Holmes dismissed the idea that Usyk could have troubled Ali despite the Ukrainian’s outstanding run through the heavyweight division.
“Why does Ali beat Usyk? The styles of the two fighters are different. Ali would come in there and do what he had trained to do, so I’m not sure Usyk would be able to handle him. He would lose from round one on.”
Usyk recently vacated the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles after completing one of the strongest championship runs of the four-belt era. The Ukrainian defeated Anthony Joshua twice, Tyson Fury twice and Daniel Dubois before relinquishing the belts, prompting renewed debate about where he ranks among the heavyweight greats.
Holmes, however, believes heavyweight boxing has changed since his era.
“I don’t think today’s fighters have the heart of the guys from the 70s and 80s. We had determination and willpower to go out there for 15 rounds. Today’s fighters could never have done 15 rounds. I believe I would have beat them all. I was always ready. Every fight was like the last serious one.”
Ali’s footwork, lead hand and ability to control the distance are the qualities Holmes believes would have made the difference.
The former heavyweight champion also weighed in on suggestions that Usyk should retire following his latest victory, saying the decision belongs only to the fighter.
“Usyk was victorious. He did what he had to do. And you never stop if you feel you can go on. You can’t go on what the fans say. Fans love you and hate you whether you retire or continue to fight, so I think he should follow his heart.”
Holmes added that he had no issue with the stoppage in Usyk’s most recent fight, believing the referee made the correct call once his opponent was no longer defending himself.
The former heavyweight champion also questioned the growing crossover between boxing and mixed martial arts, saying Muhammad Ali would never have supported the direction being taken by Dana White.
“Ali would not agree with what he is doing. UFC and boxing are two separate sports. Keep it that way.”
Holmes’ comments came in an interview with CanadaCasino, where he also discussed the current heavyweight division, Usyk’s future and the changing landscape of professional boxing.
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