NO. 5 LARRY HOLMES
Record: 69-6 (44 KOs)
Years active: 1973-2002
Title reigns: One (1978-85)
Among his victims: Muhammad Ali, Gerry Cooney, Ray Mercer, Ken Norton, Earnie Shavers (twice), Leon Spinks, Tim Witherspoon
Background: Holmes cut his teeth as a sparring partner of Muhammad Ali and then, when his time came, seized control of the division and didn’t let go for seven dominating years. The “Easton Assassin” became known for arguably the greatest jab in the sport but he was a complete fighter. He could move. He could take a punch. And he definitely could deliver a a good shot, as his 44 knockouts suggest. Holmes won his title in a classic with fellow Hall of Famer Ken Norton in 1978, a fight that ended in a split decision. He would go on to successfully defend it 20 times, which is second only to Joe Louis’ 25 consecutive title defenses. One of the great runs in boxing history came to end when Holmes, at 36, lost a close, but unanimous decision to light heavyweight-turned-heavyweight Michael Spinks in 1985. He lost by a split decision in the rematch and then was stopped in four rounds by a young Mike Tyson. Holmes was no longer a dominating fighter but he would continue to campaign – and generally fight competitively – for another 14 years before finally saying goodbye at 52 in 2002. He’s still revered as one of the greats.