CANASTOTA, N.Y. -- For most of his career, it seemed Larry Holmes had to justify himself as a champion outside the ring as much as he had to defend his crown inside it.
Holmes received the ultimate validation of his career Tuesday when he was named to the 2008 induction class of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, joining 11 others boxers and ring personalities chosen by members of the Boxing Writers Association and a panel of international boxing historians.
The heavyweight title fight in 1978 between Larry Holmes, right, and Ken Norton is remembered for its 15th and final round, when Holmes staggered Norton with a flurry of punches at the end.
The "Easton Assassin" will be enshrined as the longest reigning world heavyweight champion in boxing history, holding the title for nearly seven years, 1978-1985. Holmes' 20 successful heavyweight title defenses were surpassed by only Joe Louis with 25. Holmes was on the verge of matching Rocky Marciano's perfect 49-0 mark when he was upset by Michael Spinks and suffered his first loss.
Holmes received the ultimate validation of his career Tuesday when he was named to the 2008 induction class of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, joining 11 others boxers and ring personalities chosen by members of the Boxing Writers Association and a panel of international boxing historians.
The heavyweight title fight in 1978 between Larry Holmes, right, and Ken Norton is remembered for its 15th and final round, when Holmes staggered Norton with a flurry of punches at the end.
The "Easton Assassin" will be enshrined as the longest reigning world heavyweight champion in boxing history, holding the title for nearly seven years, 1978-1985. Holmes' 20 successful heavyweight title defenses were surpassed by only Joe Louis with 25. Holmes was on the verge of matching Rocky Marciano's perfect 49-0 mark when he was upset by Michael Spinks and suffered his first loss.
Comment