43 years ago

Date: 6th November 1981

Title: WBC World Heavyweight Title

Promoter: Don King Productions

Referee: Rudy Ortega

Tv: ABC Sports

Larry Holmes
( 38 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 213¼ lbs

Renaldo Snipes
( 22 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 215¾ lbs

Larry Holmes retained his WBC heavyweight crown against undefeated challenger Renaldo Snipes on November 6, 1981, overcoming a shocking seventh-round knockdown to secure an eleventh-round TKO at Pittsburgh's Civic Arena.

The ABC prime-time telecast, dubbed "Imminent Danger," witnessed the unexpected as the heavily favoured Holmes ($1.1 million purse) was controlling the early action against Snipes ($175,000) before a chopping right hand in the seventh sent the champion to the canvas. This shocking turn of events kept the audience on the edge of their seats. After stumbling into the corner post while rising, Holmes recovered to dominate the latter rounds.

At 1:05 of the eleventh, Holmes trapped Snipes in the corner after landing a decisive right hand. A barrage of power shots prompted referee Rudy Ortega's intervention, with the scorecards showing Holmes ahead (Castellano 96-91, Bynum 97-91, Woods 96-93).

The drama continued post-fight during Howard Cosell's interview when a brawl erupted between Holmes' brother Jake and Snipes' manager over the stoppage. This unexpected and intense moment added another layer of drama to the match. In the ensuing chaos, Snipes sustained a severe forearm injury requiring 40 stitches after being pushed into his trainer's tape-cutting scissors.

The 14,103 attendance witnessed Holmes' eleventh successful title defence, maintaining his unbeaten record while ending Snipes' 22-fight winning streak. The bout's intensity and controversial aftermath secured its place among Holmes' most memorable defences.