World Heavyweight Championship Boxing [WHCB]

[Ian Lord]

World Heavyweight Championship Boxing

1986 - Multi-millionaire boxing promoter, writer, publicist, racontuer, Randolph Abrams, fed up of all the politics and rubbish in modern boxing, has decided to break away, by setting up the World Heavyweight Championship Boxing [WHCB] group. What's more, it looks like he's managed to sign most of the top fighters.

"I've got the money, I've got the connections, I've got the brains! What's more, I've got the fighter's! Let's rock!"

Roster;

North America

Trevor Berbick [Canada]
David Bey [USA]
James Broad [USA]
Gerry Cooney [USA]
Willie DeWitt [Canada]
Michael Dokes [USA]
Marvis Frazier [USA]
Larry Holmes [USA]
Greg Page [USA]
Jeff Sims [USA]
James 'Bonecrusher' Smith [USA]
Pinklon Thomas [USA]
Tony Tubbs [USA]
Tony Tucker [USA]
Mike Weaver [USA]
Tim Witherspoon [USA]

Europe

Frank Bruno [England]
Anders Ecklund [Sweden]
Noel Quarless [England]
Lucien Rodriguez [France]
Steffan Tangstad [Norway]

Africa

Gerrie Coetzee [South Africa]
Proud Kilimanjaro [Zimbabwe]

[Ian Lord]

January Fights

New York, NY

Trevor Berbick v Tim Witherspoon
David Bey v Mike Weaver
James Broad v Tony Tucker
Gerry Cooney v Tony Tubbs

Las Vegas, NV

Willie DeWitt v Pinklon Thomas
Michael Dokes v James 'Bonecrusher' Smith
Marvis Frazier v Jeff Sims
Larry Holmes v Greg Page


London, England

Frank Bruno v Steffan Tangstad


Johannesburg, South Africa

Gerrie Coetzee v Proud Kilimanjaro

[Ian Lord]

"To dtermine the world champion, we're gonna hold a series of eliminators. The sixteen North American guys will fight a straightforward elimination tournament to determine the North American champ. The winner gets to fight for the vacant world title. The five European fighters will battle it out for the vacant Euro title, whilst the two African's will square of with each other, with the winner to face the Euro champ, then the winner of that to face to North American champ for the vacant world title. I hope I've made myself clear." - Randolph Abrams.

[MarkWarren]

Mr. Abrams, does that mean we will see a possible douple champ when the North American champ faces for example the European one (not quite sure if the Coetzee vs. Kilimanjaro bout is a title bout)? If so will be one regional championship declared vacant?

[Ian Lord]

Originally Posted by MarkWarren

Mr. Abrams, does that mean we will see a possible douple champ when the North American champ faces for example the European one (not quite sure if the Coetzee vs. Kilimanjaro bout is a title bout)? If so will be one regional championship declared vacant?

"Yep, you're spot on. The Coetzee-Kilimanjaro fight wasn't for any title. There needs to be at least three eligible contenders for a title to be active. If the vacant world title is between the North American and European champ, then the winner will vacate their regional title," says Randolph Abrams, as he rubs his hands together thinking of the sanctioning fees.

[Ian Lord]

BOXING ARGUS

January, 1986


American Rings
with Hank Lee

At the WHCB's inaugral fight card in New York, a sell-out crowd watched Tony 'TNT' Tubbs score a majority six-round decision against Gerry Cooney. Scores were 59-56, 58-57, 57-57. Tubbs started well, surprisingly light on his feet for a man his size. Cooney came on well over the final two rounds, but it wasn't enough.
Tony 'TNT' Tucker scored a unanimous points verdict over James 'Broadaxe' Broad, winning every round except the second, in which he suffered a cut over his right eye. Broad was dropped in the fifth following a combination of blows to the head. He was up at three.
Mike 'Hercules' Weaver scored the first knockout of the night when he put David Bey away at the end of the second. After a close first, Bey was dropped at the beginning of the second. After that it was all Weaver, with it only being a matter of time before the outgunned Bey was put away.
'Terrible' Tim Witherspoon, despite finishing the bout with a badly swollen left eye, won comfortably over six against Trevor Berbick, with scores of 59-54 [x2], and a too close 58-56.
All these bouts were scheduled for six, and a part of the elimination tournament to crown the WHCB World Champion.

A few nights later, in Las Vegas, another fight card was held. All bouts scheduled for six rounds, and also a part of the world title elimination tournament.
In the opening bout, Larry Holmes took a unanimous points verdict against Greg Page. Scores wre 59-54 [twice], and 58-55. With his piercing left jab, Holmes kept his foe at bay and racked up the points. Page came to fight but looked dissilusioned at the end, with his right eye ballooning from constantly being hit.
Jeff Sims took a unanimous points verdict against Marvis Frazier, 57-56 on all cards. Yes, it was that close, and if it hadn't have been for Frazier getting floored at the beginning of the fight following a hook to the head [up at 8], he'd have probably got the verdict.
Michael 'Dynamite' Dokes lived up to his nickname, by sparking James 'Bonecrusher' Smith after forty-six seconds of the opener when Smith walked onto a devastating uppercut.
After being in total control from the opening bell, Pinklon Thomas stopped Willie DeWitt with only six seconds remaining in the fight. DeWitt was dropped in the fifth, then in the final round was trapped in the corner. With Thomas whaling away mercilessly, the referee stepped in to stop it.

European Beat
with Albert Smith

In the first fight of the tournament to crown the European champion, British hope Frank Bruno squared of against Norway's Steffen Tangstad. Tangstad got of to a good start in the opener, peppering the heavily-muscled Bruno with jabs and staying out of harms way for the most part. The second, however, was a different story. Bruno was on his opponent from the bell, with Tangstad beginning to wilt under the heavy blows he was taking. Everyone in attendance knew this one wasn't going to last the round, and Bruno finally put his rubber-legged foe away at the end of the round, following Tangstad across the ring and landing a clubbibing blow to the side of the head. The count was a formality.

