Let’s be honest: sometimes you hear a name from the past and your brain does a double-take. You think, “Wait, is that person still… you know, with us?” It happens all the time, especially with legends from your dad’s era. If you’ve ever found yourself squinting at a grainy YouTube clip of a boxer from the 70s, you know the feeling. One minute you’re watching Muhammad Ali float like a butterfly, and the next you’re wondering if his old rival is still eating dinner somewhere.
So, let’s tackle the big question head-on: Is Larry Holmes still alive? The short answer is a resounding, high-fiving yes. The man who once owned the heavyweight throne is very much above ground, probably enjoying a plate of scrambled eggs as you read this. Unlike a milk carton that's been in the fridge too long, Larry hasn’t expired.
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Larry Holmes, the "Easton Assassin," is alive and well, living the quiet life in his hometown of Easton, Pennsylvania. He’s 73 years old, which in boxing years is like being a classic car that still runs on the first try. You’d think after taking punches from guys like Mike Tyson and Ken Norton, his joints would be creakier than an old porch swing.
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But nope, he’s still around. He runs his own boxing gym, gives interviews where he jokes about everything, and generally acts like a grumpy uncle who’s secretly a teddy bear. If you saw him at a diner, you’d probably not recognize him, but he’d definitely be the one telling the waitress his coffee is too cold.
It’s funny how we assume old fighters have vanished. We watch Ali’s shaky hands at the 1996 Olympics, and we project that fear onto everyone. But Larry Holmes? He’s rock solid. He’s the human equivalent of a cast-iron skillet—bit of wear, but still the best tool for the job.
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Why We Even Ask This Question
Let’s be real: the only reason we ask about Larry Holmes is because of George Foreman. That man messed up the timeline for everyone. Foreman looked like he was 50 when he was 25, then won a title at 45, and now sells grills that make you look like a chef. It’s confusing.
Every time we see a chubby, smiling older guy on TV, our brain short-circuits. We think, “Didn’t he fight Joe Frazier?” The fear that every legend has silently slipped away is real. It’s like finding out your favorite childhood candy was discontinued—you panic, even though you haven’t eaten one in twenty years.
But Larry Holmes is a survivor. He outlasted the 1980s cocaine culture, the rise of the cruiserweights, and even a brief stint as a rapper. Yes, he rapped. It was terrible, but it proves he’s got more lives than a cat stuck in a boxing ring.
Larry Holmes: Boxer won heavyweight boxing championship, fought Ali
Anecdotes That Make You Smile
Remember when Larry Holmes called Mike Tyson a “paper tiger” before their 1988 fight? Then Tyson knocked him out in the fourth round. Most guys would crawl into a hole. But Larry? After the fight, he just shrugged and said, “I made more money in retirement than he did.” That’s boss energy.
Or how about the time he sparred with a young, future champion and accidentally broke the kid’s ribs? He felt so bad he gave him a cake. A cake. That’s the kind of guy he is. He’s like your grandpa who yells at the TV during a football game, then offers you a Werther’s Original.
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Even now, when a journalist asks him about Ali, Holmes will roll his eyes and say, “I might not have been pretty, but I was real.” He’s got zero filter, which is refreshing in a world of scripted athletes. He’ll tell you your shoes are ugly, then ask if you want a beer.
What’s He Doing Now?
Today, Larry Holmes is basically a local celebrity in Easton. You can find him at his gym, Larry Holmes’ Ringside Restaurant, where he’ll shake your hand and call you “champ.” The handshake is still strong enough to make you wince.
He posts videos on social media where he rambles about politics and the price of gas. He calls out modern fighters for being soft. He once said, “These kids today, they fight like they’re trying to win a dance contest.” It’s comedy gold, delivered with a straight face.
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And yes, he’s still doing interviews. Every time he does, he makes sure to remind everyone that he would have beaten Rocky Marciano. He leans into the grudge like it’s a retirement hobby. It’s adorable.
So, to wrap it up like a pair of old boxing gloves: Larry Holmes is alive. He’s not just alive—he’s actively enjoying the fact that he survived a career that would cripple a giraffe. He’s the cousin who shows up to the family reunion with a beer in one hand and a political argument in the other.
Next time you hear a weird rumor, don’t panic. Larry is probably just taking a nap in his La-Z-Boy, dreaming of left jabs and tax deductions. The man is a legend, and legends don’t die—they just open restaurants.