Heavyweights Universe. From 60's and forward.

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1976-03-19

Friday Night Fights

Uline Arena, Washington D.C, USA

Undercard action

Trevor Berbick 2-0 (1) KO 4 Steve Bachelor 5-7-1 (4)

Johnny Boudreaux 13-1-1 (1) SD 8 Marc Ecimovic 10-6 (7)

Co-Feature

Fred Houpe 10-0 (9) vs Jan Lubbers 32-17-1 (14), 8 rounds

Houpe dominated the first two rounds before landing a violent body shot in 3rd that put Lubbers to the canvas. Houpe kept up the pressure in 4th and 5th as he dominated before putting Lubbers down again, in the 6th. Houpe hammered Lubbers in 7th as he put him down twice before he was finished from a barrage of punches as he couldnt rise.

Fred Houpe improves to 11-0 (10) with a 7th round knockout in his biggest test so far.

Main Event

Mike Weaver 23-1 (20) vs Ron Lyle 23-1 (21), 10 rounds

The winner of this bout will shoot himself up the ranks.

Round 1
Weaver stuns Lyle with a wicked hook and a flurry downstairs.
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Lyle misses with a wicked swing and Weaver lands the lead right hand.
Lyle misses twice and Weaver lands the right cross. Lyle lands a solid cross! Weaver lands a vicious hook! 10-9 Weaver

Round 2
Lyle lands a jab, followed by a double hook and then a big uppercut! Lyle lands a body blow. Weaver rocks Lyle with a quick uppercut. Weaver lands another uppercut inside. Lyle lands a crushing hook! 19-19

Round 3
Lyle lands a short hook downstairs. Weaver is warned for an intentional headbutt. Weaver lands a brutal cross. Lyle lands a sweet uppercut! Weaver lands a short hook. Lyle lands a rapier jab. Lyle lands a wicked hook to the ribs of Weaver. Lyle lands a hard uppercut! Lyle lands a devastating three punch combo. Weaver landsa a glancing cross. 29-28 Lyle

Round 4
Weaver lands a jab, but is countered with a heavy combination to the body by Lyle. Weaver lands two quick blows to the head. Weaver lands a glancing overhand right. Weaver pops home the jab followed by a hard combination! Lyle lands a huge shot to the body. Lyle drops the right hand flush on Weavers chin! Lyle scores twice and moves away. 39-37 Lyle

Round 5
Lyle lands a quick left hook to the body! Lyle lands a crippling right hand! Lyle wins a vicious exchange. Lyle lands the jab. Lyle lands a lead right. Weavers right eye is puffing up. Lyle lands to the head and body. Weaver scores with the jab. Weaver lands a punishing hook to the body. 49-46 Lyle

Round 6
Both fighters seem tired. Lyle lands a quick jab. Not much happening. Weaver lands three big blows! Weaver lands a hard cross to the body. Weaver lands a crushing uppercut. Lyle lands a crushing right hand! Weaver is staggering around the ring! Lyle traps Weaver in the corner and lands a volley of punches. Lyle lands a flurry to Weavers ribs and he is clearly hurt. Lyle lands a violent cross! 59-55 Lyle

Round 7
A whole lot of clinching as both look exhausted. Lyle lands some hooks to the body. Lyle lands a hook upstairs. Lyle rips another hook to Weavers head. Lyle bobs and weavers his way inside, then lands a hook. Lyle lands a short hook downstairs. Lyle scores with the right. Lyle lands a cross and Weaver folds to the canvas!
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Weaver gets up and is saved by the bell. 69-63 Lyle

Round 8
Lyle lands a jab and a short hook to the body. Weaver lets his hands go but cant land. Lyle lands a sneaky jab. Weaver lands a nice left-right. Lyle scores flushing with the hook. Weaver lands a jab and a heavy cross. Lyle lands a wicked cross to the body. Lyle wins a big exchange. Weaver lands the cross. 79-72 Lyle

Round 9
Both are missing alot and there is alot of clinching. Weaver lands a nice jab. Lyle lands a big hook! Both are missing again. Weaver lands a hook to Lyles body. Weaver lands a solid hook. Weaver lands a jab followed by a cross. 88-82 Lyle

Round 10 - Last round
Weaver connects with a thundering combination that drops Lyle to the canvas!!
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Lyle looks shaky, but he is allowed to continue. Weaver lands a strong uppercut! Weaver has Lyle trapped. Weaver lands a powerful cross. Lyle lands an intentional headbutt and is warned. Both land in an exchange. Lyle ties up Weaver. There is the bell! 96-92 Lyle

Official scorecards...
95-93
97-91
95-93

All to the winner by unanimous decision.. Ron Lyle!

Ron Lyle improves to 24-1 (21). Mike Weaver drops to 23-2 (20)

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1976-03-27

Campo De Futbol Las Americas, Spain

Marty Monroe 9-2-1 (2) UD 8 Mariano Rodenas 24-23 (12)

Bernard Thebault 31-16-2 (16) UD 8 Jean-Pierre Coopman 13-6 (3)

Rudi Lubbers 23-6 (4) TKO 7 (cuts) Mike Schutte 20-5-1 (15)
Shocker!