African Action
with Stan Duplessis

South African hope Gerrie Coetzee made hard work of the game, but limited, Proud Kilimanjaro, before finally stopping him at 2.24 of the seventh. It was scheduled for ten. Coetzee built up a points lead from the opener, then really stepped it up in the fifth. Kilimanjaro's right eye began to swell, and this obviously caused him problems. The Zimbabwean was down for three in the sixth following a hook to the head, then again for a one-count at the end of the round. He was saved from any further punishment in the seventh. He was stumbling around at the end, offering no resistance. Coetzee will meet the winner of the European elimination tournament, but has said he will stay busy in the meantime.

Results;

Tim Witherspoon W6 Trevor Berbick
Mike Weaver KO2 David Bey
Tony Tucker W6 James Broad
Tony Tubbs W6 Gerry Cooney
Pinklon Thomas RSF6 Willie DeWitt
Michael Dokes KO1 James Smith
Jeff Sims W6 Marvis Frazier
Larry Holmes W6 Greg Page
Frank Bruno KO2 Steffen Tangstad
Gerrie Coetzee RSF7 Proud Kilimanjaro

February Fights;

New York

Tim Witherspoon v Mike Weaver*
Tony Tucker v Tony Tubbs*
Pinklon Thomas v Michael Dokes*
Jeff Sims v Larry Holmes*
Trevor Berbick v Greg Page
Gerry Cooney v Marvis Frazier

London

Frank Bruno v Lucien Rodriguez*
Anders Ecklund v Noel Quarless*

Johannesburg

Gerrie Coetzee v James Broad

* denotes a world title elimination tournament fight.

[Ian Lord]

BOXING ARGUS

February, 1986


American Rings
with Hank Lee

New York; The quest to find the first North American champion, and ultimately world champion, continued here in New York. 'Terrible' Tim Witherspoon advanced to the semi-finals with an impressive fifth round knockout victory over Mike 'Hercules' Weaver. After a tight opener, Witherspoon asserted his authority in the second, with his awkward defense and fluid punching. Weaver couldn't figure him out and finished the second with a badly swollen left eye. Weaver was down in the fourth, only just beating the count and hit the deck again in the fifth [five count] before being put away for good following some blistering shots to the head at the 2.20 mark.
With both fighters bearing the nickname 'TNT', you would have expected the Tony Tucker-Tony Tubbs fight to be a dynamite affair. Not so. In fact, the first three rounds were retetive, tepid affairs. Tucker opened up in the fourth and put Tubbs away with some heavy blows to the head at the 2.46 mark.
Michael 'Dynamite' Dokes scored a unanimous victory over Pinklon Thomas with scores of 77-74, 78-74, and 76-75, dropping Thomas in the seventh round with a bodyshot [up at eight].
Larry Holmes utterly dominated Jeff Sims before putting him away 2.08 of the seventh. Sims stuck it out, but was outclassed by the superior Holmes, who looks the favourite to lift the North American crown. An uppercut put Sims away.
In a couple of non-tournament bouts, Greg Page scored a four round points win over Trevor Berbick, 39-37 [twice], and 40-36, and Gerry Cooney beat Marvis Frazier over four, 39-35 on all cards.

European Beat
with Albert Smith

Big hitting Frank Bruno scored another inside the distance victory when he stopped Frenchman Lucien Rodriguez at 2.44 of the fifth. Bruno's heavy shots wre troubling the Frenchman from the get-go, dropping him form a wicked cross to the chin in the second. Rodriguez staggered to his feet at the count of nine. He was down again in the fourth, for a count of four, following a huge overhand right. Bruno's big bombs were taking their toll, and he was out on his feet at the time of the stoppage in the fifth, with Bruno landing at will.
Liverpool's Noel Quarless scored a unanimous ten round points win over Sweden's Anders Ecklund, with scores of 96-93,98-92, and 97-92, despite suffering a nasty cut over his righteye in the seventh, which hampered his vision. It was a messy, scruffy affair, with not much stand out action.
Frank Bruno and Noel Quarless will now square of over twelve rounds in April for the vacant European title.

African Action
with Stan Duplessis

South African hope Gerrie Coetzee took a stay busy fight against American import James 'Broadaxe' Broad, and he soon chopped him down to size, putting Broad away at 2.55 of the second following a tepid opener. Broad slumped to the canvas following a number of blows to the head. The count was a formality.

Results;

Tim Witherspoon KO5 Mike Weaver
Tony Tucker KO4 Tony Tubbs
Michael Dokes W8 Pinklon Thomas
Larry Kolmes KO7 Jeff Sims
Frank Bruno RSF5 Lucien Rodriguez
Noel Quarless W10 Anders Ecklund
Gerrie Coetzee KO2 James Broad

March Fights;

New York

Tim Witherspoon v Tony Tucker*
Michael Dokes v Larry Holmes*
Gerry Cooney v David Bey
Pinklon Thomas v Marvis Frazier
Greg Page v Willie DeWitt
James Smith v Trevor Berbick

London

Gerrie Coetzee v Steffen Tangstad
Hughroy Currie v Proud Kilimanjaro

[Ian Lord]

