Net Worth Ranker
What Is Larry Holmes’ Net Worth?
Larry Holmes, a celebrated American retired boxer, has accumulated a net worth of $18 million. His career is marked by an exceptional success rate, solidifying his position as one of the most accomplished heavyweight boxers in history. The foundation of this net worth primarily stems from his boxing career, supplemented by shrewd business ventures undertaken post-retirement.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on November 3, 1949, in Cuthbert, Georgia, Larry Holmes’ formative years were spent in Easton, Pennsylvania, a city that later inspired his boxing moniker, “The Easton Assassin.” He was one of twelve children born to John and Flossie Holmes. To support his large family, John relocated to Connecticut, working as a gardener and making trips home every three weeks. Larry’s contribution to the family’s finances began early; he left school after the seventh grade to work at a car wash and later as a dump truck driver. At around 18 years old, Holmes commenced his boxing journey.
As an amateur boxer, Holmes achieved a record of 19 wins and 3 losses. Crucially, he gained experience and insight into the professional boxing world by working as a sparring partner for prominent figures such as Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Jimmy Young, and Earnie Shavers. This exposure allowed him to evaluate his capabilities and fueled his ambition to compete professionally.
Boxing Career Highlights and Earnings
Holmes’ ascent to prominence began with his fight against Earnie Shavers in March 1978. In a dominant performance, Holmes secured a twelve-round unanimous decision victory, positioning him for a WBC Heavyweight Championship bout against Ken Norton. This pivotal match took place in Las Vegas on June 9, 1978. After fourteen closely contested rounds, with both fighters scoring seven rounds apiece, Holmes rallied in the final round to claim the WBC Heavyweight Champion title.
Larry Holmes reigned as the WBC Heavyweight Champion from 1978 to 1983, the Ring Heavyweight Champion from 1980 to 1985, and the IBF Heavyweight Champion from 1983 to 1985. His record includes an impressive 20 successful title defenses, placing him second only to Joe Louis, who holds the record with 25 wins in this category. Holmes retired in 1986 following a loss to Michael Spinks in a rematch, but he returned to the ring several times in subsequent years. His final fight occurred in 2002. In recognition of his achievements, Holmes was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2008. His final career record stands at 69 wins and 6 losses, with 44 victories achieved by knockout.
One of Holmes’ most significant fights was against Muhammad Ali, where he earned approximately $8 million. He won that fight, which was the only time Ali lost by stoppage. In 1988, a $2.8 million offer from Don King enticed Holmes to return to the ring for a fight against Mike Tyson. In 1992, he agreed to fight Evander Holyfield for $7 million. Although a scheduled fight against George Foreman in 1998 was canceled, Holmes received $400,000, representing 10% of his purse.
Business Ventures and Post-Boxing Life
Following his final retirement from boxing, Larry Holmes returned to his hometown of Easton, Pennsylvania. Using the earnings from his boxing career, he embarked on various business ventures. His business holdings have provided employment for over 200 individuals. These ventures included a $5 million office complex, a $2 million restaurant, an $8 million hotel, a nightclub, and investments in slot machines. He also served as a co-host on the TV talk show “What the Heck Were They Thinking?”.
Personal Life and Residence
Larry Holmes married Diane Robinson in 1979, and they have two children together. He also has three daughters from previous relationships. His younger brother, Mark Holmes, also pursued a career in boxing, competing as a middleweight from 1980 to 1987. Larry Holmes resides in a $1.7 million home located on Sheridan Drive in Palmer Township, Pennsylvania, near Easton. This property serves as his primary residence and reflects the financial stability he has achieved through his boxing career and subsequent business ventures.
Larry Holmes’ Net Worth: Assets and Investments
Larry Holmes’ $18 million net worth is composed of a variety of assets and investments accrued over his career and through subsequent business endeavors. Beyond his career earnings from boxing, a significant portion of his wealth is tied to real estate holdings in and around Easton, Pennsylvania. His $1.7 million residence on Sheridan Drive in Palmer Township represents a tangible asset, showcasing the long-term financial planning he has undertaken. The $5 million office complex and $8 million hotel investments are significant components of his portfolio, generating revenue and contributing to his overall net worth. Further details on his investments are not publicly available.
