45 years ago
Larry Holmes vs Mike Weaver
Date: 22nd June 1979
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York
Title: WBC World Heavyweight Title
Promoter: Don King Productions
Referee: Harold Valan
Tv: HBO
Larry Holmes
(
30
-
0
-
0
)
Weight: 215 lbs
Mike Weaver
(
19
-
8
-
0
)
Weight: 202 lbs
On June 22, 1979, Larry Holmes faced Mike Weaver in the third defence of his WBC World Heavyweight Title at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Promoted by Don King Productions and televised on HBO, the bout attracted an eager crowd of 14,136 fans anticipating another dominant display from Holmes, who entered the ring with a flawless record of 30 wins and no losses. With a modest record of 19 wins and 8 losses, Weaver was widely considered an underdog but had other plans for the evening.
Holmes, weighing in at 215 pounds, was the more polished and technically superior fighter, while Weaver, at 202 pounds, brought raw strength and a reputation for resilience. Referee Harold Valan was tasked with overseeing the bout, and from the opening bell, the dynamic between the two fighters became clear.
The early rounds belonged to Holmes, who controlled the distance with his signature jab. Each punch was precise, keeping Weaver from finding his rhythm. Holmes' sharp counters and defensive movement suggested that the fight would follow a predictable script. However, Weaver, undeterred by Holmes' early success, began to grow into the contest. By the middle rounds, the challenger found openings and landed heavy punches to the champion's body, slowing Holmes' movement and forcing him into exchanges he would have preferred to avoid.
As the fight progressed into the later rounds, Weaver's persistence and raw power turned the contest into an unexpected war of attrition. Holmes, visibly tired, was forced to dig deep, displaying the grit and determination that would become hallmarks of his championship reign. Weaver pressed forward, landing solid right hands that tested the champion's durability.
In the 11th round, with the fight hanging in the balance, Holmes found the breakthrough he desperately needed. A thunderous right uppercut connected flush, sending Weaver staggering to the canvas. The challenger managed to rise, but the damage had been done. The round ended with Weaver on shaky legs, his corner working frantically to prepare him for the final stretch.
When the 12th round began, it was clear that Weaver had little left to give. Holmes, sensing the end, moved in swiftly. Pinning Weaver against the ropes, the champion unleashed a relentless barrage of punches. Referee Harold Valan had seen enough and stepped in to stop the contest just 44 seconds into the round, awarding Holmes a TKO victory.
The fight had been far more competitive than anticipated, with Weaver pushing Holmes to his physical and mental limits. Despite the loss, Weaver earned respect for his courage and durability, proving himself far more than just a stepping stone for the champion.
For Holmes, the victory was both a triumph and a warning. While his technical brilliance ultimately carried him to victory, Weaver had exposed vulnerabilities that future challengers would undoubtedly seek to exploit. In the aftermath, Holmes praised Weaver's resilience, acknowledging that the challenger had given him one of the toughest fights of his career.
Larry Holmes vs Mike Weaver on YouTube
