27 years ago

Date: 29th March 1997

Title: IBF World Heavyweight Title

Promoter: Don King Productions

Tv: Showtime Championship Boxing

Michael Moorer
( 38 - 1 - 0 )
Weight: 212 lbs

Vaughn Bean
( 27 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 212 lbs

Michael Moorer made the second defence in his second reign as IBF World Heavyweight champion against Vaughn Bean on March 29, 1997, in a tactical showdown at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The bout, which went the distance, was no a crowd pleaser as heavyweight boxing goes, ending in a majority decision in favour of Moorer. The judges' scores reflected the fight's competitive nature, with Jerry Roth scoring it 113-115, Bill Graham 113-116, and Dave Moretti seeing it as an even 114-114.

Moorer, weighing 212 pounds, entered the ring as a significant favourite with odds of 6-1. The fight was Bean's opportunity to leap from the IBF's #5 heavyweight contender to champion, a challenge he accepted with determination. Despite the competitive odds, Moorer's experience and tactical approach allowed him to control the bout's tempo, leveraging his jab and maintaining aggression to sway the judges. Moorer earned a substantial purse of $3.6 million for his efforts, while Bean received $500,000.

After the fight, Moorer reflected on his performance, emphasising his role as the aggressor and his effective use of the jab. However, the bout also marked a turning point for Moorer's relationship with his trainer, Teddy Atlas. Atlas, citing his experiences with Cus D'Amato, expressed his determination to maintain his dignity and principles, regardless of his association with a fighter. This declaration hinted at the end of their professional relationship.

Bean's promoter, Butch Lewis, voiced dissatisfaction with the decision, suggesting that pre-fight media coverage might have biased the judges. He indicated a possible push for the IBF to order a rematch, seeking justice for Bean in what was seen as a closely contested match.
The fight, promoted by Don King and announced by Jimmy Lennon Jr., was a feature of Showtime Championship Boxing's main event.