Former undisputed heavyweight champion Larry Holmes has offered a blunt assessment of how modern star Oleksandr Usyk would have fared against Muhammad Ali. In an interview with CanadaCasino, the man known as the “Easton Assassin” claimed that the Ukrainian would lose every round to the three-time lineal ruler. Holmes, who infamously stopped a faded version of Ali in 1980, suggested that Usyk simply could not handle the stylistic challenges posed by “The Greatest.”
“Why does Ali win? The styles of the two fighters are different,” Holmes remarked during the interview. He suggested that Ali’s ability to execute his training and rhythm would leave the current pound-for-pound king trailing from the opening bell. According to the hall-of-famer, the discrepancy in approach is so vast that he is not sure 39-year-old Usyk would be able to handle him at all.
Stylistic analysis of Usyk versus Ali
The critique focuses on the technical nuances that define two different eras of the heavyweight scene. While Oleksandr Usyk has earned acclaim for his tactical discipline, stamina, and southpaw movement, Muhammad Ali is remembered for his exceptional footwork and speed. Holmes, who sharpened his own legendary left jab while serving as Ali’s sparring partner, believes these classic attributes are insurmountable for today’s champions.
Holmes has frequently expressed skepticism regarding the current crop of heavyweights, which includes names like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. He has previously stated that modern fighters “were not fit to carry Muhammad Ali’s gym bag.” This perspective is rooted in the belief that the determination and willpower seen in the 1970s and 1980s have been diluted in the 21st century.
The debate often centers on ring intelligence and the ability to adapt. While some analysts argue Richard Torrez Jr could demonstrate elite boxing skills in high-level matchups, Holmes remains firm that the old guard possessed a different level of “heart.” To him, the current landscape lacks the ruggedness that defined his own reign.
The impact of 15-round championship fights
A major point of contention for Holmes is the reduction of championship bouts from 15 rounds down to 12. He attributes his confidence in the past generation to the sheer endurance required for those extra nine minutes of combat. “I don’t think today’s fighters have the heart of the guys from the 70s and 80s,” Holmes noted, adding that contemporary boxers could never have completed 15 rounds.
Holmes pointed to his own readiness as a standard of the era, claiming he was prepared for every fight as if it were his last serious outing. This endurance-based argument serves as the foundation for his belief that even a technician like Usyk would struggle. The Ukrainian, while undisputed at both cruiserweight and heavyweight, has spent his professional career competing exclusively under the 12-round limit.
Looking back at the Holmes-Ali collision
Larry Holmes holds a unique position in boxing history as the only man to defeat Muhammad Ali by stoppage. That victory occurred on October 2, 1980, at the Sports Pavilion at Caesars Palace in Paradise, Nevada. At the time, Ali was 38 years old and struggling with the effects of Thyrolar medication, while a 30-year-old Holmes was at his physical peak.
The fight was a one-sided affair, with Holmes dominating every round until Ali’s trainer, Angelo Dundee, stopped the contest after the 10th round. Reflecting on that night, Holmes later admitted that “time had defeated Muhammad Ali” rather than a lack of skill. He saw firsthand how the legendary reflexes of his former mentor had finally slowed, yet he maintains that a prime version of Ali would be untouchable for the stars of 2026.
Future plans for Oleksandr Usyk
As the fantasy debates continue, the real-world future of Oleksandr Usyk remains a topic of intense speculation. The Ukrainian is currently considering his retirement options, keen to protect an undefeated record that includes 25 wins and 16 knockouts. His manager recently indicated that a fight against Agit Kabayel is unlikely, effectively dimming hopes for that specific clash.
Instead, a potential rematch against Rico Verhoeven has emerged as a frontrunner for Usyk’s next move. This follows a previous encounter that was widely discussed as a historic moment for international boxing. An official announcement regarding his next steps is expected in the near future.
Despite the skepticism from legends like Holmes, Usyk’s status as a three-time undisputed champion in the four-belt era ensures his place in history. Whether he chooses to face Verhoeven again or retire now, the debate over his standing against historical titans like Muhammad Ali will likely persist for decades.
Performance metrics and era comparisons
Analysts who favor Usyk often highlight his amateur record of 335 wins and 15 losses as evidence of his technical perfection. They suggest his ability to outmaneuver naturally larger men would make him a “stylistic nightmare” for anyone, regardless of the era. However, the lack of 15-round evidence remains the primary hurdle for critics like Holmes.
Professional boxing has evolved significantly in terms of sports science, yet the core of the sport remains a game of inches and timing. As Manny Pacquiao has analyzed the skills of past opponents to define greatness, so too does Holmes use his experience to measure the modern era. For the “Easton Assassin,” no amount of modern footwork can replace the grit he witnessed in the 1970s.