Piermario Baruzzi 24-5 (18) TKO 7 (cuts) Jose Urtain 22-9 (11)

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1976-04-01 - News

George Foreman gives USBA shot to mandatory challenger Tony Ventura

Apparently all the 1-8 ranked contenders at the USBA turned down the shot to face champ George Foreman (29-2, 29 KOs) as Tony Ventura (26-12-3, 17 KOs) was declared mandatory challenger. Foreman accepted to fight him and the fight will take place on June 12th.

Joe Bugner and Gene Innocent to face in rematch for the vacant EBU title

The two former EBU champion, Joe Bugner (29-9, 19 KOs) and Gene Innocent (31-7, 21 KOs) will square off for the vacant EBU title on June 26th. The bout is a rematch as Bugner won a split decision against Innocent in 1972.

Jimmy Young looks to rebound against Al Lewis

The former IBO champion of the world, Jimmy Young (29-3, 10 KOs) will look to rebound from his unanimous decision loss against Ken Norton (32-3, 27 KOs) in what was a great perfomance from both. The opponent will be former IBF heavyweight champion of the world Al Lewis (31-6-2, 17 KOs) who is also rebounding from a loss. The two will meet on July 17th.

Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier points

The forthcoming bout to conclude the amazing rivalry between Muhammad Ali (50-3, 40 KOs) and Joe Frazier (35-5, 34 KOs) as the two square it off for the sixth time, migt be the one of the most anticipated in boxing history. Most consider the current heavyweight champion of the world, Muhammad Ali, as the favourite, but points can be made for both sides. Muhammad Ali has shown himself more great lately and his tremendous fighting brain combined with an unbelievable skill set could give him the edge. On the other hand, Joe Frazier has always had Alis number as he has won three of their five bouts. And it should be noted that all these bouts has ended by way of knockout, and Muhammad Alis former explosive power seems long gone, so that could be an edge towards Frazier who can punch like a mule to this day.

Major fights anno April 1976

10th - Armando Zanini vs Del Phillips headlines card in England. OPBF champ Fonomanu Sekona faces Domenico Adolfi. Danny Ashton and Kallie Knoetze will also be in action.

24th - IBO eliminator between Jeff Merritt vs Dennis Avoth headlines fight card. Jose Roman faces Ted Gullick in the Co-Feature. Dwain Bonds meets Alfio Righetti and Ben McCarty, George Chaplin and Michael Dokes versus opponents.

30th - Friday Night fights headlined by Larry Holmes. Gerrie Coetzee, Leroy Diggs and Trevor Berbick is on the undercard.

RING RANKINGS

CH - Muhammad Ali 50-3 (40)
1. Ken Norton 32-3 (27)
2. Joe Frazier 35-5 (34)
3. George Foreman 29-2 (29)
4. Earnie Shavers 29-2 (25)
5. Jimmy Young 29-3 (10)
6. Boone Kirkman 27-7 (19)
7. Joe Bugner 29-9 (19)
8. Jeff Merritt 30-8 (24)
9. Al Lewis 31-6-2 (17)
10. Ron Lyle 24-1 (21)

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1976-04-10

Wembley Conference Center, London, UK

Albin Hjorth 2-0 (1) MD 6 Kallie Knoetze 2-1 (1)
Big upset.. Hjorth was knocked down twice, Knoetze once.

Danny Ashton 7-0-1 (5) Draw 8 Reno Zurik 15-14-1 (3)

Fonomanu Sekona 21-5 (14) UD 10 Domenico Adinolfi 26-9 (13)
Minor upset as the OPBF champ outworked Adinolfi and won with the scores 96-94 and 97-93 twice.

Armando Zanini 25-5-2 (4) KO 6 Del Phillips 22-8-3 (6)

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1976-04-24

Sunnyside Gardens, New York, NY, USA

Undercard

Michael Dokes 2-0-1 (2) KO 3 Jejomar Arca 0-1

George Chaplin 2-0 (1) TKO 5 Sven Goran Hakanson 10-19-4 (2)

Wesley Smith 6-6 (2) DQ 7 Ben McCarty 6-1-4 (1)

Alfio Righetti 9-1-2 (6) MD 8 Dwain Bonds 8-3 (2)

Ted Gullick 23-9-2 (17) TKO 3 Jose Roman 30-12 (8)

Main Event

Jeff Merritt 30-8 (24) vs Dennis Avoth 26-7-4

12 round IBO title eliminator

Merritt cut Avoth in the 1st round, and won the round clearly. Avoth was more effective in the 2nd. Merritt reopened Avoth's cut in 3rd and the referee ruled the cut too bad!

Jeff Merritt earns himself a shot at Ken Nortons IBO belt with a 3rd round TKO due to cuts, as he improves to 31-8 (25)

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1976-04-30

The Arena, Philadephia, PA, USA

"FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS"

Trevor Berbick 3-0 (1) UD 6 Jeff Pakula 19-22-4 (4)

Leroy Diggs 11-2 (1) UD 8 Klaus Weiss 8-4-2

Gerrie Coetzee 12-2 (11) KO 2 Larry Branson 12-13-1 (6)

Main Event

Larry Holmes 16-0 (15) vs Mal Isaacs 16-5-1 (10)

8 rounds

Round 1
Holmes doubles up on the jab and follows with a wicked cross! Isaacs lands a right hand. Holmes slams home the jab. Alot of clinching and not alot of punching at the moment. Holmes lands a powerful cross to the body and Isaacs goes down!
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Isaacs get up. Holmes lands a lead right. 10-8 Holmes

