40 years ago

Date: 11th April 1981

Venue: Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Title: WBC World Heavyweight Title

Promoted by: Don King Productions, Caesars Palace

Tv: HBO

Larry Holmes
( 36 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 215 lbs

Trevor Berbick
( 18 - 1 - 1 )
Weight: 215 1/2 lbs

Holmes's 9th defence of his WBC world heavyweight title at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas against transplanted Jamaican Trevor Berbick was a bad-tempered affair with no love lost between the pair in the build-up.

Holmes was on a run of eight consecutive title defences all won on knockouts and, as a 50 to 1 favourite going into the fight, most, including Holmes thought he would extend the run. Berbick had other ideas, taking the champion to the final bell.

Holmes won a unanimous decision.

Scores: Chuck Minker 146-139 | Joe Swessel 150-135 | Lou Tabat 146-140.