BOXING ARGUS

March, 1986


American Rings
with Hank Lee

New York; 'Terrible' Tim Witherspoon advanced to the final of the North American tournament with a ten round majority points win over Tony 'TNT' Tucker, despite a nasty cut inside his left eyebrow, sustained in the seventh round. Scores were 96-94, 97-93, and 95-95. To be honest it was a pretty drab, dreary affair, unlike the other semi-final match-up between Michael 'Dynamite' Dokes and Larry Holmes. After a tight, pedestrian opener, Holmes dropped Dokes in the second following a series of shots tot the head. Dokes was up at three. Holmes began piling on the punishment but Dokes survived until the bell. Holmes took the third comfortably then really turned on the heat in the fourth, dropping Dokes for a count of eight with a cross to the jaw. Dokes was down again in the fifth, again from a cross, and again for a count of eight. The usually cautious Holmes was letting it all hang out, and Dokes was in serious trouble. He survived until the bell, and many in attendance were surprised when he answered the bell for the sixth. In fact Dokes came steaming out, a look of determination on his face. He was swinging punches and connecting, but they were all low. He got a warning from the referee, then continued doing it! He was disqualified at the two minute mark. Holmes will now face Tim Witherspoon for the vacant North American title in May. Dokes was booed from the ring, with most in attendance feeling he had took the easy way out.
After a quiet opening two rounds, Gerry Cooney opened up big-time on opponent David Bey in the third, dropping him twice before finally putting him away at the 2.41 mark.
Pinklon Thomas took a close, six round unanimous decision over Marvis Frazier. Scores were 59-56, 59-55, and 58-57. Thomas took most of the rounds, but there wasn't much in them.
Greg Page dropped Willie DeWitt in the fifth enroute to a six round unanimous points win.
An entertaining opener saw James 'Bonecrusher' Smith and Trevor Berbick battle to a draw over four rounds. Smith was dropped in the opening minute and only just beat the count. Both men spent the next few rounds just standing toe to toe until the last minute of the fight when Berbick hit the deck and only just beat the count. A draw was announced and it was a fair result.

European Beat
with Albert Smith

Hard punching South African Gerrie Coetzee stopped Norway's Steffen Tangstad at 2.10 of the fourth to improve to 3-0[3]. Coetzee dominated throughout, dropping Tangstad in the second with a strong uppercut for a count of six. Tangstad was down again in the third from a hook. He was up at three, then totally went to pieces int the fourth. He was floored from a series of the blows to the jaw and was up at three, with a cut over his left eye. A strong combination decked him again, and he only barely managed to beat the count. A lot in attendance were surprised when it was allowed to continue., but the end followed soon after, with Coetzee unleashing hurtful shots to the Norwegians body and head. It was mercifully halted.
Birmingham's Hughroy Currie got a winning debut, beating Zimbabwe's Proud Kilimanjaro. Currie dropped Kilimanjaro in the fourth and last round with a hook to the head. Kilimanjaro only just beat the count. Currie got the unanimous verdict with scores of 39-36 [twice], and 38-37.


Results;

Tim Witherspoon W10 Tony Tucker
Larry Holmes WDisq6 Michael Dokes
Gerry Cooney KO3 David Bey
Pinklon Thomas W6 Marvis Frazier
Greg Page W6 Willie DeWitt
James Smith D4 Trevor Berbick
Gerrie Coetzee RSF4 Steffen Tangstad
Hughroy Currie W4 Proud Kilimanharo

April Fights

London

Vacant European Title
Frank Bruno v Noel Quarless

Gerrie Coetzee v Jeff Sims
Gerry Cooney v Proud Kilimanjaro
Hughroy Currie v Anders Ecklund

New York

Michael Dokes v Tony Tucker
Greg Page v Lucien Rodriguez
Pinklon Thomas v James Broad
Tony Tubbs v Willie DeWitt
Mike Weaver v Marvis Frazier
Trevor Berbick v James Smith

[Ian Lord]

BOXING ARGUS

April, 1986


European Beat
with Albert Smith

London; It took big-punching Frank Bruno just fifty-five seconds to annexe the European crown, by knocking out Noel Quarless. The outclassed Quarless was under the cosh from the off, and had no answer for the heavy blows being rained down on him. He finally crumpled to the canvas under a barrage of punches, and was counted out.
Bruno, who improved to 3-0[3], will now meet South Africa's Gerrie Coetzee, in May, in an eliminator for the world title. Coetzee got took the distance for the first time in his four fight pro career in the chief support against rugged American Jeff Sims. It was a comfortable win for Coetzee, with Sims toughing it out, despite being dropped twice in the sixth and again in the last round, and finishing with his right eye nearly shut. Scores were 99-87 twice, and 99-88.
Gerry Cooney gave Proud Kilimanjaro a frightening beating, stopping him at 2.30 of the first. Kilimanjaro was out on his feet, and mercifully saved.
Hughroy Currie improved to 2-0 with a six round unanimous points win over Sweden's Anders Ecklund. It was a solid performance from Currie. Scores were 58-56, 58-57, and 59-55.

