Larry Holmes

Larry Holmes, born in 1949 and nicknamed the Easton Assassin after his hometown of Easton, Pennsylvania, is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1973 to 2002 and was world heavyweight champion from 1978 until 1985. He held the WBC title from 1978 to 1983, The Ring and lineal titles from 1980 to 1985 and the inaugural IBF title from 1983 to 1985, and his left jab is often rated among the best in heavyweight history. He won his first 48 professional bouts, including wins over Ken Norton, Muhammad Ali, Earnie Shavers and Gerry Cooney, before a 1985 upset loss to Michael Spinks left him one short of Rocky Marciano's record of 49 and 0. Several comebacks fell short against Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Oliver McCall and Brian Nielsen, and he ended his career in 2002 with 69 wins and 6 losses, all of the losses coming in world title fights. He is in the International Boxing Hall of Fame and the World Boxing Hall of Fame.