36 years ago

Date: 7th February 1988

Title: IBF World Middleweight Title

Promoter: Queensberry Promotions

Referee: Frank Cappuccino

Tv: ITV - The Big Fight Live

Frank Tate
( 21 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 160 lbs

Tony Sibson
( 55 - 6 - 1 )
Weight: 160 lbs

Frank Tate successfully defended his IBF World Middleweight Title on February 7, 1988, at Bingley Hall in Stafford, England, stopping Tony Sibson in the tenth round of a fiercely contested bout. Initially slated for 15 rounds, the fight was adjusted to 12 after the British Boxing Board of Control refused to sanction the original length, creating a unique backdrop for Tate's first defence. Sibson, a seasoned contender revered for his 1983 challenge against Marvin Hagler, entered the ring with the full support of the local crowd but faced a champion in his prime.

Tate, who had captured the vacant IBF title by defeating the highly regarded Michael Olajide four months earlier, brought his athleticism and polished skill set to bear against the rugged British veteran. The bout was competitive throughout, with Sibson pushing forward and attempting to disrupt Tate's rhythm, but the champion's speed, precision, and movement consistently gave him the edge.

As the fight progressed, Sibson's aggression was met with disciplined counters and sharp combinations from Tate. The American worked effectively behind his jab, neutralizing Sibson's advances and building a lead on the scorecards. Judges Torben Seemann Hansen, Clark Sammartino, and Joseph Pasquale scored the fight 88-83, 87-84, and 87-84, respectively, all in favour of Tate before the dramatic conclusion.

In the tenth round, with both fighters showing signs of fatigue, Tate found the decisive moment. As Sibson moved to his left, Tate unleashed a long right hand that landed cleanly on the challenger's head, sending him to the canvas. Sibson struggled to rise but could not beat referee Frank Cappuccino's count, ending the contest at 2:53 of the round.

The win marked a solid start to Tate's reign as champion, though it would be short-lived; he lost the title in his next defence against the undefeated Michael Nunn. For Sibson, the loss signalled the end of a distinguished career. The British favourite retired at the age of 30 with a record of 55-7-1, including 31 wins by knockout.