American boxing legend Larry Holmes has had an illustrious career that spanned almost 30 years.
As one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, Holmes has shared the ring with the likes of Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali, and Gerry Cooney.
With a final record of 69-6, ‘The Easton Assassin hung up his gloves in 2002 as Holmes took on Butterbean in an unlikely fight. However, he is best known for his world championship reign in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
In 1992, Holmes would get the chance to be a two-time heavyweight champion when he faced Evander Holyfield. However, the challenger would go into the bout with a significant injury.
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Larry Holmes fought Evander Holyfield with a detached retina
Coming off of an impressive win over Ray Mercer, Holmes was looking to dethrone the unbeaten Holyfield, who was looking to make a third defense of his heavyweight titles.
Not only was Holmes at a significant age disadvantage, as he was 13 years older than Holyfield at age 42, but he was also not in peak physical condition for the bout.
Speaking to Vlad TV, Holmes said, “I went into the ring with one eye… I couldn’t see [out of one eye].”
“I had a detached retina, I got it four weeks before the fight.” Holmes would also add the injury stemmed from a training session prior to the world championship fight.
In terms of why Holmes still fought despite the injury, the former champion said “I’m not going to turn down $10 million for it [my injury].”
Evander Holyfield beat Larry Holmes via unanimous decision
Meeting in June of 1992, Holmes would not be able to become a world heavyweight champion for a second time. Instead, Holyfield would be able to retain his world titles.
Despite competing in the bout with the injury however, Holmes was able to have some success in the fight, as the heavyweights competed for 12 rounds.
The judges would score the contest 116-112, 116-112, and 117-111 all in favor of Holyfield, as the champion emerged victorious in Las Vegas. However, Holyfield would lose his heavyweight crown in his following bout, being bested by Riddick Bowe.
Despite a hand glider crashing into the ring in the rematch between Holyfield and Bowe, ‘The Real Deal’ would get revenge over his rival, and reclaim his titles.