Boxing history is filled with legendary matchups, but one fight in particular left a former champion with deep regret.
Larry Holmes, a dominant heavyweight in his prime, has openly admitted that his 1988 comeback fight against Mike Tyson was a mistake.
Mike Tyson was one of the most feared heavyweights in boxing history. He made an explosive entrance into the professional scene, securing 19 consecutive knockout victories. In 1986, at just 20 years old, he defeated Trevor Berbick to claim the WBC heavyweight title, becoming the youngest heavyweight champion ever-a record that remains unbroken.
Following this historic win, Tyson continued to dominate, unifying the heavyweight division by defeating WBA champion James Smith and IBF champion Tony Tucker. His reputation as an unstoppable force in the ring was solidified as he tore through the division.
Holmes’ return and regret
Larry Holmes, known as “The Easton Assassin,” had an illustrious career, reigning as heavyweight champion from 1978 to 1985. He secured victories over legendary fighters like Muhammad Ali and Earnie Shavers. However, after retiring in 1986, Holmes made a surprising return to face Tyson in 1988.
Reflecting on that decision, Holmes admitted in an interview with The Telegraph.
“I shouldn’t have come out of retirement against him. I fought Mike Tyson and I lost. He stopped me. Tyson could punch, you can’t take that away from him.”
Holmes further revealed the primary reason for his comeback was financial gain.
“Money. It’s the money.”
The fight ended in a fourth-round technical knockout victory for Tyson. Holmes, however, believes the outcome would have been different had they fought during his prime:
“He would stand in front of you, try and push you against the ropes, but he wouldn’t have been able to do that to me in my prime. I would have beaten him.”
Despite the regret over this particular fight, Holmes’ legacy remains intact as one of the greatest heavyweights in boxing history.
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