71 years ago

Date: 24th June 1953

Title: World Light-heavyweight Title

Promoter: Kenny Mayne

Tv: Closed Circut TV

Archie Moore
( 140 - 19 - 8 )
Weight: 173¾ lbs

Joey Maxim
( 80 - 19 - 4 )
Weight: 175 lbs

The setting was Ogden Stadium, Utah, on a late June evening. Promoted by Kenny Mayne and aired on Closed Circuit TV, the scene was set for the rematch between veteran, 39-year-old Archie Moore, with a remarkable record of 140-19-8, set to defend his World Light-heavyweight title and former champ, 31-year-old Joey Maxim, whose record stood at 80-19-4. Weighing in at 173¾ lbs, Moore carried a slight weight disadvantage against Maxim's 175 lbs.

Their previous meeting had been an intensely contested bout, back in December 1952 in Saint Louis, where Moore managed to secure a unanimous decision win against Maxim over a gruelling 15 rounds. Moore had capitalized on this momentum, scoring victories in 6 non-title bouts, including a notable win against the highly ranked Cuban heavyweight contender, Nino Valdes. Maxim, meanwhile, had had only one bout in the intervening period, a hard-fought unanimous decision win over Danny Nardico in Miami, a match that saw Maxim suffer an 8th-round knockdown.

As the bout progressed, it was clear that this was going to be another tactical and strategic match with both men utilizing their experience to try to seize an advantage. The momentum shifted back and forth, each boxer having their moments. Once again, the contest lasted the full 15 rounds.

When the final bell rang, it was Moore who was awarded a narrow unanimous decision victory by the judges. Scores from referee Ray Miller were 7-6, from Nat Fleischer 8-7, and Ken Shulsen 8-5. It was a tough fight, with both men proving their mettle. Yet, it was Moore who stood victorious at the end, successfully defending his World Light-heavyweight Title.