Vinny Pazienza vs Greg Haugen II

On February 6, 1988, Greg Haugen reclaimed the IBF World Lightweight Title from Vinny Pazienza in a highly anticipated rematch at the Convention Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The bout, promoted by Main Events and televised on ABC Sports, saw Haugen avenge his loss from their first encounter eight months earlier.

In their initial meeting on June 7, 1987, Pazienza had captured the IBF lightweight crown in his hometown of Providence, Rhode Island, outpointing Haugen over 15 rounds. This victory marked Pazienza's first world title and set the stage for a heated rivalry between the two fighters.

The rematch proved to be a different story. Haugen, determined to regain his title, put on a masterful performance over the 15-round distance. The judges' scorecards reflected Haugen's dominance, with Lynne Carter scoring 145-140, while Gary Merritt and Stuart Winston scored 147-138 in favour of the new champion. Referee Tony Perez oversaw the action, which saw both fighters weigh in at the lightweight limit of 135 pounds.

This victory was crucial for Haugen, evening the score between the two fighters and re-establishing himself as a force in the lightweight division. For Pazienza, it marked his second professional loss and a setback in his quest for sustained championship success. The intensity of their rivalry and the closeness of their contests would lead to a third meeting between the two pugilists.

On August 5, 1990, Pazienza and Haugen would face off once more, this time in the super-lightweight division. In another closely contested battle, Pazienza emerged victorious via unanimous decision over 10 rounds, bringing their series to a conclusion with Pazienza holding a 2-1 edge. This trilogy showcased the competitive nature of their matchups and solidified both fighters' reputations as elite competitors in the lower weight classes during the late 1980s and early 1990s.