Date: 2nd August 1997
Venue: Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, Connecticut
Title: IBF World Lightweight Title
Promoter: Cedric Kushner Productions
Tv: HBO Boxing After Dark
Philip Holiday
(
31
-
0
-
0
)
Weight: 134¾ lbs
Shane Mosley
(
23
-
0
-
0
)
Weight: 135 lbs
On Saturday, August 2, 1997, the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut, played host to the Philip Holiday and Shane Mosley bout for the IBF World Lightweight Title. The fight was promoted by Cedric Kushner Productions and aired on HBO Boxing After Dark. The fight was Holiday's seventh defense of the vacant IBF World Lightweight Title he won against Columbia's Miguel Julio in August 1995. Both fighters weighed in at 135 lbs.appeared
In the early rounds of the fight, Holiday appeared to be in control, using his experience and technical skills to keep Mosley at bay. However, as the fight progressed, Mosley's quickness and agility began to prove too much for the South African champion. Mosley's explosive combinations and pinpoint accuracy allowed him to break through Holiday's defenses and take control of the fight.
By the middle rounds, Mosley was consistently landing powerful punches on Holiday, who struggled to maintain his composure and find a way back into the contest. The American challenger's relentless pace and ever-improving skills showcased his ability to adapt and grow stronger as the fight wore on.
Despite his resilience, Holiday was unable to mount a comeback in the later rounds of the fight. Mosley continued to dominate the action, showcasing a blend of speed, power, and intelligence that would come to define his career. The crowd at the Mohegan Sun Casino was electrified as Mosley's performance brought them to their feet in anticipation of a new champion.
After 12 rounds of intense action, the judges' scorecards were read, and it was announced that Shane Mosley had won the fight by unanimous decision. Judges Clement Martin, Robert O'Brien, and Robert Paolino scored the bout 114-115, 111-117, and 113-116, respectively, in favor of Mosley.