Larry Holmes is widely considered to be one of the greatest heavyweights of all time.

Known as ‘The Easton Assassin’, Holmes had a highly decorated professional career which began back in March 1973 and saw him reign as the world heavyweight champion for seven years between 1978 and 1985.

Holmes made no less than 20 successful defences of his crown during his dominant reign, defeating the likes of James Smith, Trevor Berbick and Muhammad Ali before he eventually suffered back-to-back losses to Michael Spinks.

Upon his return to action in 1988, Holmes locked horns with a young and ferocious Mike Tyson, who stopped ‘The Easton Assassin’ in the 4th round of their world title showdown at the Convention Hall in Atlantic City.

Tyson holds the honour of being the youngest world heavyweight champion in history and also claimed undisputed honours, but Holmes feels he would have come unstuck against another boxing legend.

In an interview with Sky Sports Boxing, Holmes discussed how Tyson would have done in his era against the likes of Smokin’ Joe Frazier.

“I ain’t knocking Mike Tyson, no [he wouldn’t survive in that era]. Joe Frazier would beat him up at his own style. Joe liked guys like that.”

Frazier had a great deal of success during his own career which culminated in him reigning as the undisputed heavyweight champion for several years between 1970 and 1973.

‘Smokin’ Joe’ shared the ring with a number of legendary heavyweights along the way and became the first man to defeat Muhammad Ali when they did battle for the first time at Madison Square Garden in New York back in 1971.