Larry Holmes had a number of bitter rivals throughout his legendary career.
Holmes is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, holding world honours from 1978 to 1985, making 20 successful defences in the process.
He shared the ring with fellow greats such as Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, but there’s one iconic name that Holmes never fought.
George Foreman was a two-time world heavyweight champion, initially claiming world honours at the age of 24 in 1973, before then becoming the oldest world heavyweight champion in history when he defeated Michael Moorer at the age of 45 in 1994.
Despite those accolades, it is clear that Holmes isn’t a fan, as in a resurfaced interview he hit out at ‘Big George.’
“Everybody know that George Foreman can’t fight, everybody know that Tommy Morrison kicked his butt, everybody know that Shannon Briggs kicked his butt, everybody knew that he wouldn’t fight me. George Foreman is the biggest phoney ever.”
Foreman lost to Morrison in 1993, before also suffering a defeat to Briggs in his final contest before hanging up the gloves in 1997.
Holmes didn’t stop there with his criticism of Foreman, as whilst once speaking to Boxing Insider, he shared details of the alleged failed negotiations between the pair.
“A guy put $10 million on the table for him and me…and he walked away from it. What the heck is he thinking? You fight for $2 million? You are out there. And George Foreman wouldn’t fight me for $10 million. But I want to know what’s the matter with him. And I’ll fight him now. I ain’t in no shape. And I’ll beat George … I am a better—and was the better fighter—than George Foreman.”
Despite his issues with Foreman, Holmes one backed ‘Big George’ to knock out his former Tyson.