Round 2
A long clinch to being the round. Isaacs lands a right cross. Holmes lands a jab. Isaacs lands a hard cross. Holmes lands the jab cleanly. Holmes lands a big hook! Isaacs wins the exchange, then lands a jab. Holmes lands a devastating cross! 20-17 Holmes

Round 3
Holmes lands the right hand. Another clinch. Isaacs lands a short uppercut. Holmes lands a beautiful cross. Isaacs fires a volley. Holmes lands a jab. Holmes lets his hands go, scoring several times. Holmes lands a solid hook! 30-26 Holmes

Round 4
Holmes lands a quick hook and then pops home the jab. Holmes lands a hook. Isaacs lands a devastating three punch combination! Holmes lands a hard uppercut flush. Isaacs lands a flurry to the ribs. Isaacs lands two body blows. Holmes lands the jab. Holmes lands two quick blows. Isaacs lands a crushing hook. 40-35 Holmes

Round 5
Holmes pops the jab. Holmes lands a nice jab. Isaacs lands an uppercut. A lot of clinching at the moment. Holmes lands a small uppercut. Holmes lands a hard jab. 50-44 Holmes

Round 6
Isaacs lands a quick hook. Holmes lands a beautiful uppercut and Isaacs goes down!
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10!

Larry Holmes KO 6 Mal Isaacs

Larry Holmes had surprising trouble, but improves to 17-0 (16) with a 6th round knockout. Mal Isaacs gave it his best, but drops to 16-6-1 (10).

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1976-05-01 - News

Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier VI

This is the month, only two weeks left until Muhammad Ali (50-3, 40 KOs) defends his world championship against long-time rival Joe Frazier (35-5, 34 KOs) in a bout that will be the end to both fighters careers. 14th at Yankee Stadium is the time and place to be a boxing fan. The 72000 seats was sold out inside three hours of release.

Ken Norton set to defend IBO title against Jeff Merritt

Newly crowned IBO champion of the world, Ken Norton (32-3, 27 KOs) will make the first defence of his title against mandatory challenger Jeff Merritt (31-8, 25 KOs) on July 17th.

Ron Lyle pitted against Dante Cane

Ron Lyle (24-1, 21 KOs) will face italian hard hitter Dante Cane (37-11-1, 30 KOs) on June 19th as he looks to jump further up the rankings.

Major fights anno May 1976

7th: Card in England, headlined by John Dino Denis vs Peter Boddington. Eddie Neilson, Mike Schutte, Richard Dunn, Giovanni De Luca and George Butzbach is fighting on the undercard.

14th: Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier VI is the Main Event at Yankee Stadium. Boone Kirkman defends his NABF belt against Kevin Isaac in the opener and Co-Feature.

20th: Friday Night Fights, headlined by Fred Houpe who takes on Jukka Murto. Scott LeDoux, Bernard Mercado and Randy Stephens is facing opponents.

28th: Randy Neumann vs Larry Duncan headlines the show. Larry Frazier takes on croat Branko Kozniku. Young Joe Louis looks for revenge against Wayne Taylor. Eddie Lopez fights in the opener.

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1976-05-07

Altrincham Leisure Center, Altrincham, Cheshire, UK

Matan Mugabe 5-19 (1) SD 6 George Butzbach 1-1
Huge upset!

Giovanni De Luca 2-0 UD 6 Jesse Clark 2-17-1

Rudi Lubbers 24-6 (4) UD 10 Richard Dunn 28-14-3 (8)

Mike Schutte 21-5-1 (16) TKO 5 David Mills 14-16-3

Richard Wallace 7-4 (4) KO 1 Eddie Neilson 18-2-1 (16)
Another enourmous upset!

Peter Boddington 27-7-1 (21) KO 3 John Dino Denis 15-3-4 (2)
Denis has lost three of his last four.

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1976-05-14

Yankee Stadium, New York, NY, USA

Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier VI
Boone Kirkman vs Kevin Isaac

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Co-Feature

Boone Kirkman 27-7 (19) vs Kevin Isaac 16-1 (4)

12 rounds for the NABF belt.

Kirkman makes a second voluntary defence of his title since defeating Dave Zyglewicz in October 1975 and then defending against Mike Boswell in February 1976.

Round 1
Kirkman stuns Isaac, then dominates the round. 10-9 Kirkman

Round 2
Isaac scores well, and does just enough to win the round. 19-19

Round 3
Kirkman hurts Isaac and brutally pounds him. 29-28 Kirkman

Round 4
Isaac wins the round with a violent cross. 38-38

Round 5
Kirkman lands a violent uppercut, then a hard cross and a crushing hook. Another brutal hook puts Isaac down.
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10!

Boone Kirkman KO 5 Kevin Isaac

Boone Kirkman makes the second succesful NABF title defence as he improves to 28-7 (20). Kevin Isaac drops to 16-2 (4).

Main Event (Ali vs Frazier VI) coming up.

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All 72000 ladies and gentleman, please show your support for the main event of the evening, 15 rounds of boxing for the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world, i proudly introduce, Muhammad Ali versus Joe Frazier six!!

In the red corner, the former two-time heavyweight champion of the world, fighting tonight as the challenger. Fighting out of Philadelphia, with a fantastic record of 35 wins including 34 knockouts and 5 defeats, introducing, Smokiin Joe Frazier!!