American Rings
with Hank Lee

New York; In the main event, between two top American fighters, Michael 'Dynamite' Dokes sparked out Tony 'TNT' Tucker at 1.15 of the opener. Much was anticipated of this fight, until Tucker walked on to a big right from Dokes. That was all she wrote.
Greg Page improved to 3-1 [1], when he stopped Frenchman Lucien Rodriguez at 0.56 of the third, due to a nasty gash over the right eyebrow, which was opened right at the beginning of the fight and inspected. It was allowed to continue, but by the third Rodriguez could hardly see.
Pinklon Thomas improved to 3-1 [1] with a comfortable, six-round unanimous points win over James Broad. Broad was down in the third. Scores were 59-54 [x2], and 58-55.
After a good start by Canadian Willie DeWitt, Tony Tubbs pulled his way back into the fight and took the next four rounds to gain a unanimous verdict. Scores were 58-56 on all cards. There was an accidental clash of heads in the second which left DeWitt with a nasty cut over his right eye. It hampered him for the remainder of the fight.
After a good opener by Marvis Frazier, Mike 'Hercules' Weaver came storming back, dropping Frazier in the second and sixth rounds to take a unanimous decision. Scores were 58-54 twice, and 58-55.
After last months edge of your seat four rounder between Trevor Berbick and James 'Bonecrusher' Smith, they were at it again. After a tentative opener, the fireworks started again. Berbick was dropped from an uppercut in the second, up at three, with a mouse appearing under his right eye. He was down again in the third, this time from a combination of shots tot the head. Again he bounced up at three. The fourth saw both men going toe to toe, with caution thrown to the wind. Smith heavier, more precise shots got him the round. Berbick gathered his senses and outboxed Smith in the fifth, taking the round. It was widely held that Berbick was behind on the cards going into the final round, and needed a knockout to win. This he did, after 1.42 following a cross to the jaw of Smith, who crashed headfirst into the canvas. He was out for the count. At the time of the knockout, Smith was ahead on all three judges cards [48-45, 49-44, 47-46.]

Results;

Frank Bruno KO1 Noel Quarless
[wins vacant European title]
Gerrie Coetzee WPTS10 Jeff Sims
Gerry Cooney WRSF1 Proud Kilimanjaro
Hughroy Currie WPTS6 Anders Ecklund
Michael Dokes KO1 Tony Tucker
Greg Page WRSF3 Lucien Rodriguez
Pinklon Thomas WPTS6 James Broad
Tony Tubbs WPTS6 Willie DeWitt
Mike Weaver WPTS6 Marvis Frazier
Trevor Berbick KO6 James Smith

May Fights;

New York

Vacant North American Title
Larry Holmes v Tim Witherspoon

Gerry Cooney v Jeff Sims
Michael Dokes v David Bey
Greg Page v James Broad
Pinklon Thomas v Mike Weaver
Tony Tubbs v Marvis Frazier

London

Hughroy Currie v Steffen Tangstad
Anders Ecklund v Willie DeWitt

[Ian Lord]

Boxing Argus

May, 1986


American Rings
with Hank Lee

New York; Larry Holmes and 'Terrible' Tim Witherspoon squared off over twelve rounds for the vacant North American title in what was one of the most dissappoinyting, tedious fights so far in the WHCB. It was a commanding opener from Holmes, piercing Witherspoon's defense with his stiff jab, and landing repeatedly. However, it was Holmes who finished the round with swelling around his right eye, due to an accidental clash of heads. After the opener, the fight turned into a really monotonous affair, with way too much clinching. It was also a really difficult fight to score, with most rounds being really close. By the final round, this scribe had Holmes comfortably ahead, but the bout was declared a draw, with scores of 116-112 Holmes, 116-112 Witherspoon, and 114-114 even. The frightening thought is the fact that these two fighter's, who have both got so much more than what was shown here tonight, must now go at it again in a couple of months time. Hardly one to get the juices flowing.

Chief support was so much better. Mike 'Hercules' Weaver came out for the opener swinging his big shots, and soon had Pinklon Thomas in trouble. Thomas was in dire straits on the ropes when the bell mercifully saved him. He regained his senses and took the next two rounds with some stylish boxing. The fourth belonged to Weaver, due to his damaging shots, but Thomas took the fifth, peppering Weaver constantly with jabs and crosses, and causing his right eye to swell in the process. It became an entertaining back and forth contest, and going into the tenth and final round many felt Weaver needed a knockout to claim the victory, and this his duly did. With eleven seconds remaining in the fight he caught Thomas with a murderous bodyshot. Thomas crumpled to the canvas and was counted out. The scorecards showed he was aead at the time. Such is boxing.

Gerry Cooney continued his impressive run, stopping Jeff Sims at 2.56 of the third.M
Michael 'Dynamite' Dokes stopped David Bey at 2.05 of the fifth. Bey was down twice in the third and again in the fifth. He was out on his feet at the time of the stoppage.
After a slow start, Greg Page really opened up in the fifth, dropping foe James Broad for a six count before the referee stopped Broad from sustaining a further beating at the 2.18 mark.
Tony 'TNT' Tubbs and Marvis Frazier fought to a majority, six round draw.

European Beat
with Albert Smith

Birmingham; Birmingham native Hughroy Currie impressed in front of his home crowd, stopping Norway's Steffen Tangstad at 1.37 of the fifth due to the severity of the cut which was opened above his right eyebrow in the previous round. Currie had been in control from the opening bell.
Sweden's Anders Ecklund and Canada's Willie DeWitt fought to a four round majority draw. Scores were 38-38 [x2], and 39-37 DeWitt.

Results;

Larry Holmes D12 Tim Witherspoon
[for vacant North American title]
Mike Weaver KO10 Pinklon Thomas
Gerry Cooney RSF3 Jeff Sims
Michael Dokes RSF5 David Bey
Greg Page RSF4 James Broad
Tony Tubbs D4 Marvis Frazier
Hughroy Currie RSF5 Steffen Tangstad
Anders Ecklund D4 Willie DeWitt

June Fights;

London

World Title Eliminator

Frank Bruno v Gerrie Coetzee

Hughroy Currie v Noel Quarless

New York

Gerry Cooney v Anders Ecklund
Greg Page v Proud Kilimanjaro
Mike Weaver v Willie DeWitt
Tony Tubbs v Lucien Rodriguez
Tony Tucker v James Smith
Mike Tyson v Marvis Frazier

[Ian Lord]

