Nick Wells: The Man Who Knocked Out Larry Holmes Twice

Boxing history is full of fighters whose amateur brilliance never fully carried over to the professional stage. Nick Wells, born February 11, 1951, in Fort Worth, Texas, is one of the most intriguing examples. Standing 5’10” and fighting as a southpaw, Wells packed devastating power and became one of the most feared amateur heavyweights of his era. Most famously, he twice defeated future heavyweight champion Larry Holmes in 1972. Yet his professional career never reached the same heights. This is the story of how Olympic heartbreak, bad timing, and questionable management decisions kept Wells from becoming the champion many expected.

Amateur Career: A Dominant Force

Nick Wells began boxing while serving in the U.S. Air Force at Hamilton Air Force Base in California. He quickly rose to prominence, winning five All-Air Force titles and the 1972 U.S. Amateur Heavyweight Championship.

That same year, Wells made history by defeating Larry Holmes twice—once in Minneapolis and again in Fort Worth in front of 7,000 fans. The second bout ended in a first-round knockout that Holmes himself later admitted was one of his toughest amateur moments.

His Olympic dream ended when he fought Duane Bobick in the 1972 Trials final. Wells broke Bobick’s nose but suffered a cut over his eye that forced the stoppage.

RARE FIGHT Larry Holmes vs Nick Wells amateur bout July 22, 1972

Career Highlights

• Fort Worth Golden Gloves Champion – 5x

• Texas State Heavyweight Champion – 3x

• National AAU Heavyweight Champion – 1972

• World Military Gold Medalist (CISM) – 1972

• Amateur Record – 189 wins, 18 losses, 110 KOs

Professional Career: Missed Opportunities

Wells turned pro in 1976, but the timing was all wrong. Instead of joining Lou Duva’s camp, he stayed in Fort Worth under local management. He began with four straight knockouts, but his fifth fight came against veteran Mike Koranicki, who was far more experienced. Wells was stopped, and his momentum vanished.

When matched with stronger opponents like Jeff Simms and Tony Fulilangi, Wells’ flaws appeared. He cut easily, his chin was questionable, and poor management left him in mismatches. By the time he retired in 1983, his record stood at 13 wins, 8 losses.

Why He Fell Short

Several factors contributed to Wells’ struggles in the pros:

• Turning Pro Too Late – Losing four years after the Olympic Trials hurt his momentum.

• Durability Issues – He was prone to cuts and knockdowns.

• Poor Management – Rushed into a 10-round fight too early.

• Missed Opportunity – Declining Lou Duva’s guidance cost him exposure and matchmaking.

Interestingly, his Olympic rival Duane Bobick suffered a similar fate—dominant as an amateur, but flawed as a professional.

Life After Boxing

Wells built a proud second career outside the ring. He spent over 30 years with the Fort Worth Fire Department, working his way up to fire captain. He also worked as a security guard, while building a strong family life with his wife Denise. The couple has two children, Hayley and Nickolas, and three grandsons.

Wells’ post-boxing life shows that true success isn’t measured only by championships, but also by service, family, and community impact.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Nick Wells

Nick Wells’ boxing story is a blend of dazzling highs and frustrating lows. As an amateur, he was nothing short of dominant, handing Larry Holmes two of the toughest defeats of his early career and winning nearly 200 fights. Yet, his professional path never followed the same script, with injuries, poor management, and timing working against him. Still, his legacy is undeniable: a fighter who made his mark on boxing history and later dedicated decades of service to his community. Nick Wells will always be remembered as a symbol of “what might have been,” but also of resilience beyond the ring.