In the blue corner, the current and three-time heavweight champion of the world. Fighting out of Louisville, Kentucy, with an outstanding record of 50 wins including 40 knockouts and only 3 defeats.. The Greastest, Muhammad Alii!!

We are here with commentator and boxing expert, aaaaaaaaa, who will offer his insight on tonights amazing fight..

I believe this bout will have it all. A fantastic form of tribute to the greatest boxer of all time, and then fighting against one of the greatest fighters off all time.. Muhammad Ali has showed greater shape lately, but then again it is not that big difference in their resume anyway.. Muhammad Ali will have the brain, Joe Frazier will have the power.

The excitement is huge as the bell rings!

Round 1
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Frazier connects with a violent uppercut! Ali lands a short cross. Ali lands a tremendous right hand! Ali lands a three punch combo! Ali pops the jab home. Frazier fires off a volley, that cant land. Ali lands the uppercut. Frazier lands the cross. Ali misses the lead right and Frazier hammers home a left hook! Ali lands a hard jab. 10-9 Muhammad Ali

Round 2
Frazier lands a wicked cross! Ali lands a heavy combination. Ali fires away but lands the air. Ali dips and lands a hook. Ali clinches. Frazier lands a right cross. Frazier lands a right to the body and a crushing left hook to the head! Ali ties up Frazier. Ali lands an uppercut from outside. Frazier pins Ali in the corner and lands a nasty series of punches. Frazier lands a smashing left hook! 10-9 Joe Frazier (19-19)

Round 3
Ali flicks three quick jabs. Ali lands a cross. Ali fires another jab. Ali lands a powerful cross. Ali lands a double jab. Ali grabs Frazier. Frazier lands a vicious cross! Ali lands a perfect right cross! Ali lands a forceful jab. Ali lands another cross. 10-9 Muhammad Ali (29-28 Ali)

Round 4
Ali lands the cross. Frazier lands a hard left to the jaw. Ali lands another jab. Frazier lands a brutal cross. Ali lands a solid jab. Ali lands a hook. Ali lands another hook. Frazier lands a hard combination. Ali lands a big cross. Ali bangs another cross home. Ali ties up Frazier. Ali wins an exchange. Frazier lands a hard body blow and is warned for a low blow. 10-9 Muhammad Ali (39-37 Ali)

Round 5
Frazier lands a hard body blow. Frazier blasts home a hook to the body. Ali lands a hard jab. *Fraziers left eye is swelling up*. Ali pops home a jab. Ali lands an uppercut. Frazier misses with a big left, then he lands a cross. Ali rips a hook to the head. 10-9 Muhammad Ali (49-46 Ali)

Round 6
Ali lands three hard punches in a row. Ali lands a crisp uppercut. Ali lands a jab. Ali holds Frazier. Ali lands a fast jab. Frazier is rocked from a hard cross. Ali lands a sneaky right followed by a jolting uppercut. Ali pops home a jab. Ali clinches. Frazier lands a hook to the body. 10-9 Muhammad Ali (59-55 Ali)

Round 7
Ali lets his hands go and scores. *The swelling around Fraziers left eye is increasing*. Frazier lands a quick hook! Frazier misses big with numerous punches as Ali is moving very well. Frazier lands a crushing left! Frazier wins a wild exchange. Frazier misses big. 10-9 Joe Frazier (68-65 Ali)

Round 8
Fraziers punches is blocked, Ali counters with a hard cross. Ali lets his hands go and scores with several quick shots. Ali lands a jab. Frazier lands a double left hook, to the body and head. Ali wraps his arms around Frazier, who is missing alot. Frazier misses big with a wild right and Ali counters with a wicked hook. Frazier lands a sharp combination! Ali scores cleanly with a combination. 10-9 Muhammad Ali (78-74 Ali)

Rond 9
Ali fires off a volley of shots, and scores several times. Ali lands a weak hook. Not much happening here. Ali holds. Ali lands two hard body shots. Ali lands a hard cross. Frazier lands a wicked hook, and Ali is cut! *Ali is cut from directly over his right eye*. Frazier lands a big hook! 10-10 (88-84 Ali)

Round 10
*The cut over Alis right eye has been closed*. Ali lands effectively with a combination. Frazier lands a strong cross! Ali lands a damaging cross. Frazier lands a hard uppercut! Ali lands a lead right. Ali lands a left and a right. Ali lands a nice uppercut. Ali scores with two quick blows. 10-9 Muhammad Ali (98-93 Ali)

Round 11
Frazier clinches, as he looks tired. Ali lands a short left hook. Ali rams home the jab. Ali lands a flurry of shots. Ali lands a hard cross. *Fraziers left eye is almost swollen shut*. Ali lands a punishing hook. Ali lands three quick blows to Fraziers head as he is just landing at will. Ali lands a brutal left hook. And another wicked hook. Big round for the champ. 10-9 Muhammad Ali (108-102 Ali)

Round 12
*Fraziers cutman has done a nice job as the swelling has decreased*. Frazier bangs away with both hands. Frazier lands a good cross. Ali ties up Frazier. Ali lands a short left hook. Ali lands a sizzling cross. Ali lands a nice hook. Ali lands another jab. Ali lands another jab. 10-9 Muhammad Ali (118-111 Ali)

Round 13
Frazier lands a volley of punches. Ali lands a hook. Ali wins an exchange. Ali lands a nice counter hook. Frazier lands a strong cross. Ali lands a vicious hook. Ali lands a cross. Frazier lands a huge left hook! *Alis cut has been reopened*. Ali lands a cross. Ali has the edge of a big exchange. 10-10 (128-121 Ali)

Round 14
Ali lands a hook. Ali lands the jab. Ali lands a good right hand. Ali rips off two quick jabs. Ali clinches. Ali lands a crisp uppercut inside. Ali lands a quick jab. Ali scores with several quick blows. *Frazier is cut from under the right eye*. The referee goes in to look at the cut.. he wawes it off!!! Muhammad Ali wins a TKO!

