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May 22nd.
Atlantic City, NJ. Larry Holmes won the vacant North American title and staked his claim for a shot at the World title, currently held by Riddick Bowe, by beating James 'Buster' Douglas by majority decision. The first seven rounds were pretty even, with Holmes just edging it. By the eigth round onwards, however, Holmes began to take control. Douglas went down in the eighth, and only narrowly beat the count. He went down again in the eleventh, when he swung a wild hook at Holmes and missed, with Holmes immediately countering with an overhand right and flooring Douglas for a count of seven. The scores were 117-110, 117-111, and a surprising 113-113.
Marvelous Marvin Hagler scored a sensational first round knockout over Philadelphia hardcase Bernard 'The Executioner' Hopkins. Hagler started the bout by stalking Hopkins down, with Hopkins using good lateral movement and counter punching, when Hagler suddenly landed an uppercut flush on the jaw, snapping Hopkins head back and sending him crashing to the canvas. The count was a formality. Hagler now progresses to the final of the middleweight tournament.
Undercard Action.
Mike 'The Bodysnatcher' McCallum busted up James 'Lights Out' Toney for nine rounds, then finished him off in the tenth. Toney took the opening round, which was an absolute barnstormer, but after that it was all McCallum, with the referee getting ready to stop the bout in the fourth. McCallum was winning big, landing shots consistently and not taking many in return. Both of Toney's eyes swelled up, making it difficult to see. He also sufferd a bloody nose. McCallum finally put his foe down in the ninth from a barrage of punches. The brave Toney beat the count. the end came in the tenth at the 2.42 mark, following a combination of punches to the head. McCallum will now fight Hagler for the vacant World middleweight title, whilst Toney will take on Hopkins for the vacant North American strap.
Frank Tate, who was sat at ringside, gave praise to the bravery of Toney.
"All praise to the guy," he said. "He took a beating tonight, but he still hung in there, and he nearly made it. I think it makes my performance against Mike [McCallum] look even better now. Mike's a great, great fighter and I think he'll win the title, then I just hope he gives me the first shot."
Both Tony 'TNT' Tucker and Evander Holyfield had lost there last three fights, and both men were hoping to get back on the winning track. The fight ended unsatisfactorily however, when Holyfield broke his hand on Tuckers head!!! He was in so much pain the referee wouldn't allow him to continue, giving the fight to Tucker by way off TKO. Holyfield had took the first round, although he was staggered right at the end of the round. Tucker came out and dominated the second, and it was all even going into the third, when Holyfield threw a hard punch which connected with the top Of Tucker's head, and breaking his hand. This will probably put Holyfield out for a while, whereas Tucker said he is now going to try anfd get back into the title picture.
Gerald 'The G-Man' McClellan outclassed Larry Banks before finishing him off at the 1.18 mark of round six when his opponent walked onto an uppercut and got counted out.
Derk Banks won a unanimous decision over Marvin Camel after eight close, hard fought rounds. The scores were 79-74, 79-73, and 80-73.
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