Holmes finally gets his due
EASTON, Pa. – Larry Holmes knows how to play the part of the boastful champion. He’s had plenty of practice over the years.
Since the great Muhammad Ali revolutionized boxing and also the art of trash talking, the sport’s public has come to expect certain qualities from its leading man. Loud and proud are at the top of the list.
But dim the cameras, turn off the tape recorders, and the “Easton Assassin” is most comfortable talking about his family and friends or reminiscing about old times.
It’s Larry being Larry.
Today, Holmes will join the ranks of the sport’s immortals – Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano et al – when he is inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, N.Y.
During an interview this week, Holmes played the obligatory part of boisterous champion as he went on about the length of his induction speech. Then he turned into the thoughtful Larry.
“If they tell me I have two minutes, I’ll take three,” the 58-year-old yelled. “If they tell me I have five, I’ll take 10. It’s about damned time they put me into the Hall of Fame and I’ll take as much damned time as I want to take.
“Really, though,” he continued as his voice turned quiet, “I just want everyone to have a great time. It’s a great honor and all, but this is a weekend more for my family and friends than it is for me.”
Holmes, who was heavyweight champ from 1978 to 1985 and finished his career with a 69-6 record and 44 knockouts, is the headliner in this year’s class. He will be honored along with 11 others.
“I told people for a long time I would be heavyweight champion,” Holmes said, “and nobody believed me. Well, I did it. And now I’m being rewarded for it.”
Holmes’ status both in and out of his sport continues to rise as the years pass, according to boxing authority Bert Randolph Sugar.
“Larry is one of the most popular fighters ever,” Sugar said, “and it’s in hindsight that he’s become so popular. People who know Larry’s skill and accomplishments are finally appreciating him and warming to him.”
Still, Sugar thought Holmes would never make it to the Hall of Fame. A boxer must be retired for five years to be eligible.
“He boxed until he was 910 years old, for crying out loud,” Sugar joked. “I mean, enough’s enough. But really, Larry was a great champion … he truly deserves this.”