Nick Wells: The Man Who Knocked Out Larry Holmes Twice

​Nick Wells was born on February 11, 1951; he was an American heavyweight boxer renowned for his formidable amateur career and notable victories over future heavyweight champion Larry Holmes. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches and fighting as a southpaw, Wells amassed an impressive amateur record and left a significant mark in the boxing community.  Wells’ Boxing career as a professional never lived up to his amateur hype. Why was that? Many reasons exist for that, number one, he should have turned Pro after the Olympic Boxing Trials. If not for a nasty cut that stopped his fight with Duane Bobick in the second round, Wells could have easily found himself in the Olympics, which would have catapulted his Pro career.

I first heard of Nick Wells because my father had served in the U.S. Air Force and talked about this white heavyweight named Nick Wells who could really punch, my father had seen him fight in the late 60’s which got my interest up. Until this internet came along it was hard to find information on a guy like Wells, but nowadays you can.

Amateur Career

Wells served in the U.S. Air Force, stationed at Hamilton Air Force Base in California, during which he became a dominant force in amateur boxing. He was a five-time All-Air Force boxing champion and clinched the U.S. Amateur Heavyweight Championship in 1972. Notably, Wells defeated Larry Holmes twice that year: first in the third round of a National Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) tournament, and later with a first-round knockout during the U.S. Olympic Trials. Holmes later reflected on these bouts in his autobiography, acknowledging Wells’ power and his challenges against a southpaw opponent. The first time Wells beat Holmes was in Minneapolis, and the future pro heavyweight champ was undefeated as an amateur. The second time was in front of 7,000 fans in Fort Worth at Will Rogers Coliseum.

In the finals of the 1972 Olympic Trials, Wells faced Duane Bobick. Despite breaking Bobick’s nose early in the fight, Wells suffered a severe cut over his right eye, leading to the bout being stopped in the second round. This injury prevented him from advancing to the Olympics.

Throughout his amateur tenure, Wells achieved numerous accolades:​

• Fort Worth Golden Gloves Champion: Five-time winner.​

• Texas State Golden Gloves Champion: Two-time winner.​

• Texas State Heavyweight Champion: Three-time winner (1969, 1970, 1971).​

• National AAU Heavyweight Champion: 1972

• World Military Boxing Championships (CISM) Gold Medalist: 1972

• Nevada State Golden Gloves Champion: 1972, 1973.​

• Interservice Heavyweight Champion: 1973, 1975.​

He concluded his amateur career with a record of 189 wins, 18 losses, and 110 knockouts, 72 of which occurred in the first round

Professional Career

Transitioning to the professional arena in 1976, Wells declined an offer to train under renowned trainer Lou Duva, choosing instead to remain in his hometown of Fort Worth, Texas. He secured victories in his initial four professional bouts, all by knockout. However, he faced a setback in his fifth fight against Mike Koranicki, who had a more established record and would be a fringe contender for a short time. Despite this, Wells continued his professional journey, achieving a series of wins and losses. He retired from professional boxing in 1983 with a record of 13 wins and 8 losses. When he stepped up in competition against the likes of Jeff Simm, G.G. Maldonado, and Tony Fulilingi he had a tendency to cut, and his chin was not great. Bad Managing pur him in a ten round fight with Mike Koranicki way to fast, he wasn’t ready to fight the quality of fighter in just his fifth fight, Koranicki was fighting his twentieth Pro bout. I am no means a Lou Duva fan, but you have to believe that Duva would have gotten the Siuthpaw Heavyweight at least one good payday.

Wells I think waited too long to turn Pro and when he did, he cut easily, and his chin was questionable, plus a bad choice in his manager all led to his downfall. Wells knockouts wins over Larry Holmes give one pause and to think what might have been for Wells and it makes you wonder what went wrong when he turned Pro. Duane Bobick the man who beat him in the Olympic Trials final turned pro right after he won a Silver in the 1972 Olympics and his career while better than Wells was very similar. Bobick whenever competition was increased got cut and he got knocked out. Maybe they were just great amateurs who did not have what it took to rise up through the Pro ranks. Make no mistake Wells left a lasting impression on Larry Holmes.

Post-Boxing Life

After retiring from boxing, Wells dedicated over three decades to the Fort Worth Fire Department, achieving the rank of fire captain. He also worked as a security guard, balancing his professional commitments with family life. Wells has been married to his wife, Denise, for over 33 years, and they have two children, Hayley and Nickolas, as well as three grandsons. ​

Nick Wells’ legacy in boxing is marked by his powerful performances, particularly in the amateur ranks, and his victories over notable opponents. His transition to a life of public service further exemplifies his dedication and resilience.​