46 years ago
Larry Holmes vs Ossie Ocasio
Date: 23rd March 1979
Venue: Las Vegas Hilton, Las Vegas Hilton Pavilion, Las Vegas, Nevada, USATitle: WBC World Heavyweight Title
Promoter: Don King Productions
Referee: Carlos Padilla
Tv: ABC Sports
Larry Holmes
(
29
-
0
-
0
)
Weight: 214 lbs
Ossie Ocasio
(
13
-
0
-
0
)
Weight: 207 lbs
Larry Holmes stepped into the ring at the Las Vegas Hilton Pavilion to defend his WBC World Heavyweight Title against undefeated Puerto Rican challenger Ossie Ocasio on March 23, 1979. The fight, promoted by Don King Productions and broadcast live on ABC Sports, attracted 5,376 spectators and generated a live gate of $345,000. With a record of 29 wins and no losses, Holmes weighed in at 214 pounds, while Ocasio, entering the bout with 13 wins and no losses, weighed 207 pounds. Referee Carlos Padilla was tasked with overseeing the action.
Ocasio had earned his title shot through back-to-back decision victories over Jimmy Young, showcasing durability and defensive acumen. However, from the opening bell, it became clear that Holmes was operating on an entirely different level. The champion established his authority with his signature jab, using it as both a defensive shield and an offensive weapon. Despite his confidence, Ocasio struggled to penetrate Holmes' reach and was frequently caught by sharp right hands when attempting to close the distance.
The first few rounds clearly showed Holmes' dominance. Ocasio showed spirit, occasionally lunging in with overhand rights, but Holmes' movement and precise counters kept him at bay. The challenger's lack of head movement and inability to disrupt Holmes' rhythm allowed the champion to dictate the pace easily.
By the seventh round, Holmes decided it was time to close the show. A stiff left jab snapped Ocasio's head back and sent him crashing to the canvas for the fight's first knockdown. The crowd roared as Ocasio rose to his feet, only to be met by a series of punishing right hands that floored him again. Twice more, Holmes delivered clinical right crosses that left Ocasio on the canvas, and though the challenger showed heart by rising each time, referee Carlos Padilla had seen enough. The fight was waved off at 2:38 of the seventh round, and Holmes retained his WBC title via technical knockout.
For Holmes, it was a masterclass in heavyweight boxing. He showcased the precision, power, and tactical intelligence that had become synonymous with his reign as champion. Ocasio, despite the punishing loss, would go on to find success in the cruiserweight division, capturing the WBA Cruiserweight Title in 1982.
The event's undercard also carried its share of drama, with Earnie Shavers scoring a thunderous first-round knockout over former WBC champion Ken Norton. This result further underscored the depth and danger of the heavyweight division at the time.
Holmes walked away from the bout with a $1.2 million purse, while Ocasio earned $250,000 for his efforts. The financial rewards reflected the significance of the occasion and Holmes's growing stature as a dominant force in the division.
Larry Holmes vs Ossie Ocasio on YouTube
