25 years ago

Date: 26th June 1999

Title: WBO World Heavyweight Title

Promoter: Sports Network

Tv: Sky Sports

Herbie Hide
( 31 - 1 - 0 )
Weight: 221 lbs

Vitali Klitschko
( 24 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 245¾ lbs

Herbie Hide, the two-time WBO Heavyweight Champion, had made two quick title defences against Damon Reed and Wilhelm Fischer after regaining the belt from Tony Tucker in 1997. Despite the WBO being considered a fringe title by many in the boxing world, Hide had criticised the Lewis-Holyfield bout being described as for the undisputed championship, arguing that his belt was not involved.

After several failed attempts to face former WBA Cruiserweight Champion Orlin Norris due to various injuries and postponements, Hide agreed to face his mandatory challenger, the unbeaten European champion Vitali Klitschko.

The first round was closely contested, with Hide landing occasional jabs and hooks to the body and head. However, in the second round, things took a dramatic turn when Klitschko floored Hide with two long right hands. Hide beat the count but was visibly hurt and on the retreat.

Klitschko continued his assault, sending Hide to the canvas again with another right hand. The champion rose at the count of eight but was clearly dazed and unable to move his right leg properly. The referee, recognising that Hide was in no condition to defend himself, waved off the fight, awarding Klitschko the victory and the WBO Heavyweight Title.

The defeat marked the end of Hide's reign as champion and likely spelt the end of his career at the top level. He had been stopped decisively the last time he stepped up in class against Riddick Bowe in 1995. Hide's promoter, Frank Warren believed that the former champion had taken the wrong approach to the fight, stating that he should have focused on working Klitschko's body instead of head-hunting.

Klitschko's impressive performance, improving his record to 25 wins, all by stoppage, set the stage for potential high-profile bouts, including a possible match-up with WBC champion Lennox Lewis. The Ukrainian victory was celebrated by an estimated 100,000 people who turned out in Kyiv to watch the fight.

Julius Francis retained his British Heavyweight title with a points victory over Scott Welch, and other notable bouts on the card included American Orlin Norris stopping Pele Reid in the first round.