44 years ago

Date: 16th March 1980

Venue: Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada

Title: WBC & WBA World Middleweight Titles

Promoter: Bob Arum

Vito Antuofermo
( 45 - 3 - 2 )
Weight: 158 1/4 lbs

Alan Minter
( 36 - 6 - 0 )
Weight: 159 3/4 lbs

On March 16, 1980, at Caesars Palace's Sports Pavilion in Las Vegas, Alan Minter claimed the undisputed middleweight championship from Vito Antuofermo via a controversial split decision. The bout, televised nationally, featured two fighters notorious for picking up cuts around the eyes, though surprisingly minimal blood was shed.

Minter, a 1972 Olympic bronze medalist entering at 160 pounds, employed his southpaw jab effectively against the 158-pound champion, who was making his first defence since a draw with Marvin Hagler. The stylistic clash saw Minter boxing at range while Antuofermo repeatedly bulled forward, forcing the challenger to the ropes.

The fight's defining moment came in the fourteenth round when Antuofermo dropped Minter with a body shot. Though Minter, who claimed he was pushed, quickly rose and received an eight-count, the knockdown highlighted the bout's competitive nature.

The scorecards proved highly contentious: British judge Roland Dakin's 149-137 for Minter drew particular criticism, with Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Secretary Roy Tennison calling Dakin "blind" and "prejudicial." Chuck Minker scored 144-141 for Minter, while Ladislao Sanchez favored Antuofermo 145-143. The Associated Press agreed with Sanchez, and an informal poll of 17 ringside writers showed 10 for Antuofermo, 5 for Minter, and 2 scoring draws.

Even Minter, who earned $110,000 to Antuofermo's $150,000, expressed disbelief at the verdict, stating he "might have had a heart attack" if the decision had gone the other way. Antuofermo vehemently protested, demanding the judges' suspension.

The controversial outcome led to an immediate rematch in London, where Minter would retain his title via eighth-round stoppage due to Antuofermo's cuts.