born Nov. 3, 1949, Cuthbert, Ga., U.S.
U.S. heavyweight boxing champion.
Holmes won 19 of 23 amateur bouts before turning professional. From 1973 to 1978 Holmes won 28 consecutive bouts, culminating in a victory over the reigning champion, Ken Norton. He defended the title 17 times between 1978 and 1983, once (1980) against Muhammad Ali . He lost the title to Michael Spinks in 1985. Only Joe Louis held the heavyweight crown longer than Holmes.