35 years ago

Date: 25th June 1989

Venue: Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey

Title: WBO World Light-heavyweight Title

Promoter: Top Rank

Referee: Ted Pick

Tv: CBS Sports Saturday

Michael Moorer
( 15 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 173¾ lbs

Leslie Stewart
( 27 - 4 - 0 )
Weight: 174¼ lbs

Boxing fans at the Convention Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey, watched Michael Moorer defend his WBO World Light Heavyweight Title for the fourth time by stopping Leslie Stewart in the eighth round.

The bout, held on June 25, 1989, was part of CBS Sports Saturday, with Bob Arum's Top Rank promoting the event. Moorer, maintaining his undefeated streak, weighed in at 174 pounds, the same as his opponent, Stewart, who was the WBO's top-ranked light heavyweight contender at the time.

Leslie Stewart, hailing from Trinidad and Tobago and nicknamed the "Laventille Tiger," had a notable professional career that began in 1982. He had previously vied for the WBA Light Heavyweight Title against Marvin Johnson in 1986, losing due to a TKO from cuts. Still, he secured the title in their rematch by dominating Johnson until his corner threw in the towel in the ninth round. 

However, Stewart's reign as champion was short-lived, as he lost the belt to Virgil Hill in his first defence. 

Attempts to capture the WBC Light Heavyweight Title from Donny Lalonde in 1988 also ended in defeat by TKO, setting the stage for his clash with Moorer.

The fight against Moorer was closely contested through the initial rounds, with judges Milo Savage, John Rupert, and Mark Sheckner scoring the bout 67-66 in Moorer's favour leading up to the eighth round. 

The momentum shifted decisively in the eighth when Moorer, showcasing his power and precision, knocked Stewart down twice. After Stewart courageously rose from the second knockdown, Moorer unleashed a relentless assault, prompting referee Ted Pick to halt the contest at 2:05, securing Moorer's victory by technical knockout.