40 years ago
Larry Holmes vs James Smith
Date: 9th November 1984
Venue: Riviera Hotel & Casino, Outdoor Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, USATitle: IBF World Heavyweight Title
Promoter: Don King Productions
Referee: Davey Pearl
Tv: HBO World Championship Boxing
Larry Holmes
(
45
-
0
-
0
)
Weight: 221 1/2 lbs
James Smith
(
14
-
1
-
0
)
Weight: 227 lbs
Larry Holmes secured his first IBF heavyweight title defense on November 9, 1984, stopping James "Bonecrusher" Smith in 12 rounds at Las Vegas' Riviera Hotel outdoor arena. The victory came despite Holmes' later revelation of fighting just three weeks after haemorrhoid surgery, a risk he took for what he claimed was a $3.5 million purse (though contemporary reports listed $1 million).
The bout marked Holmes' return after an 11-month layoff following his WBC title abdication, choosing the IBF crown over a mandatory defence against Greg Page. Holmes controlled the early rounds with his jab, though Smith's power surfaced in round five when a right hand forced the champion to clinch. A seventh-round clash of heads opened a persistent cut over Holmes' brow, requiring cutman Percy Richardson's constant attention.
Following another dangerous Smith right hand in the eighth, trainer Eddie Futch adjusted Holmes' strategy, emphasizing movement and shorter punches. The tactical shift paid dividends in round eleven when Holmes' compact right hand split Smith's left eyelid. The damage worsened until round twelve, when Smith declined to continue after Dr. Donald Romeo's examination, requiring twenty stitches to close.
The judges' cards (Hamada 109-100, Elespuru 108-100, Ford 108-101) reflected Holmes' overall dominance before referee Davey Pearl's stoppage at 2:10 of round twelve.
Smith would later capture the WBA heavyweight title in 1986, stopping Tim Witherspoon in one round at Madison Square Garden.
Larry Holmes vs James Smith on YouTube
