35 Powerful Larry Holmes Quotes That Will Inspire You to Keep Fighting


Updated: 17 Jan 2025

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Larry Holmes, known as “The Easton Assassin,” is one of the greatest heavyweight boxers in history. With a stunning professional record of 69 wins and just 6 losses, Holmes dominated the ring in the late 1970s and 1980s. His incredible jab and unrelenting spirit earned him the World Boxing Council heavyweight title, which he carried for over seven years—one of the longest reigns in boxing history.

Boxer Larry Holmes, known as the Easton Assassin, posing confidently with boxing gloves raised
Larry Holmes, the Easton Assassin, in a confident boxing pose

In this article, we’ll explore who Larry Holmes is, his unbelievable achievements in boxing, and how his inspirational quotes can guide us all to fight for our dreams and face adversity with strength and resilience.

Get ready to dive into the most powerful Larry Holmes quotes that inspire you to fight harder, dream bigger, and never give up!

Top 8 Larry Holmes Quotes 

In this section, you’ll find the most powerful and inspiring quotes from Larry Holmes. These quotes reflect his mindset, determination, and approach to boxing and life. Whether you’re a boxing fan or just looking for motivation, these Larry Holmes words will inspire you to push through challenges and aim for excellence.

“I don’t really make plans and I just want to be happy and continue with my business and take care of my wife and kids. I want to sit back, relax, and enjoy life.” Heavyweight Boxer Larry Holmes
Larry Holmes quote about happiness, family, and enjoying life with an image of the boxer wearing glasses
Larry Holmes: ‘I want to be happy and enjoy life with my family
“With a record of 75 fights and 6 losses, some of the losses were very questionable including Brian Nielsen when we fought in Denmark. I knew I won but they didn’t give me that fight.” Boxing Icon Larry Holmes
“I was probably the best that ever walked this earth. And I could take a punch. I could deliver a punch. I didn’t have the hardest punch in the world but my punches were sharp and they were crisp. And if you took too many of them, you would be knocked out.” Larry Holmes, The Easton Assassin
“It’s hard being black. Have you ever been black? I was black once – when I was poor.” Legendary Boxer Larry Holmes
Larry Holmes quote about the challenges of being black and poor, with an image of him in a boxing pose
Larry Holmes: ‘It’s hard being black, I was black once – when I was poor
“I would think about the outcome. Visualize Sometimes. Because it never comes out the way you want it to. Fight the way I know how to fight. Whatever comes up, comes up.” The Fighting Legend Larry Holmes
“We put our lives on the line to fight for them and put on a show and these guys take our money so whatever happens to Bob Arum, Don King or anyone else is fine with me.” Larry Holmes, World Heavyweight Champion
“I always felt good about myself. I was just an average person. I always felt I could do anything anyone else could. If an average person makes up their mind to do something, they can.” The Unstoppable Boxer Larry Holmes
“I have a lot of friends and fans in Canada and as a matter of fact I met a fan from there that came down to my office. It was nice and we took pictures and had a nice chat.” Larry Holmes, Boxing’s Greatest

Larry Holmes Short Quotes

Here, you’ll find a collection of Larry Holmes’ most memorable short quotes. These short but powerful words inspire you to stay focused, work hard, and never give up.

“I am still quick at 250 to 260 lbs and I am smarter.” Boxer Larry “Easton Assassin” Holmes
“I don’t think Joe Louis could take the punches today fighting in this era.” Champion Boxer Larry Holmes
Larry Holmes quote about Joe Louis and boxing in the modern era, with an image of him confidently posing in a suit
Larry Holmes expresses his opinion about legendary boxer Joe Louis
“I still feel that I am in my prime right now but I think my best fights were in my thirties.” Larry Holmes, The Boxing Legend
“I came from a dirt farm, and now I’m filthy rich.”Larry Holmes, The Greatest Boxer
Larry Holmes quote about rising from poverty to wealth, alongside an image of him smiling and posing with a strong fist
Larry Holmes reflects on his journey from humble beginnings to wealth
“The guys today are just too strong and back then they would take many hard punches to land one.”Former American Champion Larry Holmes

Larry Holmes Famous Quotes about Muhammad Ali

Here, Larry Holmes shares his thoughts on the legendary Muhammad Ali. Larry considers him the greatest boxer of all time and acknowledges his influence on the sport.

