PROTECT YOUR DNA WITH QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY
Orgo-Life the new way to the future Advertising by AdpathwayFloyd Mayweather has named Larry Holmes as the only heavyweight in his personal top five list of all-time great fighters, leaving Muhammad Ali off entirely.
Mayweather listed Pernell Whitaker, Roberto Duran, Aaron Pryor, Holmes, and himself when asked to name the greatest fighters in boxing history.
“We gotta go Pernell Whitaker. I’m gonna go Roberto Duran. Aaron Pryor,” said Mayweather in a YouTube video.
When the discussion turned to heavyweights, Mayweather bypassed Ali and selected Holmes.
“If we’re gonna go heavyweights, I gotta go Larry Holmes, because Larry Holmes beat everybody in his era. When Larry Holmes got beat by Mike Tyson, he got beat by a young, hungry champion,” said Mayweather.
Holmes held the heavyweight championship from 1978 to 1985 and made 20 successful title defenses during his reign. He owns victories over Ken Norton, Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks, and an aging Ali, while many historians regard his jab as one of the best in boxing history.
Mayweather’s decision to place Holmes above Ali is likely to spark debate among fans. Ali is commonly included on all-time pound-for-pound lists due to victories over Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier, and George Foreman, along with his influence on the sport outside the ring.
The inclusion of Mayweather himself is also likely to draw discussion. The former five-division champion retired with a 50-0 record and victories over Manny Pacquiao, Oscar De La Hoya, Shane Mosley, and Canelo Alvarez.
The list reflects Mayweather’s personal view of boxing history, but Holmes being chosen as the lone heavyweight while Ali was omitted entirely is the selection that stands out most.

Michael Collins is a senior writer at Boxing247.com (East Side Boxing) and has covered world championship boxing since 2012. Respected for his measured reporting and technical insight, he delivers expert analysis on elite fighters, contenders, and the evolving global fight landscape.
Click here to subscribe to our FREE newsletter
Latest Boxing News:
- Mike Tyson Suffers Broken Hand, Floyd Mayweather Fight Delayed
- Teddy Atlas Picks Sugar Ray Robinson Over Floyd Mayweather
- Marcos Maidana Predicts Same Result In Pacquiao Rematch
- Jermall Charlo Gets Another Chance To Build Momentum In July
- Jack Catterall Renews Call For Rolando Romero Fight
- Eddie Hearn: Mbilli Beats Canelo Alvarez if He’s Finished
Boxing • Boxing News • Floyd Mayweather Picks Larry Holmes Over Muhammad Ali In Top Five List
Last Updated on 2026/05/29 at 11:32 AM

















English (US) ·
French (CA) ·