33 years ago

Date: 8th February 1992

Venue: Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, New Jerse

Title: IBF World Middleweight Title

Promoter: Gelb Promotions & Top Rank

Referee: Robert Palmer

Tv: ABC Sports

James Toney
( 28 - 0 - 2 )
Weight: 159¾ lbs

Dave Tiberi
( 22 - 2 - 3 )
Weight: 158¼ lbs

On February 8, 1992, the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, New Jersey, played host to a middleweight title fight that would become one of the most controversial bouts in modern boxing history. IBF World Middleweight champion James Toney, undefeated with a record of 28-0-2, stepped into the ring to make his fourth title defence against Dave Tiberi, a relatively unknown challenger sporting a 22-2-3 record.

Toney, known for his exceptional skills and knockout power, entered the bout as the clear favourite. However, Tiberi, who had only managed 8 knockouts in his 22 wins, employed an unexpected strategy that would test the champion's resolve. Despite being hurt by a Toney flurry at the end of the first round, Tiberi turned the fight into a close-quarters war, consistently applying pressure and outworking the champion in the inside exchanges.

As the fight progressed, Tiberi's relentless pressure began to take its toll on Toney. The champion appeared to weaken, struggling to maintain his usual dominance. A peculiar incident occurred between the fifth and sixth rounds when there was a lengthy break to change Tiberi's left glove, providing Toney with a much-needed respite. However, upon resumption, Tiberi continued his aggressive approach, seemingly winning rounds against an increasingly fatigued Toney.

When the final bell rang, many ringside observers believed Tiberi had done enough to dethrone the champion. However, the judges' scorecards told a different story. Frank Brunette scored the bout 117-111 for Tiberi, but he was overruled by Frank Garza and Bill Lerch, who both had it 115-112 in favour of Toney. The split decision victory for Toney immediately sparked controversy and debate within the boxing community.

The fallout from this contentious decision was significant. U.S. Senator William Roth of Delaware called for an investigation into boxing, citing concerns about the sport's integrity. During subsequent hearings, it was revealed that two of the judges who scored the fight for Toney were not licensed in New Jersey for that bout, adding another layer of controversy to the already disputed outcome.

In the years following the fight, Tiberi never boxed professionally again, his career forever defined by this single controversial night. Conversely, Toney would go on to have a long and successful career, eventually becoming a multi-weight world champion. However, the shadow of this bout would linger, with Toney reportedly admitting years later that Tiberi should have won the title that night in Atlantic City. This fight remains a stark reminder of the subjective nature of boxing scoring and the potential for controversy in championship bouts.