39 years ago
Larry Holmes vs Carl Williams
Date: 20th May 1985
Venue: Lawlor Events Center, Reno, Nevada
Title: IBF World Heavyweight Title
Promoter: M&M Sports
Referee: Mills Lane
Tv: NBC Sports
Larry Holmes
(
47
-
0
-
0
)
Weight: 222¼ lbs
Carl Williams
(
16
-
0
-
0
)
Weight: 215 lbs
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 the all-time record of Rocky Marciano’s 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 utilized 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 be giving him an edge, but Holmes was still 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 in the hands of 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 was met with widespread debate.
Referee Mills Lane, who oversaw the contest, praised the effort of both fighters, but the decision left a sour taste for 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 also highlighted the physical toll of a long career and the growing threat the division’s younger generation poses.
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.
Larry Holmes vs Carl Williams on YouTube
