36 years ago
Michael Moorer vs Ramzi Hassan
Date: 3rd December 1988
Venue: Brook Park, Ohio, USATitle: vacant WBO World Light-heavyweight title
Tv: NBC Sportsworld
Michael Moorer
(
11
-
0
-
0
)
Weight: 174½ lbs
Ramzi Hassan
(
25
-
4
-
0
)
Weight: 175 lbs
Michael Moorer clinched the inaugural WBO World Light Heavyweight Title by overpowering Ramzi Hassan with a technical knockout at 2:37 in the fifth round. The bout took place on December 3, 1988, at Brook Park, Ohio, under the watchful eye of referee Dale Grable and was broadcast as the main event on NBC Sportsworld, captivating boxing enthusiasts worldwide.
Michael Moorer, from Detroit, showcased potential as a future champion. Entering the ring with an unblemished record of 11-0, all victories coming from knockout, Moorer's performance against Hassan was highly anticipated. His rapid ascent in the professional boxing ranks, marked by early-round knockouts since his debut on March 4, 1988, set the stage for this title bout.
The fight began with both fighters exchanging equally, but Moorer's strategic prowess and raw power eventually overwhelmed Hassan. Moorer unleashed a devastating right uppercut in the fifth round that sent Hassan reeling to the ropes. Following up with an overhand right and two sharp left hooks to the body, Moorer left Hassan in a precarious position, clinging to the ropes and unable to defend himself.
Referee Dale Grable, prioritising the fighter's safety, made the decisive call to stop the fight, stating, "He was just hanging on the ropes. He had his back to him (Moorer) and was defenceless. I had two options: stop it or let him fall." This decision crowned Moorer, at just 21 years old, as the new WBO world light-heavyweight champion, extending his perfect knockout streak to 12-0.
Moorer reflected on the bout with humility and respect for his opponent, acknowledging Hassan's competitive spirit and resilience. Despite feeling the sting of Hassan's shots, Moorer was determined to land a significant blow, which came in the form of a short uppercut that he had tested earlier in the round.
Ramzi Hassan, 25, from Campo, California, entered the fight with a record of 25-4, aiming to halt a two-fight losing streak. Despite his efforts, Hassan faced his third consecutive defeat but disputed the stoppage, feeling premature. Nonetheless, he conceded that Moorer's jab was more potent than anticipated, highlighting the Detroit native's formidable presence in the ring.
The match, witnessed by a crowd of 2,700 at the International Exposition Center, not only marked Moorer's entry into the world championship arena but also set the foundation for his illustrious career in boxing.