Muhammad Ali TKO 14 Joe Frazier!

Scorecards at the end were 127-121, 125-122 and 124-123 all for Ali.

Ali outlanded Frazier 470-220.
Frazier outthrew Ali 918-680.
Alis accuracy were 69,1 and Fraziers 24,0.

Great spirited war, with a dissapoint end.. We were robbed of a 15th round. Ali fought the perfect fight, he outboxed Frazier who never stopped being a warrior, going after Ali, headhunting at all times. A great end to the careers of these amazing fighters!

Muhammad Ali improves to 51-3 (41) with a 14th round TKO. Joe Frazier drops to 35-6 (34).

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1976-05-20

Bank of America Centre, Boise, ID, USA

"Friday Night Fights"

Thami Ngoyi 6-7-1 (2) KO 5 Randy Stephens 8-2-1 (3)

Bernardo Mercado 7-0 (6) UD 8 Heriberto Ruiz 19-31-2 (5)

Scott LeDoux 8-1 (4) KO 7 Bruno Giansanti 24-21-3 (9)

Fred Houpe 12-0 (11) KO 2 Jukka Murto 4-2-1 (1)

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1976-05-28

Texas Stadium Gambling Hall & Casino, North Las Vegas, NV, USA

Eddie Lopez 0-1-1 Draw 6 Burkhard Sagebrecht 0-0-1

Wayne Taylor 9-5 (7) KO 2 Young Joe Louis 5-3-2 (3)

Larry Frazier 20-4-1 (11) KO 4 Branko Kozniku 22-28-2 (6)

Larry Duncan 20-9-1 (13) UD 10 Randy Neumann 23-11 (11)

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1976-06-01 - News (special edition)

Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier both announce retirement as expected

The post-fight conference of the Ali vs Frazier VI fight (ended in a TKO 14 for Ali) was one of the most packed ever as media from all around the world came to hear whether the two fighters would actually retire as they had stated earlier. Muhammad Ali (51-3, 40 KOs) was given the word - I can say with pride and honnor that this was officially my last fight. I have enjoyed an amazing career and feel that i am lacking towards the end. I ow so much to my trainer (Angelo Dundee) and ofcourse the fighters who made me who i am. In particular this man sitting next to me, Joe Frazier. Ali was asked whether he would return to the ring ever again, and he was very clear - No, not now, not ever, i do not wanna return as someone to beat up on.. Retiring as the heavyweight champion has been a life long dream. With those comments, the word was passed on to Joe Frazier (35-6, 34 KOs) - I have had a great career consisting of 41 great fights and i dont have anything more that i will or can prove. I am therefore retiring as of this very day. My six brutal fights with Joe Frazier is something i will always be able to look back at with pride. Times might come where i will miss the wars, but coming back later on would not do my any good, which is why i will never fight again.

The career of Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Alis career possibly stands without comparison in the world of boxing.. the 51 wins and 3 defeats in itself is not that outstanding, but the way it happened has made Ali one of the most popular athletes of all time. His career flew off from the beginning as he won his first 18 before getting his shot at fighting Amos Johnson (18-0) for the vacant world championship. He knocked him out in 8. Then came the most impressive string of defenses possibly ever seen - 15 succesful defenses against the best contenders around. Then a young Joe Frazier (21-0) came along and got his shot. Ali won a dull TKO by way of cuts in the first bout. The second fight was a true shocker.. Frazier landed bombs and pounded Ali senseless in the 3rd before the referee rightfully stopped the fith. Ali rebounded with three straight wins to get a rematch with Joe Frazier (25-1). That fight was a truly legendary fight, 8 brutal rounds including 4 knockdowns (Ali down once, Frazier three times) until Ali ended the show by a brutal combination to win an 8th round knockout. Ali defended three times before facing Frazier again. Frazier knocked Ali out cold in the 3rd round with one of those wicked left hooks. Ali announced his retirement after that bout, only to come back 1 year and 5 months later. Joe Frazier ended a great fight in the 10th round. Ali continued his comeback, defeating Oscar Bonavena (33-8) and Dave Zyglewicz (33-6) to gain a shot at the new world champ George Foreman (26-0) who had just knocked out Joe Frazier. Foreman was heavily favoured, but was severely outboxed by Ali who regained his world championship by a cut in the 6th. Ali knocked out Pedro Agosto (28-10) in the 1st round, Alis first defense. Muhammad then unified against Ken Norton (30-2) in a fantastic 15 rounder that ended in a split decision for Ali, who knocked Norton down in the last round. Ali fought George Foreman (28-1) again a year later, and punished him until Foremans corner threw in the towel in the 11th round. Ali won a 15 round unanimous decision against Joe Bugner (29-8) before facing Joe Frazier (35-5). Ali was the better fighter until he won due to a cut in the 14th round. He will be sorely missed.

