37 years ago

Date: 14th February 1987

Venue: Bally's Hotel & Casino, Reno, Nevada

Title: WBA World Cruiserweight Title

Promoter: Main Events, Shelly Finkel

Tv: ABC Wide World Of Sports

Evander Holyfield
( 13 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 188½ lbs

Henry Tillman
( 14 - 1 - 0 )
Weight: 189 lbs

On February 14, 1987, Evander Holyfield defended his World Boxing Association Cruiserweight Title against Henry Tillman at Bally's Hotel & Casino in Reno, Nevada. This bout was significant because the title was on the line and featured two former 1984 Olympic teammates facing off in a professional ring. Holyfield had won a bronze medal and Tillman a gold in their respective weight classes.

Holyfield, known for his rigorous fighting style and resilience, entered the match with an undefeated record of 11-0. Tillman presented a formidable challenge with a record of 14-1, his only professional loss coming from Bert Cooper. The fight, scheduled for 15 rounds, saw Holyfield demonstrate superior skill and power, leading to Tillman being knocked down four times.

The critical moment came in the seventh round when Holyfield's aggressive offence resulted in three knockdowns of Tillman, prompting the referee, Carlos Padilla, to stop the fight at 1:43 of the round, awarding Holyfield the victory by technical knockout. This win retained Holyfield's WBA Cruiserweight Title and highlighted his dominance in the cruiserweight division and potential for future success in the heavyweight category.

Holyfield earned $100,000 for the fight, which The Ring Magazine later recognized as one of the greatest cruiserweight fights of the 1980s. This victory was a key milestone in Holyfield's illustrious career, laying the groundwork for his ascent into the heavyweight division, where he would continue to make boxing history.