Boxing Argus

June, 1986


European Beat
with Albert Smith

London; European champ Frank Bruno stepped one step closer to becoming the first WHCB World Champion when he stopped South African tough guy Gerrie Coetzee at 2.30 of the tenth in a highly entertaining fight. The heavily muscled Bruno started of the fight landing some heavy rights on the chin of Coetzee, taking the round. Coetzee took the second and third before Bruno started landing with his pulverising shots again in the fourth, causing Coetzee's right eye to begin swelling. It didn't stop Coetzee wobbling Bruno in the fifth. A big right to the chin wobbled the Londoner, and many felt only the bell save the dazed European champ from going down.
Some big shots in the sixth saw Coetzee's eye balloon even more, making it dificult for the South African to see. Coetzee hit the deck in the seventh, getting up at five. The sixth had the crowd on their feet. Both men looking as if they wanted to finish it. The ninth was the opposite to the eighth, drawing boo's from those in attendance due to the lack of action.
Bruno came out swinging for the tenth, and Coetzee fell apart. A cross to the jaw dropped Coetzee for a five count. He staggered uneasily to his feet, and the fight was allowed to continue. Bruno pounced on his stricken foe, and began landing bone-jarring shots. Coetzee bravely fought to stay on his feet, but after a few pulverising shots, the referee decided he had seen enough. Bruno, who now improves to 4-0 [4], will now meet the winner of next month's North American title re-match between Larry Holmes and Tim Witherspoon for the vacant World title.

Hughroy Currie ran his pro log to 4-0 [1] with a majority decision win over Noel Quarless. Scores were 77-75 [x2], and 76-76.

American Rings
with Hank Lee

New York; The exciting Gerry Cooney advanced to 5-1 [4] with a stoppage victory over Sweden's Anders Ecklundat 2.02 of the sixth. It was scheduled for eight. After a tepid opener, Cooney burst into life. Ecklund tumbled in the third, up at seven, following a huge uppercut by Cooney. It was apparent by this stage that Cooney was going to win this one. It was just a matter of when.Ecklund was dropped at the end of the fourth for a one count following a big right. Ecklund fought back hard in the fifth, and it was a good round, with nothing in it. The end came in the sixth. Ecklund crumbled to the canvas following a nasty bodyshot. He regained his feet at eight, but looked bent over and winded. Cooney leapt on him, and punched him to defeat when the referee mercifully saved the brave Swede.

After the opening round of the Greg Page-Proud Kilimanjaro fight, it was obvious that this was Page's fight. It just surprised most people in attendance that it took him six rounds to put his foe away. That's down to the sheer guts of Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro was down twice in the opener. Once from a body shot [c5], then a combo to body and head sent him crashing again, this tiome for a count of five. Page comfortably took the next four rounds before putting his foe away at 1.57 of the sixth, a big righthand doing the damage.

Mike Weaver only just edged past Willie DeWitt, getting a split six round verdict with scores of 57-56 [twice], and a reverse 57-56. It was that close, with Weaver tasting the canvas in the fourth. A combination sent him sprawling for a count of four.

Tony Tubbs laboured to a six round split decision win over Frenchman Lucien Rodriguez. Scores were 58-57, 59-56 to Tubbs. 59-57 to Rodriguez. It was an absolute stinker!

Tony Tucker pounced on 'Bonecrusher' Smith from the opening bell, and didn't let up until he put him away at 1.13 of the third. A beautiful cross to the chin finishing it. Smith also hit the canvas in the opener [4 count], following a hook to the head.

'Iron' Mike Tyson made an impressive debut, dropping Marvis Frazier twice in the opener, before putting him away after fifty-four seconds of the third following a salvo of punches. Tyson didn't let Frazier off the hook from the opening bell.


Results;

Frank Bruno WRSF10 Gerrie Coetzee
Hughroy Currie W8 Noel Quarless
Gerry Cooney WRSF6 Anders Ecklund
Greg Page KO6 Proud Kilimanjaro
Mike Weaver W6 Willie DeWitt
Tony Tubbs W6 Lucien Rodriguez
Tony Tucker KO3 James Smith
Mike Tyson KO3 Marvis Frazier


July Fights;

New York

Vacant North American Title
Larry Holmes v Tim Witherspoon

Gerry Cooney v Steffen Tangstad
Greg Page v David Bey
Mike Tyson v Noel Quarless

Atlantic City, New Jersey

Michael Dokes v James Broad
Mike Weaver v Lucien Rodriguez
Tony Tubbs v Trevor Berbick
Tony Tucker v Willie DeWitt

Birmingham, England

Hughroy Currie v Jeff Sims

[Ian Lord]

A fter a few hitches with the game, this is back up and running.

[Ian Lord]

Boxing Argus

July, 1986


American Rings
with Hank Lee

New York; Larry Holmes and Tim Witherspoon fought yet another twelve round snorefest, but at least this time their was a winner. The fight never got going, with far too much clinching throughout, giving the referee one hell of a time. This drew constant booing from the crowd. Neither fighter really stamped their authority, although Witherspoon seemed unable to deal with Holmes' superb left jab all night, which went towards giving Holmes the unanimous verdict, with scores of 117-111, 115-113, and 117-112. Holmes, who claimed the vacant North American title with this win will now face European champ Frank Bruno over fifteen rounds in October to crown the inaugural World champion.
Gerry Cooney won an eight round unanimous decision over Norway's Steffen Tangstad. Scores were 77-74 on all three cards. Tangstad hit the deck in the second from a vicous cross. He was up at eight and ended the fight with a swollen right eye.
The Greg Page - David Bey fight was shaping up to be a close entertaining fight, until Page let it all loose in the fourth, dropping Bey for a four count following a volley of blows to the head. Bey groggily regained his feet, and Page was on him, punching him around the ring until the referee called a halt at the 2.46 mark.
Young New York hopeful 'Iron' Mike Tyson improved to 2-0 [2], putting away Englishman Noel Quarless after fifty-five seconds of the opening round. Quarless was blown away.

