Larry Holmes vs Trevor Berbick

On April 11, 1981, Larry Holmes (36-0-0) defended his WBC World Heavyweight Title against Trevor Berbick (18-1-1) at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. The fight, promoted by Don King Productions and Caesars Palace, was televised on HBO and showcased the bad blood between the two fighters.

Holmes, who was making his 9th title defence, had won his previous eight bouts by knockout and was a heavy favourite going into the fight, with odds of 50 to 1 in his favour. However, Berbick was determined to prove the oddsmakers wrong and had no intention of being another victim of Holmes' impressive knockout streak.

The fight was marked by a tense and hostile build-up, with both fighters expressing their dislike for one another. This animosity would later spill over into an infamous post-fight brawl in a car park, in which Holmes ran over the top of a limousine and drop-kicked Berbick in a scene reminiscent of a WWE match.

Despite the pre-fight animosity, Berbick proved to be a formidable opponent. The Jamaican-born fighter, who had only 11 amateur fights before turning pro in 1976, managed to take the champion the distance, becoming the first fighter to do so in Holmes' title reign.

Holmes, known for his excellent jab and technical prowess, found it challenging to land cleanly on the awkward and rugged Berbick. However, the champion's superior skills and experience were evident throughout the fight, as he consistently outboxed his challenger.

The judges' scorecards reflected Holmes' dominance, with Chuck Minker scoring the bout 146-139, Joe Swessel 150-135, and Lou Tabat 146-140, favouring the champion. Holmes retained his title with a unanimous decision victory, but Berbick had earned a measure of respect for his gritty performance.

Trevor Berbick holds a unique place in boxing history as the only fighter to have faced Muhammad Ali, Larry Holmes, and Mike Tyson. His 1981 bout against Ali, which took place in a decaying baseball stadium in the Bahamas, was the legendary champion's final fight. Although Berbick won a 10-round decision, the fight was viewed as a sad and tawdry end to Ali's illustrious career.

However, Berbick's most famous moment came in 1986 when he faced a young Mike Tyson for the WBC World Heavyweight Title. At the time, Tyson was 20 years old, and he needed just two rounds to dethrone Berbick in a devastating performance that launched the "Iron Mike" era. The image of Berbick stumbling across the ring after Tyson knocked him down has become one of the most iconic and widely replayed moments in boxing history.

Sadly, Berbick's life outside the ring was marred by legal troubles and a tragic end. He was convicted of sexual assault in 1992 and spent 15 months in jail. In 2006, Berbick was found dead in a churchyard in Portland, Jamaica, with a severe head wound. His nephew, Harold Berbick, and an accomplice were convicted of his murder, with Harold receiving a life sentence.

Although the Larry Holmes vs Trevor Berbick fight may not be remembered as a classic encounter, it played a significant role in both men's careers and underscored the intense rivalries that can develop in professional boxing.