“Ali was a guy that had a lot of discipline. If you hung around him, you’d be able to get some of that discipline that he had. And I learned from that. He was a sweet man.” Larry Holmes (Boxing Great)
Larry Holmes quote about Muhammad Ali's discipline, with an image of Holmes and Ali facing off in the ring
Larry Holmes reflects on the discipline of Muhammad Ali
“I think Ali was a fan of mine, even though he never said it. A lot of fighters thought I was pretty good. Nobody ever really spoke differently on that. But a lot of fighters thought I was good.”Boxer L. Holmes
“Muhammad Ali could take a very good punch. He was slick, he could move, he could hit, make you miss, had good hand speed and combinations, and was one of the greatest fighters of all time in my opinion.”Champion Larry Holmes
Larry Holmes quote praising Muhammad Ali as one of the greatest fighters, with an image of Ali and Holmes in a boxing match
Larry Holmes speaks highly of Muhammad Ali’s boxing abilities
“Those guys were made for me and Muhammad Ali because they come straight in and don’t back up but you had to watch out for his punching power, but if we could have neutralized that then we would have been fine.”Larry Holmes, Heavyweight Boxing Champion

Larry Holmes Fighting Quotes

Check out some of Larry Holmes’ most impactful fighting quotes. These quotations show his mindset about boxing, dedication, and the mental strength that helped him become a champion.

“I never tried to be a mercenary or a killer but a hard working fighter.” The Boxing Master Larry Holmes
Larry Holmes quote about being a hardworking fighter, with an image of him holding a championship belt in the ring
Larry Holmes speaks about his dedication as a hardworking boxer
“Fighters today are much bigger, stronger and quicker and not only that but referees, judges and doctors back then were very strict and if your head got busted up the fight would be stopped.”Ring Warrior Larry Holmes
“George Foreman is easier and has the bigger name and have you noticed that Foreman never calls me out or ever mentions my name? He is afraid of me like most fighters are and most people want to forget about Larry Holmes, like he never ever existed.”The Unbeaten boxing Legend Larry Holmes
“You can’t put those guys like Marciano or anyone else in today’s class of fighters.” World-Class Boxer Larry Holmes
“I’m happy with my career but I could have been happier if I could have been treated like a champion should have been treated because management and fighters take advantage of fighters.” Larry Holmes, The Ring King
“Everybody knows that I am one of the greatest fighters of all time and I would beat all those guys.” Easton’s Champion Larry Holmes
Larry Holmes' quote about being one of the greatest fighters of all time, with an image of him sitting in the ring during a break
Larry Holmes confidently claims his spot as one of the greatest fighters of all time
“All fighters are prostitutes and all promoters are pimps.”Larry Holmes, Undisputed Heavyweight Champion

Larry Holmes Quotes about Famous Boxers

In this part, Larry Holmes shares his thoughts on other famous boxers of that time. His quotes highlight his respect for his fellow champions and the lessons he learned from them.

“Bob Arum and Don King can do their thing but if I fought for those guys and they put the money up like they are supposed to then I don’t have a problem.” American Former Champion Larry Holmes
“Mike Tyson would have been a good sparring partner for me and Muhammad Ali because Tyson was a fast fighter and he could punch and throw good combinations.” Boxing’s Greatest Larry Holmes
Larry Holmes quote about Mike Tyson being a good sparring partner, with an image of Holmes and Tyson fighting in the ring
Larry Holmes discusses Mike Tyson’s impressive fighting style
“I think George Foreman must have gained about 350 lbs and is slow as ever.” World Heavyweight Champion Larry Holmes
“One of the best ones out there was a guy named Howard Cosell. He was the best.”Legendary American Boxer Larry Holmes
“It wasn’t about Larry Holmes, if I would have fought a brother I wouldn’t have gotten the money I got. Give me 10 black guys and I make eight dollars. Give me Gerry Cooney and I make $10 million.” American Heavyweight Boxer Larry Holmes
“Everyone still wants to see Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquaio fight. When he talks, it always seems like it is all about Mayweather, and I think the people hate that.”Boxing Icon of America, Larry Holmes