Atlantic City; It went from bad to worse for James Broad against Michael 'Dynamite' Dokes. A cut was opened over Broad's left eye following the opening bell. Dokes targeted this constantly, with not much resistance from the outclassed Broad. Eleven seconds into the second, the referee decided he had seen enough, and called a halt to the procedings.
The muscular Mike 'Hercules' Weaver was too much for Frenchman Lucien Rodriguez, who gallantly stuck in their, but finally got put away at the 2.13 mark of round seven, after getting floored by a looping hook. He was unable to beat the count. He also hit the deck in the sixth, but was up at two.
The Tony Tubbs-Trevor Berbick fight was a lively affair while it lasted. Tubbs took the opener, before a barn-burner of a second that had the crowd on their feet. Berbick dominated in the third, and again both men were toe to toe in the fourth before Berbick walked onto a big right from Tubbs, and it was all over.
Canadian Willie DeWitt got his first pro win with a six round unanimous points win over Tony 'TNT' Tucker, 57-55 on all cards. It was a disastrous third round for Tucker, which saw him dropped twice and suffer a nasty cut over his right eye, which edged it for DeWitt.

European Beat
with Albert Smith

Birmingham; It was an absolute humdinger of a fight between Hughroy Currie and American Jeff Sims here in Birmingham - while it lasted! Currie was floored in the opener,after an uppercut to the jaw. He was up at four, and lasted the round. Currie came roaring out at the bell for the second, and dropped Sims for an eight count with a hook to the jaw. Currie was back on his foe when the action continued, and won the round big. The thrid was a back and forth affair until Sims walked onto an uppercut at the 2.33 mark, and it was all over. Currie improves to 5-0 [2], and their is talk his next fight will be in the States.

Results;

Larry Holmes W12 Tim Witherspoon
[wins vacant North American title]
Hughroy Currie KO3 Jeff Sims
Gerry Cooney W8 Steffen Tangstad
Greg Page WRSF4 David Bey
Michael Dokes WRSF2 James Broad
Mike Weaver KO7 Lucien Rodriguez
Tony Tubbs KO4 Trevor Berbick
Willie DeWitt W6 Tony Tucker
Mike Tyson KO1 Noel Quarless

August Fights

New York;
Tony Tubbs v Pinklon Thomas
Gerry Cooney v Willie DeWitt
Greg Page v Steffen Tangstad
Mike Weaver v James Smith
Hughroy Currie v David Bey
Mike Tyson v Anders Ecklund

Johannesburg, South Africa

Gerrie Coetzee v Marvis Frazier
Michael Dokes v Proud Kilimanjaro

[Ian Lord]

Boxing Argus

August, 1986

American Rings
with Hank Lee

New York; The main event at Madison Square Garden, between Tony Tubbs and Pinklon Thomas, was shaping up to become a competitive, lively match-up, until 'Pinky' got himself disqualified in the fourth due to repeated low blows. Many felt he was dealt with harshly. Tubbs, surprisingly lithe for a man his size, took the opener, with the stylish Thomas edging the second. Tubbs was on his toes again in the third, peppering Thoams with the jab. This must have frustrated Thomas, as he came out in the fourth and connected with a couple of low blows, and thus got himself disqualified.
Canadian Willie DeWitt doggedly stuck it out against the big hitting Gerry Cooney, lasting the eight round distance but losing a lop-sided unanimous decision with scores of 79-69, and 78-70 twice. DeWitt hit the deck twice in the fourth and again twice in the sixth, was outboxed and outpunched, but got himself through on guts. Cooney, though, needs to step up in class.
Another fighter who needs to step up in class is Kentucky's Greg Page. He won a landslide victory against winless Norwegian Steffen Tangstad. Scores were 80-71, 80-72 and 79-71. Tangstad was down in the opener, then again in the second round.
Mike 'Hercules' Weaver pulverised James 'Bonecrusher' Smith in the fourth round, stopping him at the 2.51 mark. A competitive, lively fight up to that point, especially the third where both men went toe to toe and exchanged some heavy leather. It must have weakened Smith's legs, as he hit the canvas twice in the fourth, before being stopped with nothing left.
England's Hughroy Currie remained undefeated in his Stateside debut with a unanimous points win over David Bey. Scores were 77-73, 76-74 and 78-72, with Bey down twice [first and fifth].
The exciting New York kid 'Iron' Mike Tyson went to 3-0 [3], stopping Sweden's Anders Ecklund at 2.53 of the third. Ecklund was outgunned from the opener, and had no answer to Tyson's firepower.

African Action
with Stan Duplessis

Johannesburg, South Africa; In the first fight card to be staged on African soil since February, Gerrie Coetzee had a scare against the winless Marvis Frazier, when it was announced as a split decision. Coetzee got the nod, with two judges scoring it for the South African 97-94, whilst the other judge gave it to Frazier for a score of 96-95. Coetzee deserved the nod in an uneventful fight. It was his first time back in the ring since losing his unbeaten record to Frank Bruno two months ago [stopped in the tenth].
Michael 'Dynamite' Dokes lived up to his nickname in the seventh, when he launched opponent Proud Kilimanjaro. The count was a formality. Dokes had controlled the fight.

Results;

Tony Tubbs WDisq4 Pinklon Thomas
Gerry Cooney W8 Willie DeWitt
Greg Page W8 Steffen Tangstad
Mike Weaver WRSF4 James Smith
Gerrie Coetzee W10 Marvis Frazier
Michael Dokes KO7 Proud Kilimanjaro
Mike Tyson WRSF3 Anders Ecklund

September Fights;

New York
Tim Witherspoon v Tony Tubbs
Mike Weaver v Tony Tucker
Gerry Cooney v Trevor Berbick
Greg Page v Lucien Rodriguez
Michael Dokes v Steffen Tangstad
Mike Tyson v Jeff Sims

London, England

Hughroy Currie v James Broad

Johannesburg, South Africa

Gerrie Coetzee v David Bey
Pierre Coetzer v Noel Quarless

[Tommysixfingers]

Jeebus! Smaller miracles has happened than Anders Eklund surviving (litterarly) 3 rounds against Mike Tyson. Enjoying this one to Ian.

