Who Is Larry Holmes? Age, Biography and Wiki
Larry Holmes, born on November 3, 1949, is a celebrated American former professional boxer who held the World Heavyweight title from 1978 to 1985. As of 2025, he is 75 years old and remains an iconic figure in the sport. Known as "The Easton Assassin," Holmes had an impressive record, boasting 69 wins, 6 losses, and 44 knockouts. His legacy continues to inspire aspiring boxers around the globe.
| Occupation | Sports |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 3, 1949 |
| Age | 75 Years |
| Birth Place | Cuthbert, Georgia, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | Georgia |
Popularity
Larry Holmes's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Larry Holmes stands at an impressive height of 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm). Throughout his boxing career, he maintained a weight around 215 lbs (97 kg) during fights, showcasing a blend of strength and agility that made him a formidable opponent in the ring. His athletic build, coupled with his long reach, contributed to his success as a heavyweight champion.
Ali blamed his poor performance on thyroid medication which he had been taking, saying that it helped him lose weight (he weighed 217½, his lowest weight since he fought George Foreman in 1974), but it also left him drained for the fight.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Larry Holmes remains married to his long-time wife, Diane Holmes. The couple tied the knot in 1979 and have enjoyed a strong partnership characterized by mutual respect and support. They share four children together, who have made their mark in various fields. While there have been rumors about his dating life in the past, Holmes has remained primarily focused on family and his professional pursuits.
Holmes was the fourth of twelve children born to John and Flossie Holmes. In 1954, the family moved to Easton, Pennsylvania, in the Lehigh Valley region on the state’s border with New Jersey. Holmes' father went to Connecticut, where he visited the family every three weeks and worked as a gardener until his death in 1970.
"He didn't forsake us", said Flossie Holmes. "He just didn't have anything to give." The family survived on welfare. To help support his family, Holmes dropped out of school when he was in the seventh grade and went to work at a car wash for $1 an hour. He later drove a dump truck and worked in a Lehigh Valley quarry.
Net Worth and Salary
Larry Holmes has amassed a considerable fortune throughout his boxing career and subsequent ventures. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is around $20 million. Much of this wealth stems from his successful boxing career, lucrative endorsements, and wise investments. His legacy in the sport brings opportunities to engage in speaking events and appearances that contribute significantly to his earnings.
Career, Business and Investments
Holmes’ boxing career is well-documented, but he has also ventured into business. After retiring from boxing, he opened several successful enterprises, including a restaurant and a promotional company. His experience in the ring has also positioned him as a commentator for various boxing events, allowing him to further monetize his expertise. Holmes remains active in the sports world, participating in charity events and mentoring young boxers.
Holmes won his first 48 professional bouts, including victories over Ken Norton (the man he defeated in 1978 for the WBC championship), Muhammad Ali, Earnie Shavers, Mike Weaver, Gerry Cooney, Tim Witherspoon, Carl Williams, and Marvis Frazier.
Holmes fell one short of matching Rocky Marciano's career record of 49–0 when he lost to Michael Spinks in a 1985 upset. Holmes retired after losing a rematch to Spinks the following year but made repeated comebacks.
He was unsuccessful in four further comeback attempts (against Mike Tyson in 1988, Evander Holyfield in 1992, Oliver McCall in 1995 and Brian Nielsen in 1997) to regain a variation of the heavyweight title.
Holmes fought for the final time in 2002, at age 52, against the 334lb Eric "Butterbean" Esch and ended his career with a record of 69 wins and 6 losses, with all of his losses coming in world title fights.
Social Network
Larry Holmes has a significant presence on social media, where he shares insights from his life and career. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook allow fans to connect with him, keeping his legacy alive through real-time updates. In 2025, he uses social media to promote sportsmanship, share training tips, and connect with the boxing community, inspiring a new generation of athletes.
Holmes seemed to show signs of sadness in punishing Ali so much during the fight. Tears appeared in Holmes's eyes during a post-fight interview. When asked why he was crying, he said that he respected Ali "a whole lot" and "he fought one of the baddest heavyweights in the world today, and you cannot take credit from him."
Education
While Larry Holmes is primarily known for his boxing career, he also values education. He attended local schools in Easton, Pennsylvania, and developed a deep understanding of discipline and hard work. Though much of his early life revolved around boxing, Holmes often speaks about the importance of education and encourages young athletes to pursue their studies alongside sports.