The career of Joe Frazier
Frazier knocked out fellow contenders Bob Foster (30-5), Alejandro Lavorante (30-9-1), James J. Beattie (30-3-2), George Johnson (29-8) and Doug Jones (29-6-1) to earn himself a shot at Muhammad Alis (35-0) title in 1968. A dissapointing fight ended in a 5th round TKO for Muhammad Ali due to a cut. Frazier got a rematch and shocked the world by stopping Ali in the 3rd round after hammering him. Frazier defended three times against the best contenders out there before fighting a third bout with Muhammad Ali. Frazier seemed to dominate the pure fighting, as both fighters were knocked down once in the early rounds. Ali found momentum in the 8th as he put Frazier down twice, second time for the ten count. Frazier rebounded with a TKO 6 win against IBF champ Jerry Quarry (27-0). He then fought Leotis Martin in what is known as the biggest upset ever. Martin knocked out Frazier in the 6th after a brutal and spirited slugfest. Frazier got another shot at Ali by knocking out Boone Kirkman (17-1). He knocked out Ali in 3rd. 1971 and 1972 was the best years of his career as he stopped Gregorio Peralta (35-10-1), Leotis Martin (32-8-2) in the rematch, Ken Norton (25-1) and then Muhammad Ali once more, in the 10th round of a great fight. That fight took alot out of him, as he was pushed to the utter limit by Jimmy Young (24-0) as he was knocked down and behind on the scorecards before knocking out Young in 13th. He defended against George Foreman (25-0) in his next fight, but was brutally and shockingly knocked out. He got two good wins against Jimmy Young (26-1) and Joe Bugner (26-7) before getting a rematch with George Foreman. He gave it his all, only to get stopped in the 5th. The last fight, you know all about.

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1976-06-01 News

Whats next in the heavyweight division?

With the retirements of Muhammad Ali (51-3, 41 KO) and Joe Frazier (35-6, 34 KO) the division has ben sent into a free for all, with the major belts up for grabs. WBA has already announced that they will hold a 4 man tournament with the fighters being announced in October. WBC has stated that they will pit their two highest ranked fighters for the title - they will announce these in November. IBF and WBO is yet to give any kind of news. The two top guns in the division is arguably IBO champ Ken Norton (32-3, 27 KO) and USBA champ George Foreman (29-2, 29 KO) and it is highly unlikely that these two will accept being pitted against eachother before it being some sort of major unification bout. There is also Earnie Shavers (29-2, 25 KO) and Jimmy Young (29-3, 10 KO) just behind those two. In the prospects department, Ron Lyle (24-1, 21 KO) has already cracked the top 10, and 1972 olympic gold medalist Larry Holmes (17-0, 16 KO) is just outside the top 15. The division is very much up for grabs at the moment.

Boone Kirkman shows guts, as he will defend NABF belt against Earnie Shavers

The NABF heavyweight champion, Boone Kirkman (28-7, 20 KO) has showed that he is not afraid of fighting the best, as he has accepted to face mandatory challenger Earnie Shavers (29-2, 25 KO) on September 11th.

George Foreman vs Tony Ventura

In 11 days, the next big heavyweight bout will be fought as George Foreman (29-2, 29 KO) voluntarily defends against upper tier journeyman Tony Ventura (26-12-3, 17 KO). Larry Holmes (17-0, 16 KO) is fighting on the undercard.

Major fights anno June 1976

12th - George Foreman (29-2, 29 KO) has a voluntary defence of his USBA title against Tony Ventura (26-12-3, 17 KO). Larry Holmes (17-0, 16 KO) and Duane Bobick (13-1, 10 KO) are fighting on the undercard, among others.

18th - Friday Night Fights headlined by Ron Lyle (24-1, 21 KO) who faces tough italian Dante Cane (37-11-1, 30 KO). Ted Gullick (23-9-2, 17 KO), Stan Ward (7-1, 3 KO) and Ibar Arrigton (12-0-2, 2 KO) are fighting on the undercard.

26th - Three title bouts on a card in England. Joe Bugner (29-9, 19 KO) meets Gene Innocent (31-7, 21 KO) for the vacant EBU title. Dennis Avoth (26-8-4, 0 KO) faces Del Phillips (22-8-3, 6 KO) for the unified Commonwealth and BBBofC titles and finally Mike Schutte (21-5-1, 16 KO) defends his ABU title against prospect Gerrie Coetzee (12-2, 11 KO).

Retirements

Muhammad Ali (1960-1976) 51-3, 41 KO.

Notable wins (in time order): TKO 8 Amos Johnson (18-0), KO 14 Gregorio Peralta (19-1), UD 15 Doug Jones (22-1), UD 15 Gregorio Peralta (21-2), UD 15 Billy Daniels (20-0), UD 15 George Chuvalo (27-3), KO 13 Jimmy Ellis (26-2), TKO 12 Leotis Martin (23-1-1), KO 4 George Chuvalo (31-5), TKO 5 Joe Frazier (21-0), UD 15 George Chuvalo (34-7), UD 15 Gregorio Peralta (32-7-1), KO 8 Joe Frazier (25-1), TKO 15 Oscar Bonavena (28-4), KO 10 Dave Zyglewicz (33-6), TKO 6 George Foreman (26-0), SD 15 Ken Norton (30-2), TKO 11 George Foreman (28-1), UD 15 Joe Bugner (29-8) and finally TKO 14 Joe Frazier (35-5)

Losses: TKO 3 Joe Frazier (21-1), KO 3 Joe Frazier (27-3) and TKO 10 Joe Frazier (31-3)

Joe Frazier (1965-1976) 35-6, 34 KO.