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Larry Holmes Motivational Quotes

Here are some motivational quotes from Larry Holmes. Whether you’re facing challenges in life or want to achieve your dreams, Larry Holmes’ statements will inspire you to keep going and never give up.

“Set a goal and make a commitment to meet that goal. Do the best you can, but never forget your roots, never forget where you came from. After you have succeeded, look back and see if there are others that you might help to achieve what you have accomplished.” Boxer L. Holmes
Larry Holmes quote on setting goals and remembering your roots, with an image of him wearing a boxing belt
Larry Holmes encourages setting goals, staying true to your origins, and helping others succeed after achieving your own
“My dad used to tell me, ‘Check the price, son.’ Check the price, kids, check the price because there is a price to be paid for whatever you do in life, whether it is good or it is bad. Before you do something, ask yourself is it worth the price you have to pay? Boxing Legend Larry Holmes
“I train myself. I don’t have trainers who want hundreds of thousands of dollars to train me. I hire whoever I want to put the grease on my face, to rub my neck and rub my back, to take my mouthpiece out and rinse it off and put the mouthpiece back in. And then I go about my business. And if they want to say something, they can give me little reminders. All you need are reminders. You don’t need ‘big-time’ trainers.”World Champion Boxer Larry Holmes
“I achieved something once again, I think we all want to put a mark on life. I dream, and my dreams always come true. I dreamed I was the heavyweight champion of the world. I am the heavyweight champion of the world.”The Easton Assassin
“I’m not in the K-1 tournament. We thought about it but they really don’t want me as they feel I might get hurt so that’s fine with me but I do see a lot of guys out there that I feel I can take.” Boxing Great Larry Holmes

Interesting Facts About Larry Holmes, The Heavyweight Legend

Larry Holmes is a name that every boxing fan knows. He was a champion for many years and left a significant impact on the sport. Here are some captivating facts about his life and career:

1. Nickname: The Easton Assassin

Larry Holmes was born in Easton, Pennsylvania, so his nickname came from his hometown. Fans loved naming him the “Easton Assassin” because of his lethal accuracy in the ring.

2. Record-Breaking Heavyweight Title Reign

Larry Holmes held the WBC heavyweight title for over seven years, from 1978 to 1985. That’s a truly long time for any boxer, and his reign was the longest for a heavyweight champion in history at that time.

3. Defeating the Great Muhammad Ali

In 1980, Holmes fought Muhammad Ali in a huge match. Holmes won the fight by knockout in the tenth round. The fight was called “The Last Hurrah!”

4. Leon Holmes’s Famous Jab

Holmes’ punch was considered one of the best in boxing history. His attack was fast, strong, and challenging to block, and he won many fights with it.

5. Fighting the Best of His Time

Holmes fought many of the best heavyweights of his era, including Ken Norton, Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, and George Foreman.

6. Added to the Boxing Hall of Fame

In 2008, Larry Holmes was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. This honor shows just how incredible and respected he is in the boxing world.

7. Larry Holmes’ Legacy

Larry Holmes may not be as recognized as some of the other boxing legends, like Muhammad Ali or Mike Tyson, but his position in boxing history is noticeable. He was a champ in the ring and a leader outside of it.

