42 years ago

Date: 13th February 1982

Title: WBA World Light-heavyweight Title

Promoter: Butch Lewis Productions

Referee: Tony Perez

Tv: ABC Sports

Michael Spinks
( 18 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 173 3/4 lbs

Mustafa Wasajja
( 24 - 0 - 1 )
Weight: 174 1/2 lbs

On February 13, 1982, Michael Spinks defended his WBA World Light Heavyweight title for the second time against Mustafa Wasajja at the Playboy Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Spinks, weighing 174 lbs, faced the undefeated Ugandan boxer based in Copenhagen, Denmark, who tipped the scales at 175 lbs.

The fight was part of a show promoted by Spinks' manager, Butch Lewis. Wasajja had an impressive record, with decision wins over former world title challengers Jesse Burnett and Jerry Celestine and future titleholder Dennis Andries.

In the early rounds, Wasajja proved to be a formidable opponent, taking the fight to Spinks and engaging in heated exchanges. However, the tide turned decisively in the sixth round. Spinks landed a hard left hook that significantly shook Wasajja, setting the stage for a barrage of heavy hooks that left the challenger reeling.

Referee Tony Perez intervened to stop the fight at 1:36 of the sixth round, saving Wasajja from further punishment. The judges' scorecards at the stoppage were 50-46 for Spinks from Cesar Ramos and Humberto Figueroa and 50-45 for Waldemar Schmidt.

This victory marked another successful defence of the title Spinks had won from Eddie Mustafa Muhammad at the Imperial Palace Hotel in Las Vegas. The win solidified Spinks' position as a dominant force in the light heavyweight division.