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Fighter study

Larry Holmes

Era Modern
Division Multiple Divisions
Stance Orthodox
Key context Jab rhythm that changes speed and target

Why study this fighter

Larry Holmes gives the library a clean model for winning rounds before exchanges fully form. The useful lesson is not just a famous jab, but how repeated lead-hand touches, small exits, and calm resets can keep a pressure fighter one step behind.

Larry Holmes is a long-jab distance governor in the H&G style library. It is a modern orthodox profile. The strongest axis scores are outboxer 96, defence 96 and ring control 96. Study jab rhythm that changes speed and target and small exits after the lead hand scores. A practical cue is to run jab-only rounds where the score comes from angle, step, and reset, not just contact. The page includes 2 selected video references for the study notes. The main warning is: do not turn the jab into a lazy arm punch with no feet behind it.

Fighter guide only. This is not a claim about level, ability, or matching a champion. Use the diagnostic to compare how you box, then bring the result into class or PT.

H&G All-Time Index: Larry Holmes is ranked #22 all-time with a 92.30 ranking index. Open the ranking profile

Orthodox Modern Style reference Check with coach

Use this as a practical style guide. Treat the examples as ideas to test, then check the notes before leaning too hard on one pattern.

Larry Holmes fighter photo

Study, do not imitate

The point is to spot patterns: pressure, range, rhythm, risk, and defensive shape. The radar below turns those patterns into a readable coaching map.

Read on Wikipedia

Rating summary - All-Time Index layer - v2.0.0

Larry Holmes

An H&G All-Time Index v2.0.0 summary card for rank context, career context and comparison. Read close ranks with the Data Confidence label beside them.

Rank and score#22All-Time Elite
H&G All-Time Index92.300-100 ranking index. This is the number that orders the list.
Peak-form Elo rating2,101Best-point rating on a separate scale, not directly comparable with the index. The rating could shift by about ±205. 1980-10-01
Data ConfidenceHighDeep career evidence and a tighter peak-rating band in this release. Close ranks still need boxing judgement. Peak-form band: ±205 Elo.
Active years1973-2002Boxing era: 1946-1979
Primary divisionHeavyweightHigher than 95% of ranked fighters in this division
Era standingHigher than 99% of ranked fighters from his eraHigher than 97% of the whole public list
Strength of scheduleStrong schedule2,035 schedule score
Career W-L-D69-6-0Professional record summary

Top career wins

  1. Muhammad Ali1980
  2. Tim Witherspoon1983
  3. Marvis Frazier1983
  4. Gerry Cooney1982
  5. Ken Norton1978

Style map

Who is like Larry Holmes?

Compare shape first. Gold is Larry Holmes; blue is the other fighter. Tap a card to put that fighter on the sticky radar, or search the full set below.

Closest in the library

Fighters most like this

These are the nearest 8-axis shapes to Larry Holmes across the 250 public profiles.

Caleb Plant

Defensive outside boxer

96% alike
Larry Holmes Caleb Plant

Shared areas: Defence, Precision

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Hilario Zapata

Southpaw high-tempo defence

94% alike
Larry Holmes Hilario Zapata

Shared areas: Defence, Ring control

Open profile

Billy Joe Saunders

Southpaw defensive outside boxer

93% alike
Larry Holmes Billy Joe Saunders

Shared areas: Defence, Ring control

Open profile

Andy Cruz

Outside ring controller

93% alike
Larry Holmes Andy Cruz

Shared areas: Range, Ring control

Open profile

Useful contrasts

Fighters least like this

These are the furthest shapes from Larry Holmes. Use them to see what this style is not.

Aaron Pryor

Inside pressure craftsman

Gap 46
Larry Holmes Aaron Pryor

Biggest split: Range, Pressure

Open profile

Chantelle Cameron

Combination pressure fighter

Gap 46
Larry Holmes Chantelle Cameron

Biggest split: Range, Pressure

Open profile

Jose Ramirez

Body-head pressure pace

Gap 46
Larry Holmes Jose Ramirez

Biggest split: Pressure, Range

Open profile

Ricky Hatton

Body-pressure pace fighter

Gap 45
Larry Holmes Ricky Hatton

Biggest split: Range, Pressure

Open profile

What to study

  • Jab rhythm that changes speed and target
  • Small exits after the lead hand scores
  • Using the lead hand to interrupt pressure before it gathers
  • Resetting stance before adding the right hand

What not to copy

  • Do not turn the jab into a lazy arm punch with no feet behind it
  • Do not back up in straight lines after touching the target
  • Do not rely on reach without an active rear-hand guard

Training translation

  • Run jab-only rounds where the score comes from angle, step, and reset, not just contact.
  • Pair every jab with a defensive exit so the lead hand becomes a positioning tool.
  • Use partner pressure drills where the goal is to make the opponent restart before throwing back.
Compare against this profile

If this is your match

  • If this result is close, the useful coaching thread is distance management before combination volume.
  • Start with lead-hand control, then test whether the right hand lands because the stance and exit are already organised.

What to watch

Use these notes to understand the boxing behind the profile and what to watch when you compare it with your own quiz result.

  • Jab control What to study

    Holmes has one of the clearest public records for lead-hand range management at heavyweight.

  • Route control What to study

    The distance lesson is strong, though some footage is best read through full rounds rather than highlight sequences.

  • Copying risk What to study

    The reach advantage is visible, so the training translation must focus on foot position and guard recovery.

  • Diagnostic value What to study

    Useful as a high-reference outside-control profile for pressure and jab-heavy matches.

Compare shapes

Search all 250 public profiles or compare Larry Holmes with your saved quiz result. Gold shows this profile. Blue shows the comparison.

Start with the suggested close style match or type to search the full profile set.

What do these axes mean?

Compare your style

Use this profile as a reference, then take the diagnostic to see which axes match your own training choices.

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