An Overview Of HBO’s Heavyweight World Series

With the Fabulous Five carrying boxing to ultimate heights, the heavyweights had their work cut out to reclaim their throne. On February 15, 1978, a central nexus point for heavyweight boxing occurred as the heavyweight championship was split and never returned to complete the form.

Rookie Leon Spinks intimidated Muhammad Ali and would eventually accept his fight request rather than take on Ken Norton. Norton had a tough win over Jimmy Young in 1977.

In their rematch, Spinks had to vacate the World Boxing Association’s version of the heavyweight strap to Ali. On the other hand, Norton won the WBC title and considered it one of his biggest wins in the 1970s.

Larry Holmes would dominate the division but never brought together the fragmented title.

Ali retired after overcoming Spinks but would return for an ill-fated bout against the “Easton Assassin.” Unfortunately, “The Greatest” got thrashed in this encounter.

After this memorable win, Holmes claimed the WBC title under the newly established International Boxing Federation’s version of the heavyweight championship. Eventually, the American was upset by Michael “Jinx” Spinks in 1985.

This defeat ended the chances for the former WBC heavyweight champion to tie Rocky Marciano’s 49-0 record. This defeat was historic for many reasons.

Firstly, it was an encounter in which the light heavyweight champion bossed the heavyweight champion.

Secondly, it was the 30th anniversary of Marciano getting the better of Archie Moore’s like-minded attempt.