Larry Holmes, former World Heavyweight championship boxer, has proved that hard work and discipline will guide you towards your life goals.
The "Champ" was born in Cuthbert, Georgia and later moved to Easton, Pennsylvania. Larry had 9 brothers and 3 sisters and he ended up dropping out of school in the 7th grade to help his mother support the family.
Larry turned to boxing in his early teens and had an impressive amateur career record of 19 wins and 3 losses. In 1971, at the age of 22, Larry had the opportunity to work with Muhammad Ali as a sparring partner. Two years later he turned professional.
Larry, whose left jab is considered one of the greatest weapons in the history of boxing, was the WBC Heavyweight Champion from 1978 to 1983, The Ring Heavyweight Champion from 1980 to 1985, and the IBF Heavyweight Champion from 1983 to 1985. He made twenty successful title defenses, second only to Joe Louis' twenty-five. On November 6, 1986, three days after his 37th birthday, Larry announced his retirement.
At an age when most fighters would never think about stepping back into the ring, Larry returned to boxing in the 1990’s to a record of 21 wins in 24 fights, including two title fights. Larry’s final fight was in 2002 in Norfolk, Virginia, where he defeated Eric "Butterbean" Esch by a ten-round unanimous decision.
Larry was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2008. Since his retirement, he has been active in various successful real estate and restaurant ventures and gives motivational speeches throughout the country.
Larry Holmes, former World Heavyweight championship boxer, is available through IMG Speakers Bureau for speaking engagements. Larry Holmes is also available for corporate hospitality events, meet and greets, autograph signings, and much more. Please contact IMG Speakers at 212-774-6735 or speakers@imgworld.com for more information on booking Larry Holmes.
