Larry Holmes (Larry Holmes), a boxer: biography, personal life, sports career

Larry Holmes - a professional boxer from the United States. During his athletic career, he played in the heavy weight category. He was able to win a lot of titles, and along with them a wide popularity among boxing fans. Even age could not stop the ambitious boxer. In '53, Larry won his last victory, thus putting the original record among heavyweight champions. Sporting achievements Holmes and is not deprived of attention. Many boxing fans know his story. After all, this famous athlete can learn. Now he is not only a former successful boxer, but a diligent family man and an influential businessman.

Early biography

Larry Holmes was born in a big family. He had eleven brothers and sisters. In 1954, a huge family moved to Easton, and his father, John decided to go to Connecticut. There he took a job as a gardener, which he remained until his death. He tried to help the family financially, but it was not enough. In order to help her mother in the content of the brothers and sisters, Holmes left school and started working at the car wash. He was paid one dollar per hour. A little later, he went to work in the quarry, where he managed a dump truck. In their teenage years, the young man decided to do sports. Boxing tricks he learned in the youth center in Easton.

Start. amateur career

Larry Holmes made his debut in the ring as an amateur boxer in 1970. In the ring, he managed to win nineteen victories and defeats were only three. With all this, Larry could not achieve significant success on the amateur boxing ring. Plus, he needed money to help the family. Therefore, three years later he moved to the professionals. Fighting for symbolic titles and prizes he was bored. He decided to box for money and your selection very seriously. As the future showed, Larry correctly chosen their way of life. Though in his youth he and his family suffered from a lack of funding, Larry was able to achieve fame and recognition in the boxing ring.

A professional career in the ring

Within five years of professional boxer Larry Holmes achieved stunning results. On his account it was already twenty-six slain boxer. He managed to win nineteen victories, knocking out opponents. He was in the elite heavyweight division. In March 1978, Larry had an important fight. He boxed against Earnie Shavers, who was famous for very powerful blows, but the judges gave the victory to Larry. Three months later, Holmes fought WBC champion Ken Norton. The latter is considered the favorite in that fight. But after fourteen long rounds Holmes was able to take the initiative in their own hands and beat the opponent. In 1980, in October, Larry stepped into the ring against the legendary Muhammad Ali. Holmes won the fight by TKO. Of course, Ali was not so agile and fast as before. Yet this victory has brought international fame Larry. He became world champion line.

Defending his title

Holmes held regular boxing matches, to defend his title. He was able to win over many of the great boxers: Earnie Shavers, Trevor Berbick, Leon Spinks, James Smith and other famous athletes. Great resonance was caused by the announcement of the fight Larry Holmes vs. Gerry Cooney. The latter was quite popular white boxer. But in the thirteenth round, he was defeated by Holmes, who dealt the enemy a technical knockout. Many boxing fights in the ring held Larry, to prove to the world their right to the title. Holmes fans were able to see a large number of interesting and intense fights.

Disclaimer title belt for

1983 was marked by an interesting event in Larry's life. He gave up his WBC heavyweight title. The decision he had taken in order to get the IBF belt (International Boxing Federation). This organization was set up shortly before receiving his title Holmes. The athlete said that he considered the appearance of the federation is very important event in the world of boxing. In 1985, 21 September, Holmes hosted a fight against Michael Spinks, who was world champion in the light heavyweight category. At that time Larry had inspiring track record. A respected and popular boxer was Larry Holmes. Statistics athlete fighting was brilliant. From conducted 48 fights he has not had a single defeat. Larry drew to a record of Rocky Marciano, who won 49 fights and never lost. But in this battle the judges gave the victory to Michael Spinks. Holmes was in a rage. Michael's victory was indeed controversial. In 1986 he took revenge rivals. Again, Michael won. Although this time his victory was even more controversial. After this fight Larry retired from boxing for two years.

Returning to the ring

After two years, Holmes returned to the boxing world. Its output to the ring became a real sensation. After all, it was none other than the enemy fighters as young Mike Tyson, who at that time already had three champion belts. When he was declared the upcoming fight Mike Tyson - Larry Holmes - sports began publishing one over the other to predict the outcome of the match. This fight is the only real failure in the professional career of Larry. He was defeated Tyson in the fourth round. Mike Holmes paid a technical knockout. Interesting, but Larry has not abandoned his attempt to conquer the championship belt. He trained hard to defeat future opponents in the ring. But he waited for the defeat. He lost a few fights Holyfield, McCall and Nielsen. Recent Larry exits the ring took place in 2002. For all the time spent in boxing, the athlete was only 6 defeats from 75 matches held. In the world of sports, he received a well-deserved nickname - East Killer.

Life after the boxer's career

After completing his professional career boxer Holmes decides to go into business. And here he showed himself to be an astute and strong man. He was able to excel in many business sectors. Larry is engaged in construction, restaurant business, land management. He even participated in the development of medicines. At the moment, Holmes travels around the world. He not only traveled, but also gives lectures and participates in various charity events. Against The Odds - it's autobiographical book, which is released Holmes. In addition, he directed the documentary motion picture titled In The Arena. As life shows, it is a highly versatile personality Larry Holmes. Personal life of the former athlete been established. He lives with his wife Diane. They have a big family, where as many as five children. They lead a quiet life in the city of Easton.