Notable wins: KO 4 Doug Jones (29-6-1), TKO 3 Muhammad Ali (35-0), KO 6 Oscar Bonavena (26-2), KO 8 Gregorio Peralta (32-6-1), Tech UD 5 Buster Mathis (26-1), TKO 7 Jerry Quarry (27-0), KO 3 Muhammad Ali (42-1), TKO 6 Gregorio Peralta (35-10-1), TKO 5 Leotis Martin (32-8-2), KO 5 Ken Norton (25-1), TKO 10 Muhammad Ali (42-2), TKO 13 Jimmy Young (24-0), TKO 10 Jimmy Young (26-1) and TKO 1 Joe Bugner (26-7)

Losses: TKO 5 Muhammad Ali (34-0), KO 8 Muhammad Ali (38-1), TKO 6 Leotis Martin (30-7-1), TKO 4 George Foreman (25-0), TKO 5 George Foreman (27-1) and TKO 14 Muhammad Ali (50-3)

RING RANKINGS
CH: Vacant
1. Ken Norton 32-3 (27)
2. George Foreman 29-2 (29)
3. Earnie Shavers 29-2 (25)
4. Jimmy Young 29-3 (10)
5. Boone Kirkman 28-7 (20)
6. Joe Bugner 29-9 (19)
7. Jeff Merritt 31-8 (25)
8. Al Lewis 31-6-2 (17)
9. Ron Lyle 24-1 (21)
10. Mike Weaver 23-2 (20)

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1976-06-12

Ruppert Stadium, Newark, NJ, USA

Fred Houpe 12-0 (11) vs Richard Wallace 7-4 (5), 8 rounder
Houpe takes a big test in Wallace who has just knocked out Eddie Neilson (18-2-1, 16 KO) brutally in the 1st round.

Houpe seems able to get inside and control the action through out the fight, only letting Wallace be succesful in 2nd. Houpe lands a wicked combination in the 7th that sends Wallace down and unable to rise!

Fred Houpe impresses, as he improves to 13-0 (12) with a 7th round knockout.

Pedro Lovell 22-7 (19) vs Joe Alexander 25-12-1 (14), 10 rounder

The hardhitting Lovell has been up and down in his perfomances, at times looking great knocking out Ron Stander, Jeff Merritt and Piermario Baruzzi. He can also look awful, like in 1st round knockout losses against Mike Schutte and Pedro Agosto.

Lovell has an easy time as his harder punching is making the big difference even bigger. He drops Alexander in 4th, before finishing him in the 6th by pounding his way to a referee stoppage.

Pedro Lovell improves to 23-7 (20) with a 6th round TKO.

Larry 'The Easton Assasin' Holmes 17-0 (16) vs Bernard Thebault 31-16-2 (16), 10 rounder

1972 olympic gold medalist, Holmes faces his toughest test to date in the hard chinned Thebault who has only been knocked out three times in 16 losses, all in rounds past the 8th. Impressive considering that he has fought hard hitting guys such as Oscar Bonavena, Earnie Shavers and a whole bunch of good boxers such as Jimmy Young, Al Jones and Larry Middleton.

Round 1
A lot of clinching is ended by a nice uppercut from Thebault. Holmes lands a cross. Thebault misses as very little action is being initiated. Holmes lands a jab. Boring round. 10-9 Holmes

Round 2
Thebault lands a short cross. Holmes gets off a quick combination. Holmes goes to the body. Thebault lands a left-right. Holmes lands a sweet uppercut! Holmes lands a big hook. 20-18 Holmes

Round 3
Holmes blasts home a hook. Both men trade punches. Holmes lands a quick jab. Thebault lands a short cross. Holmes lands a hard jab. Holmes with some nice body work. Thebault lands a little uppercut. 30-27 Holmes, not impressive so far.

Round 4
Holmes pounds the body. Thebault lands a short hook. Holmes rips a hook to the head. Holmes lands a double jab. Holmes lands the right hand. Holmes scores flush with a hook. Thebault lets his hands go and scores. Holmes lands the jab. Best round so far, 40-36 Holmes

Round 5
Holmes lands a quick hook that stuns the frenchman! Holmes scores the jab. Holmes lands a wicked uppercut! Holmes lands a hook from outside. Holmes gets in a jab. Holmes lands 4 jabs in a row. And another. Holmes goes downstairs with a cross. Holmes gets in a cross. Holmes lands a devastating cross! Amazing that Thebault survived the round, 50-45 Holmes.

Round 6
Holmes lands a quick, powerful uppercut inside. Holmes lands a stinging jab. Holmes lands a hard cross and down goes Thebault!
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Thebault has regained his feet! Holmes lands a hook, then misses wildly. Holmes lands a lead right. Holmes lands a vicious cross! The referee stops the fight!!

