Larry Holmes Honored 35 Years After Big Fight

Larry Holmes has been honored by the world of boxing, by his hometown, and now by Congress.

U.S. Reps. Matt Cartwright and Charlie Dent have introduced a resolultion in the House honoring Holmes in connection with the 35th anniversary of his WBC World Heavyweight Title victory.

Holmes, an Easton native, defeated Ken Norton on June 9, 1978. Cartwright, who became the city's new congressman this year, called Holmes "not only a champion of boxing, but a champion in his community."

“Raised in Easton, Larry has devoted himself to growing the community economically and through his meaningful community service throughout his life,” Cartwright said in a news release. “I am honored to know Larry Holmes.”

Holmes finished his career with a record of 69-6. Since his retirement, he has remained connected to Easton, owning properties in the city and keeping a gym on the South Side.

He continues to make headlines as well, whether it's for his house going up for sale in Palmer Township, his brief hospitalization, and his battle with a neighboring property owner towing his customers at his restaurant.

More recently, he came out in support of his grandson Jeffrey Dorsey Holmes, whom he's mentoring as a boxer.

The younger boxer's first Lehigh Valley fight ended with a defeat Thursday night in Bethlehem.