28 years ago

Date: 9th November 1996

Venue: MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada

Title: IBF World Heavyweight Title

Promoter: Don King Productions

Tv: SET PPV, KingVision PPV, Sky Box Office

Michael Moorer
( 37 - 1 - 0 )
Weight: 219 lbs

Frans Botha
( 35 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 224 lbs

In a thrilling display of heavyweight boxing, Michael Moorer successfully defended his IBF World Heavyweight Title against Frans Botha at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, on November 9, 1996. The fight, part of a star-studded event promoted by Don King Productions and aired on SET PPV and KingVision PPV in the USA, with Sky Box Office covering the UK, kept fans on the edge of their seats until the dramatic conclusion in the twelfth round.

In the fight, Moorer, weighing 219 pounds, was considered the clear favourite with odds of 5-1. Botha, the IBF's #1 heavyweight contender at 224 pounds, proved to be a formidable opponent, enduring the powerful assaults Moorer is known for. The bout saw Botha in trouble early on, wobbling under Moorer's heavy pressure by the end of the third round, during which he also sustained a cut over his right eye.

Botha displayed resilience and determination despite the setbacks, making it a competitive fight. However, Moorer's relentless pursuit paid off in the eleventh round when he knocked Botha down twice, setting the stage for a climactic finish. Just 18 seconds into the twelfth round, referee Mills Lane had seen enough. With Botha helpless and trapped against the ropes, Lane stepped in to wave off the contest, ensuring Moorer's victory by TKO and the successful defence of his title.

Moorer's triumph earned him a $2 million payday, while Botha took home $1 million for his gallant effort. The event's main attraction saw Evander Holyfield achieve a monumental upset by knocking out Mike Tyson to claim the WBA world heavyweight title, further electrifying the atmosphere at the MGM Grand. Additional bouts included Antonio Cermeno defending his WBA World Super Bantamweight title successfully against Eddy Saenz, Henry Akinwande retaining the WBO World Heavyweight title against Alexander Zolkin, and Ricardo Lopez victorious in his WBC World Minimumweight title defence against Morgan Ndumo, making for an unforgettable night of boxing.