Freddie Roach predicts Larry Holmes vs. Lennox Lewis: ‘He avoided too many fighters’

Esteemed trainer Freddie Roach once laid out his prediction on how a fantasy fight between a Larry Holmes and a first Lennox Lewis would be played out.

Renowned for possessing arguably the best jab in heavyweight history, Holmes is considered one of the greatest champions the division has ever known, having held the heavyweight throne for seven years.

After beating Ken Norton to get his hands on the title, ‘The Easton Assassin’ defeated the likes of an aging Muhammad AliEarnie Shavers and Leon Spinks during his reign, maintaining an undefeated record until his 49th fight.

Meanwhile, Lewis has defeated every opponent he has faced during his professional career, avenge the defeats of Oliver McCall and Hasim Rahman and stars such as Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson and Vitali Klitschko.

However, in an interview with Social boxingRoach, who guided Manny Pacquiao to stardom, picked Holmes to win against Lewis, believing that Lewis had carefully selected his opponents during his time in the ring.

“Lennox Lewis was very good in his day, Larry Holmes was a great fighter with a good jab. I like Larry Holmes in that one.

“Lennox, I think he avoided too many people. There were a few guys he just didn’t want to fight, and he never gave a rematch, after a controversial fight, with Klitschko. So, I’m going with Larry Holmes.”

Lewis hung up his gloves after his 2003 victory over Klitschko and, as Roach mentions, opted out of a rematch with the Ukrainian, believing it was the perfect time to retire. Holmes fought well past his prime, eventually losing to Tyson, Holyfield and Oliver McCall before finally calling it quits in 2002.