[Ian Lord]

Originally Posted by Tommysixfingers

Jeebus! Smaller miracles has happened than Anders Eklund surviving (litterarly) 3 rounds against Mike Tyson. Enjoying this one to Ian.

Thanks Tommy!

[Ian Lord]

Boxing Argus

September, 1986

American Rings
with Hank Lee

In the main event at New York's Madison Square Garden, 'Terrible' Tim Witherspoon outpointed Tony 'TNT' Tubbs over ten in a monotonous fight. It was a split decision, with Philadelphia's Witherspoon getting the nod on two of the cards, 96-94 and 97-93, with Tubbs getting a 96-95 score on the other. It was a plodding affair, not much leather thrown, but with Witherspoon edging it and deserving the win. In his previous fight, Witherspoon lost a twelve round decision to Larry Holmes in a fight for the vacant North American title, after drawing with Holmes previously. Both were dull affairs! Witherspoon improved to 4-1-1 [1], and is one of the best fighter's in the WHCB, just not very exciting to watch. Tubbs is also up there, and this was a good win for 'Terrible' Tim. Tubbs dropped to 5-2-1 [1].
Tony 'TNT' Tucker stopped Mike 'Hercules' Weaver in the fifth round of a wild affair. Tucker was down in the opener [4 count], but looked unshaken and came back into the fight in the second. It was a close contest until the fifth, when Tucker staggered Weaver, then put him down for a six count following a right to the chin. When the fight continued, Tucker was on him and Weaver crumbled to the floor following a bodyshot. He was up at three but looked spent. Tucker leapt on his foe and began unleashing hurtful shots before the fight was waved of at the 2.38 mark. Tucker improved to 4-3 [3], whilst Weaver dropped to 6-2 [4].
Trevor Berbick pulled of an upset, halting Gerry Cooney at 2.37 of the sixth. Cooney suffered a nasty cut over his right eye in the opener, which gave him problems throughout. The fourth round was a barn-burner, with both men hurt. Cooney tasted the canvas in the fifth, a vicous shot to the liver putting him there. He was up at eight. An uppercut sent him down again in the sixth [seven count], then the referee called a halt to the procedings whilst the doctor inspected the cut, which was now flowing into his eyes and causing him problems. It was allowed to continue, but not for long. Berbick unleashed on Cooney and was punching away at random when the referee waved it over.
Greg Page knocked out Frenchman Lucien Rodriguez at 2.02 of the eighth in a one-sided affair.
Michael 'Dynamite' Dokes suffered a scare in te opener of his fight against Steffen Tangstad when an uppercut floored him. He was up at three, saw out the round, then made Tangstad pay. Tangstad was kayoed at 1.42 of the third.
'Iron' Mike Tyson proved unstoppable again, improving to 4-0 [4] with sixth round knockout over Jeff Sims. Tyson was in control throughout and also floored Sims in the fourth.

European Beat
with Albert Smith

Hughroy Currie lost his undefeated record at Wembley Stadium, London, losing a majority decision to American James 'Broadaxe' Broad over eight. Scores were 77-75, 78-74 Broad, and 76-76.Good away win for Broad. Dissappointing night for Currie. Not a lot to say really about the fight. Broad edged it and deserved the win.

African Action
with Stan Duplessis

South African Gerrie Coetzee improved to 6-1 [4] with a seventh round stoppage against David Bey. Bey got off to a good start, taking the first two rounds, before Coetzee got into the fight.. It wasn't all plain sailing for Coetzee, but Bey seemed to capitulate in the seventh. Coetzee was unloading at will at the time of the stoppage [2.31].
Another South African, Pierre Coetzer, made his pro debut. He fought Englishman Noel Quarless to a four round draw. Scores were 38-38 [twice], and 39-38 Coetzer.

Results;

Tim Witherspoon W10 Tony Tubbs
Tony Tucker WRSF5 Mike Weaver
Trevor Berbick WRSF6 Gerry Cooney
Greg Page KO8 Lucien Rodriguez
Michael Dokes KO3 Steffen Tangstad
Mike Tyson KO6 Jeff Sims
James Broad W8 Hughroy Currie
Gerrie Coetzee WRSF7 David Bey
Noel Quarless D4 Pierre Coetzer

October Fight's

New York

Vacant World Title
Frank Bruno v Larry Holmes

Tim Witherspoon v James Broad
Tony Tubbs v James Smith
Tony Tucker v Marvis Frazier
Michael Dokes v Willie DeWitt
Mike Tyson v Proud Kilimanjaro

London, England

Hughroy Currie v Gerrie Coetzee
Greg Page v Anders Ecklund
Noel Quarless v Pierre Coetzer

[Ian Lord]

Boxing Argus

October, 1986



King Larry!
with Hank Lee

The coronation process was finally over, and a king was crowned. At Madison Square Garden, Boxing's Mecca, on October 10th, Larry Holmes beat brave Brit Frank Bruno to become the inaugural world champion.

Holmes, from Easton, Pa, exerted his authority from the opening bell, with a stiff jab to the face of Bruno. By the end of the first, Bruno's right eye looked puffy. Again Holmes was in control in the second stanza, peppering Bruno with jabs, and also connected with an assortment of other punches to body and head. Bruno went back to his corner looking bewildered. This Yank was nothing like the foe's from Europe and the Commonwealth that European champ Bruno had been feasting on up until now.

