Larry Holmes vs Carl Williams

On May 20, 1985, at the Lawlor Events Center in Reno, Nevada, Larry Holmes faced undefeated challenger Carl Williams in the third defence of his IBF World Heavyweight Title. Holmes, standing at 47-0, was chasing Rocky Marciano's all-time record of 49-0 and entered the ring as the heavy favourite. Williams, a 16-0 underdog, was looking to upset the champion with his youth, athleticism, and considerable size at 6’4”.

The bout, broadcast on NBC Sports, began with Williams immediately establishing his jab. Known as “The Truth,” Williams effectively utilised his 82-inch reach, snapping Holmes’ head back with sharp punches that made an immediate impression. Holmes, weighing 222¼ pounds compared to Williams’ 215, appeared to struggle early against the younger man’s speed and accuracy.

As the rounds unfolded, Williams continued to demonstrate his technical ability, using his footwork and jab to dictate the pace of the fight. Holmes, however, showed the poise of a seasoned champion, relying on his experience to absorb the challenger’s best shots while landing occasional counters to slow the momentum. By the middle rounds, Williams’ activity and control appeared to give him an edge, but Holmes remained dangerous, landing his right hand in key exchanges.

In the later rounds, Holmes began to mount a comeback, pressing the action and trying to wear down the challenger. Williams showed signs of fatigue but refused to wilt, continuing to fire back with his jab and combinations. The fight became increasingly competitive, with both men trading punches in the centre of the ring. Holmes, known for his incredible toughness, took several clean shots but managed to stay on his feet and respond with his own offence.

After 15 gruelling rounds, the decision was left to the judges. Many observers believed Williams had done enough to dethrone the champion, having landed more punches and controlled much of the fight. However, the official scorecards told a different story. Judges Harold Buck and Jerry Roth scored the fight 144-141 in favour of Holmes, while Judge Chuck Giampa scored it 143-142 for the defending champion. The unanimous decision allowed Holmes to retain his title and extend his unbeaten record to 48-0, but the result sparked widespread debate.

Referee Mills Lane, who oversaw the contest, praised both fighters' efforts, but the decision left a sour taste in the mouths of many fans and analysts. Williams, though disappointed, gained respect for his performance and proved he belonged among the heavyweight elite. For Holmes, the fight was another step closer to tying Marciano’s record. Still, it highlighted the physical toll of a long career and the growing threat posed by the division’s younger generation.

The Holmes-Williams bout remains one of the more contentious decisions in heavyweight history, with many still viewing it as a fight the challenger should have won. However, it came down to the razor-thin margins that so often can define championship boxing.

I’ve watched Larry Holmes against Carl Williams more times than I can remember, and I still believe Williams deserved the decision. Holmes was chasing Rocky Marciano’s unbeaten record and remained a huge name, but by 1985, the great champion had slowed. Williams was unbeaten, tall, quick and possessed an excellent jab. He had been Holmes’s sparring partner, so he knew the champion’s habits and showed no fear of him.

Williams beat Holmes at his own game for long spells. He jabbed first, doubled it up and left Larry with a badly swollen eye. Holmes kept pressing and worked the body better as the fight wore on, but too often he followed Williams around instead of cutting off the ring. Carl faded slightly late, and Holmes hurt him with a right near the end of the fourteenth, but one strong finish should not erase the cleaner boxing that came before it.

The judges gave Holmes a unanimous decision, 143–142 and two ridiculous scores of 146–139. I could accept a close Holmes card or even a draw, but nine rounds to six on two cards was poor judging. Williams was the younger man, yet he boxed with the composure of the champion while Holmes looked frustrated and increasingly ordinary.

For me, this was the night “The Truth” told the truth about Holmes: Larry was still formidable, but the great years were nearly over. Williams earned the title and was denied it.