Larry Holmes Career Record:

Many fans want to know what Larry Holmes’s boxing record was. Here’s a summary of an American former professional boxer Larry Holmes’ professional fighting record:

Total Fights: 75

Wins: 69

Wins by Knockout (KO): 44

Losses: 6

Losses by Knockout (KO): 1

Draws: 0

Notable Stats:

  • Title Defenses: 19 successful defenses of the WBC Heavyweight title.
  • Longest Reign: Holmes held the WBC Heavyweight title for over 7 years, from 1978 to 1985.

Who is Larry Holmes, and why is he famous in boxing?

Larry Holmes is a renowned heavyweight fighter nicknamed “The Easton Assassin.” In the late 1970s and 1980s, he gained fame for his strong punches, phenomenal stamina, and seven-year reign as heavyweight champion. 

Holmes is known for his outstanding 69-win record and ability to stand tall among boxing’s best champion

What were Larry Holmes’s significant achievements in boxing?

Larry Holmes had an outstanding boxing career with 69 wins, including 44 knockouts. He held the WBC heavyweight title for over seven years, one of the longest dominance in history, and defended it successfully 20 times. 

Holmes is recognized worldwide for defeating legendary fighters like Ken Norton and Muhammad Ali.

Why is Larry Holmes called “The Easton Assassin”?

Larry Holmes is called “The Easton Assassin” because he was born in Easton, Pennsylvania. The nickname highlights his roots and reflects his powerful, unique fighting style that appeared to “assassinate” his rivals in the ring. It symbolized his domination and skill during his legendary boxing career.

When and why did Larry Holmes fight Muhammad Ali?

Larry Holmes fought Muhammad Ali in Las Vegas on October 2, 1980. The fight happened because Ali was nearing the end of his career and wanted to reclaim the heavyweight title, while Holmes was the reigning champion. Holmes dominated the match because Ali was past his peak, which is a sad moment in boxing history.

Did Larry Holmes fight with George Foreman?

No, Larry Holmes and George Foreman never fought each other. Due to timing and other factors, no fight was ever fought between them. Fans often wonder how a match between the two would have turned out.

Who beat Larry Holmes for the title?

Larry Holmes lost his heavyweight title to Michael Spinks in 1985. Spinks won the fight by a unanimous judgment, ending Holmes’ reign as champion. This fight was a significant upset in boxing history.

How many fights did Larry Holmes lose?

Larry Holmes lost 6 fights in his entire boxing career. Out of 75 total fights, he won 69, making him one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. Most of his losses came later in his career when he was past his prime.

What is the net worth of Larry Holmes?

According to the sources, Larry Holmes’ net worth is estimated to be around $18 to $20 million. He earned this wealth through his successful boxing career, endorsements, appearances, and post-boxing incidents.

Did Larry Holmes fight with Mike Tyson?

Yes, Larry Holmes fought Mike Tyson in 1988. Tyson won the fight by TKO in the fourth round, ending Holmes’ hopes of reclaiming the heavyweight title. It was a challenging loss for Holmes, as Tyson was at his peak at that time.

When did Larry Holmes retire?

Larry Holmes retired from boxing for the first time in 1986 after successfully defending his heavyweight title. He made a comeback in 1991 but retired again in 2002. Holmes is still recognized for his long and remarkable career.

Conclusion:

So, readers, in this article, we’ve written about Larry Holmes quotes and prominent life events in detail. His journey reminds us that success doesn’t always come with immediate recognition, but endurance leads to excellence. If you’re a boxing fan or someone chasing a dream, take a moment to learn from American former professional boxer Larry Holmes’ unshakable determination. 

I highly recommend reading his autobiography or watching his historic fights with a 48-0 streak to gain deeper insight into his distinction. If this story resonates with you, comment on it or share it with your fellows to spread the inspiration!


Muhammad Asad

Muhammad Asad

Muhammad Asad is the Admin and author of the Exciting Quotes website. He has been writing Quotes for over three years and has been featured in dozens of magazines and websites. Asad is passionate about motivating people by writing the easiest and best quotations to make their daily lives joyful.

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