Boxing Only


37 years ago

Mike Tyson vs Larry Holmes

Date: 22nd January 1988

Venue: Convention Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey

Title: WBC, WBA & IBF World Heavyweight Titles

Promoter: Don King Productions

Referee: Joe Cortez

Tv: HBO PPV

Mike Tyson
( 32 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 215¾ lbs

Larry Holmes
( 48 - 2 - 0 )
Weight: 225¾ lbs


Mike Tyson faced Larry Holmes on January 22, 1988, at the Convention Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in a bout promoted by Don King Productions. The fight, broadcast on HBO Pay-Per-View, had the WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight titles on the line. Tyson, the 21-year-old champion with an unbeaten record of 32 wins, no losses, and no draws, weighed 215¾ pounds. His opponent, the 38-year-old former heavyweight champion Larry Holmes, entered the ring with a record of 48 wins, 2 losses, and no draws, weighing 225¾ pounds. Despite Holmes' legacy as one of the all-time greats, he was a significant underdog against Tyson.

The opening bell saw Holmes adopting his familiar approach of circling and jabbing to keep Tyson at a distance. However, Tyson's relentless pressure quickly became apparent. By the second round, Tyson's head movement and explosive speed allowed him to close the gap, forcing Holmes to abandon his preferred range. Holmes, who had not fought in nearly two years, struggled to find his rhythm against the younger, sharper champion.

In the third round, Tyson began to impose his authority more decisively. A left hook followed by a barrage of punches wobbled Holmes, signalling that the former champion was in trouble. Holmes showed his trademark resilience, using his experience to survive the round, but it was evident that he could not keep Tyson at bay. The tide had turned entirely in Tyson's favour.

The fourth round proved decisive. Tyson unleashed a devastating right hand that sent Holmes crashing to the canvas. Holmes rose on unsteady legs, but Tyson wasted no time, flooring him again with a combination punctuated by a right uppercut. After the second knockdown, Holmes struggled to recover. Moments later, a crushing left hook from Tyson sent Holmes down for the third and final time. Referee Joe Cortez reached the count of ten at 2:55 of the round, ending the contest.

Holmes' valiant effort against Tyson marked the only stoppage loss of his illustrious career. In his post-fight comments, Tyson acknowledged Holmes' greatness, stating, "Larry Holmes was a legendary fighter, and if he was at his best, I couldn't stand a chance." The bout solidified Tyson's status as the most dominant heavyweight of his era while serving as a testament to Holmes' toughness and courage in stepping into the ring against such a formidable opponent after a prolonged absence.


Mike Tyson vs Larry Holmes on YouTube


Mike Tyson vs Larry Holmes



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