holmes. I also like Holmes, but not as much. Nonetheless, I have to give credit where credit is due, and Holmes has the right style to beat Foreman.