The third was the same. Harsh words from Bruno's corner between rounds seemed to do the trick, as he came out firing for the fourth, catching Holmes with some hard shots. Holmes'right eye began to swell. Bruno's round. Holmes came out for the fifth intending to spoil, grabbing hold of Bruno at every given opportunity. Bruno failed to land any meaningful blows.

The end came in the sixth round in dramatic fashion. Holmes, usually known for being a bit conservative, came out firing on all cylinders, catching Bruno at ease. Bruno was soon in trouble and got dropped for a six count folloeing an uppercut to the jaw. When the fight resumed Holmes had a look in his eyes which showed he wasn't about to let his quarry last the round. After trapping Bruno in the corner, Holmes let leash with a pulverizing body shot. Bruno crumbled to the canvas, and his dream of becoming world champion crumbled with it. Larry Holmes was the new heavyweight champion of the world!!! Time of the knockout was 1.55

A jubilant Holmes, ever the gentleman, paid victim to his opponent. At a post-fight press conference, when asked who his first defense would be, Holmes just shrugged his shoulders and said that it's too early to consider that, he's just going to go away and celebrate. Howver, a number of name's have already been bandied about. Check out the latest news section.

Bruno, meanwhile, will go away and lick his wounds. He said he will come back stronger. He is the reigning European champion, and to be honest there doesn't appear to be anyone in Europe who poses a threat to that reign.

Chief support saw 'Terrible' Tim Witherspoon beat James 'Broadaxe' Broad on points over eight rounds. Scores were 77-75 twice, and 78-74. It was a dissappointing, laboured performance from Witherspoon, with many feeling he should have given more than he actually did. Kudos to Broad though for making Witherspoon work for the victory.

Tony 'TNT' Tubbs scored a unanimous eight round points win over James 'Bonecrusher' Smith. Scores were 76-75 on all three cards. Yes, it was that close. A good fifth for Tubbs, which saw Smith hit the deck, probably swung it for him.

Tony 'TNT' Tucker scored another impressive win, putting away Marvis Frazier at 2.28 of the sixth. Tucker had dominated from the opener, flooring Frazier in the second. A big right put Frazier away in the sixth.

Michael 'Dynamite' Dokes had too much skill and firepower for Canadian Willie De Witt, with De Witt finally being saved from further punishment at the 2.10 mark of the sixth. He had already been floored twice in the round.

The Mike Tyson juggernaut keeps on rolling! This time it was Proud Kilimanjaro who was in the way. He lasted two-minutes and thirty nine seconds before the referee decided he had seen enough and saved him from further punishment. He had already been down following a cross to the side of the head. Tyson looks a very real danger for newly crowned king Larry Holmes.

European Beat
with Albert Smith

London - Hughroy Currie sufferd his third defeat on the bounce, this time against rugged South African Gerrie Coetzee. It was a brilliant start from Currie, flooring Coetzee in the opener for a seven count. However, after that it was all Coetzee, who looked far superior to Currie, and floored him with a vicous bodyshot in the seventh. Scores were 97-92, 97-91, and a ludricous 96-96. This was Coetzee's third win since being stopped by the heavy-fisted Frank Bruno, and he's stated he want's a shot at Larry Holmes.

Greg Page knocked out Anders Ecklund at 2.36 of the fifth. Up to then Ecklund had put up one hell of a fight. Ecklund suffered a flash knockdown at the end of the third, but other than that gave Page one hell of a fight before falling apart in the fifth. He was floored at the beginning of the round, then got put away.

South African Pierre Coetzer put away Liverpudlian Noel Quarless at the end of the first. This was the second time theses two have met, fighting to a draw the previous month.


Results

Larry Holmes KO6 Frank Bruno
[wins vacant World title]
Michael Dokes WRSF6 Willie DeWitt
Tim Witherspoon W8 James Broad
Greg Page KO5 Anders Ecklund
Gerrie Coetzee W10 Hughroy Currie
Tony Tubbs W8 James Smith
Mike Tyson WRSF1 Proud Kilimanjaro
Tony Tucker KO8 Marvis Frazier
Pierre Coetzer KO1 Noel Quarless

World Champion:
Larry Holmes 5-0-1 [2]

1. Michael Dokes 8-1 [7]
2. Tim Witherspoon 5-1-1 [1]
3. Greg Page 9-1 [6]
4. Frank Bruno 4-1 [4] European Champ.
5. Gerrie Coetzee 7-1 [4]
6. Tony Tubbs 6-2-1 [1]
7. Mike Tyson 5-0 [5]
8. Tony Tucker 5-3 [4]
9. Mike Weaver 6-2 [4]
10.Trevor Berbick 2-3-1 [2



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Latest news...

Michael Dokes and Tim Witherspoon will meet each other over twelve rounds for the vacant North American and United States titles. It will also be a world title eliminator...Frank Bruno and Gerrie Coetzee have been selected to battle it out for the vacant Commonwealth title. Bruno hols a win over Coetzee...Bruno has also been chosen to meet Hughroy Currie for the vacant British strap...These are all subject to change as Larry Holmes has not yet decided who his first defense will be against...Name's put for for the first crack at the title are Michael Dokes, Tim Witherspoon, Greg Page, Gerrie Coetzee, Tony Tubbs, Mike Tyson and Tony Tucker...Holmes holds a win over Michael Dokes via disqualification. Dokes is insistent he can take him...Witherspoon drew with Holmes, and was then outpointed over twelve for the vacant North American title. Both fight's were snoozefest's. Most people do not wish to see a third bout between these two.

Next months schedule will be up soon. Not avaiulable as we ent to press.