Larry Holmes: A Boxing Legend's Journey

How Much Is Larry Holmes Worth?

Larry Holmes, the iconic American retired boxer, boasts a net worth of $18 million. This legendary heavyweight champion has earned his fortune through a combination of his incredible boxing career, business ventures, and occasional acting gigs.

Let me paint you a clearer picture. Larry Holmes wasn’t just any boxer—he was one of the greatest heavyweight champions in boxing history. He held the WBC title from 1978 to 1983 and the IBF title from 1983 to 1985. Nicknamed "The Easton Assassin," Holmes was known for his powerful left jab, often hailed as one of the best in heavyweight history, and his exceptional technical skills in the ring. Holmes' career was nothing short of remarkable, and his legacy continues to inspire boxing fans worldwide.

His professional journey began in 1973, and he even served as Muhammad Ali's sparring partner before making a name for himself. In 1978, Holmes captured the WBC heavyweight championship by defeating Ken Norton in a grueling 15-round fight. His championship reign included successful defenses against some of boxing’s biggest names, like Earnie Shavers and a declining Muhammad Ali. Holmes achieved an incredible 20 consecutive title defenses, placing him second all-time among heavyweight champions. However, his undefeated streak of 48-0 came to an end in a controversial decision against Michael Spinks in 1985, falling just short of Rocky Marciano's perfect 49-0 record.

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Despite his monumental achievements, Holmes often fought in the shadow of legends like Ali and Mike Tyson, sometimes not receiving the recognition he truly deserved during his era. Nevertheless, Holmes continued fighting into his 50s, finishing with an impressive career record of 69-6. In 2008, his legacy was cemented when he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, solidifying his place as one of heavyweight boxing's all-time greats.

Growing Up: Larry Holmes’ Early Days

Larry Holmes was born on November 3, 1949, in the small town of Cuthbert, Georgia. He later moved to Easton, Pennsylvania, the place that gave him his famous boxing nickname, "The Easton Assassin." Larry was the fourth of 12 children born to John and Flossie Holmes. His father, John, worked as a gardener in Connecticut to support the family, visiting them every three weeks. Larry didn’t have an easy upbringing; he dropped out of school in the seventh grade to work at a car wash and later drove a dump truck to help provide for his family. It wasn’t until he was 18 that Holmes found his true calling in boxing.

The Ring: Holmes' Boxing Career

As an amateur boxer, Holmes had a record of 19-3. He also worked as a sparring partner for some of boxing’s greatest names, including Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Jimmy Young, and Earnie Shavers. This experience helped him realize he could compete at the highest level. His breakthrough came in March 1978 when he faced Earnie Shavers, winning a decisive twelve-round unanimous decision. This victory set the stage for his WBC Heavyweight showdown with champion Ken Norton in Las Vegas on June 9, 1978. The fight was a nail-biter, with the score tied at seven rounds each after 14 rounds, but Holmes rallied in the final round to secure the victory.

From 1978 to 1985, Holmes reigned as one of boxing’s most dominant champions. He held the WBC Heavyweight Championship from 1978 to 1983, the Ring Heavyweight Championship from 1980 to 1985, and the IBF Heavyweight Championship from 1983 to 1985. His 20 winning title defenses rank him second all-time in the sport, behind only Joe Louis, who had 25 wins. Holmes retired in 1986 after losing a rematch to Michael Spinks but couldn’t stay away from the ring. He made several comebacks over the years and fought his final bout in 2002. By the end of his career, Holmes had a record of 69-6, with 44 of those victories coming by knockout. For his contributions to the sport, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2008.

Big Paydays: Holmes' Career Earnings

One of Holmes’ most lucrative fights came when he faced Muhammad Ali in what would be Ali's final professional bout. Holmes earned around $8 million for that fight, stopping Ali in the only knockout of his illustrious career. The big paydays didn’t stop there. After retiring, Holmes was lured back to the ring in 1988 to face Mike Tyson after Don King offered him $2.8 million. In 1992, Holmes agreed to a fight with Evander Holyfield for $7 million. A bout between Holmes and George Foreman, scheduled for January 23, 1998, was canceled, but Holmes still walked away with a cool $400,000 from the nonrefundable 10% of his purse.

Beyond Boxing: Holmes’ Ventures Outside the Ring

After hanging up his gloves for good, Holmes returned to his hometown of Easton, Pennsylvania, where he settled down. But Holmes wasn’t done making an impact. He took the earnings from his boxing career and invested in various business ventures. These ventures have included a $5 million office complex, a $2 million restaurant, an $8 million hotel, a nightclub, slot machines, and more. Holmes has hired over 200 workers through these businesses, contributing significantly to the local economy. He also co-hosts a TV talk show called "What the Heck Were They Thinking?"

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Life Beyond the Ring: Holmes’ Personal Life

Larry Holmes married Diane Robinson in 1979, and together they have two children. He also has three daughters from previous relationships. Holmes' younger brother, Mark Holmes, followed in his footsteps as a middleweight boxer, competing from 1980 to 1987. Today, Larry resides in a $1.7 million home on Sheridan Drive in Palmer Township, Pennsylvania, just a stone’s throw from his beloved hometown of Easton.