Larry Holmes Discusses The Mayweather-Pacquiao Fallout With Boxing Insider

By Sean Crose

There’s a lot of talk out there right now about Floyd Mayweather being 48-0. Well, former heavyweight champ Larry Holmes has been there and done that. As outspoken today as he was dominant in his prime, Holmes took the time to talk to Boxing Insider about the Mayweather-Pacquiao fallout…and some other things. As always, Holmes comes at things with a perspective that only a major figure in the sport can have.

BOXING INSIDER: What did you think of the fight?

LARRY HOLMES: It wasn’t the best fight in the world. It was so-so. Floyd’s not a bad guy but he’s going to be worse now if you thought he was a bad guy (before) because he has a whole lot of money (laughs). Mayweather fought for forty-eight fights so he can break the Marciano record, but they don’t say anything about my forty-eight fights. First you’ve got a beat Larry Holmes’ 48-0. Everyone wants to say forget Larry Holmes because he tells it like it is and they don’t want to fucking hear the truth.

BOXING INSIDER: You told me in our last conversation that corner men don’t have a whole lot to say to their fighters in between rounds these days. I noticed Freddie Roach didn’t have a whole lot to say to Manny during the fight.

LARRY HOLMES: Because he don’t what the hell to say. What are you going to tell the guy? Freddie Roach is my man. I like Freddie Roach, but (these trainers) they think they’re great.

BOXING INSIDER: Was Manny wrong for not disclosing the shoulder injury?

LARRY HOLMES: No, because, so what? Big deal. Everybody fights with injuries. When I fought Ken Norton for the title, my left arm went out of the socket, but hey I fought and I won. And the way Manny was throwing punches, there was nothing wrong with his shoulder. Everyone has an excuse. I thought he fought the best fight he could, but that Floyd won a fair decision.

BOXING INSIDER: Would the fans be less upset if they didn’t pay $100?

LARRY HOLMES: I thought it was overpriced. Look, me and Gerry Cooney rocked the house and we fought (over) twelve rounds. Ali…we rocked the house. Ken Norton fought the shit out of me…we rocked the house. They (Mayweather and Pacquiao) didn’t rock the house. People want to see a fight.

BOXING INSIDER: What do you think about all the fans who are upset with how the fight turned out?

LARRY HOLMES: They got stuck. They got gipped.

BOXING INSIDER: Do you think Manny should retire?

LARRY HOLMES: No. He can bring a lot of guys in. He can beat a lot of guys. Only if he wants to retire. If he continues to fight like he did the other night…I thought he fought a good fight. He was trying. That was interesting because everyone was waiting for something to happen and nothing happened. That’s what it was.

BOXING INSIDER: Is Amir Khan the best choice for Floyd to fight next?

LARRY HOLMES: I don’t follow little (lesser known) guys. I follow them when they’re big like Floyd Mayweather. These guys (today) don’t even jab. They never throw a jab, they throw hooks and the right.

BOXING INSIDER: What are your favorite fighters to watch now?

LARRY HOLMES: They don’t have any. There’s only one guy out there – Mayweather. Mayweather’s the only one out there. Who else they got? The heavyweights…

BOXING INSIDER: Do you like Deontay Wilder?

LARRY HOLMES: I think he’s got something going for himself, but he hasn’t done anything real. I think he’s a good fighter, but he hasn’t shown me anything. I’m still waiting for something to happen. Stiverne, he walked in with his hands up and not throwing any punches. He wasn’t drinking water in the corner. He wasn’t drinking water and was taking punches upside the head.

When they think they know it all, that’s what.

BOXING INSIDER: Thanks again for your time, champ.

LARRY HOLMES: Any time. I just call it like I see it. That’s all I can do.