Larry Holmes TKO 6 Bernard Thebault

It might not have looked impressive, but Holmes stopped Thebault faster than anyone has ever done before, as he improves to 18-0 (17).

George Foreman 29-2 vs Tough Tony Ventura 26-12-3 (17)

12 rounds for Foremans USBA title.

Round 1
Foreman lands a hard combination! Foreman lands a sweet uppecut! Foreman lands a strong uppercut. And another! Ventura answers with a quick flurry. Foreman lands a hard left hook to the body! Foreman lands a hard jab. 10-9 Foreman

Round 2
Foreman lands a hard cross to the body. Ventura lands two quick, hard uppercuts.
...
Foreman lands a combination of hooks to the body. Ventura lands two quick blows to the head. Foreman lands a crushing uppercut! Ventura lands the jab. Foreman lands a straight right! 20-18 Foreman

Round 3
Ventura lands a straight right to the body. Ventura lands a sweet uppercut! Foreman lands a hook. Foreman lands several quick blows with no real sting in them. Foreman wins a wicked exchange. Foreman lands two hook, to the body and head. 29-28 Ventura, surprising round.

Round 4
Ventura lands a solid uppercut! Foreman lands two quick jabs. Foreman lands his jab. Foreman lands a short cross. Foreman lands a hard jab. Ventura lands a devastating hook! Ventura connects with a hook. Foreman lands the jab. Ventura lands to the body with a hard cross. Ventura lands a cross. Foreman lands a devastating three punch combo! 39-37 Foreman, this is turning out to be very close.

Round 5
Foreman lands a crushing hook! Ventura lands a huge right! Ventura lands the jab. Foreman jarrs Ventura with a big hook! Foreman lands a wicked cross! Ventura lands a short, ripping uppercut. Foreman lands a violent uppercut! Foreman lands a vicious cross! 49-46 Foreman

Round 6
Foreman lands a hard uppercut! Ventura fires a volley, scoring well. Foreman lands another hard uppercut! And another huge uppercut! Foreman lands a hard cross. Foreman lands a three punch combo! And the referee jumps in!! That was quick.. He was hurt, but not about to go down and die or anything.

George Foreman TKO 6 Tony Ventura

George Foreman had big trouble, but improves to 30-2 (30) with a 6th round TKO. Tony Ventura showed incredible spirit as he drops to 26-13-3 (17).

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1976-06-18

"Friday Night Fights"

Rose Garden Arena, Portland, OR; USA

Tyrone Harlee 3-1 (2) KO 3 Sven Goran Hakanson 10-20-4 (2)

Michael Dokes 3-0-1 (3) KO 5 James Cornell 6-15-4 (1)

Ibar Arrington 13-0-2 (2) UD 8 Dwain Bonds 8-5 (2)

Stan Ward 8-1 (3) SD 10 Gabriel Pernales 13-14-5 (2)

Ted Gullick 24-9-2 (18) KO 9 Raimo Nisula 22-14-2 (14)

Main Event

Ron Lyle 24-1 (21) vs Dante Cane 37-11-1 (30), 10 rounds

Ron Lyle looks to take another step up the top 10 rankings against the tough and hard hitting italian former EBU champ Dante Cane.

Round 1
Lyle storms out with a quick hook and then a brutal cross. Cane pops a jab home as the action slows down. Lyle lands a powerful uppercut that sends Cane down!
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8..
Cane pulls himself up. Lyle lands a strong hook that knockds Cane down again!
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2..
3..
4..
5..
6..
7..
8..
9..
10!!

Ron Lyle KO 1 Dante Cane

Very impressive win cements Lyle position in the top 10, as he improves to 25-1 (22). Dante Cane drops to 37-12-1 (30).

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1976-06-26

London Arena, London, UK

Night of title fights

Undercard

Bernard Thebault 32-17-2 (17) KO 8 Mal Isaacs 16-7-1 (10)

Richard Dunn 29-14-3 (8) UD 8 Abeeku Zakari 24-26 (11)

Eddie Neilson 19-2-1 (17) KO 4 Diego Mendicutti 21-20-1 (10)

Title fights

Mike Schutte 22-5-1 (17) KO 12 Gerrie Coetzee 12-3 (11)
Schutte defends ABU title succesfully.
Brutal slugfest between two hard hitters. Coetzee knocked down in 4th, 11th and then for good in 12th. Schutte down in 5th. Scorecards read 107-98 (twice) and 106-99 for Schutte.

Dennis Avoth 27-8-4 UD 12 Del Phillips 22-9-3 (6)
Avoth defends Commonwealth belt and wins BBBofC title.
Snoozefest for the most part until the 9th, where Phillips was knocked down. More snoozing from 10th and to the final bell. Scorecards read 114-113 (twice) and 115-113 for Avoth.

Main Event

Joe Bugner 29-9 (19) vs Gene Innocent 31-7 (21)

12 rounds for the vacant EBU belt.

Bugner seemed to have an easy time dominating the first six rounds. Innocent landed some bombs to win 7th thru 9th. Bugner secured the win by hammering Innocent in the last three rounds. Scorecards all read 117-11 for Bugner.

Joe Bugner improves to 30-9 (20) with a clear cut unanimous decision. Gene Innocent drops to 31-8 (21).

[Tommysixfingers]

This is all great stuff! Your universe is easily one of the best around. Keep it up.

[Jeff1787]

Frazier and Ali had some great fights!!