46 years ago
Larry Holmes vs Alfredo Evangelista
Date: 10th November 1978
Venue: Caesars Palace, Sports Pavilion, Las Vegas
Title: WBC World Heavyweight Title
Promoter: Don King Productions
Referee: Richard Green
Tv: ABC Sports
Larry Holmes
(
28
-
0
-
0
)
Weight: 214½ lbs
Alfredo Evangelista
(
23
-
2
-
1
)
Weight: 208¼ lbs
Larry Holmes (29-0, 20 KOs) successfully defended his WBC heavyweight title for the first time, stopping European champion Alfredo Evangelista (23-2-1, 18 KOs) at 2:14 of round seven on November 10, 1978, at Caesars Palace Sports Pavilion in Las Vegas.
Holmes, weighing 215 pounds to Evangelista's 208, dominated the scheduled 15-round contest from the opening bell. The champion's jab proved remarkably effective, causing significant facial swelling and opening a cut under Evangelista's left eye by the sixth round.
The finish came as Holmes backed away in the seventh, landing a right hand to the jaw that dropped Evangelista. Though the challenger made it to his knees, he fell forward and was counted out by referee Richard Green.
Evangelista, who had previously gone the distance with Muhammad Ali in a 1977 title bid, entered as a 4-1 underdog despite being ranked #4 by the WBC. The Uruguayan-born Spanish citizen struggled to navigate Holmes' four-inch reach advantage and landed few significant shots throughout the bout.
The event, broadcast live on ABC, drew 5,300 spectators. Holmes earned $1.5 million, while Evangelista received $150,000.
Post-fight, Holmes called for a showdown with WBA champion Muhammad Ali, stating, "Either quit or fight me." He also expressed willingness to face Ken Norton or Jimmy Young in future defences.
Larry Holmes vs Alfredo Evangelista on YouTube
