The rematch was set for April 19, 1986 at the indoor arena at the Hilton in Las Vegas. To see this bout on HBO, I went to a local motel and paid the $25 for a room to watch it. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
Michael weighed in at 205 lbs., and appeared to have put some muscle on, while Holmes weighed in at a solid 223. At the opening bell, Larry rushed at Spinks and threw him to the ground to try and prove his superior strength. Michael got up, and the fight began in earnest.
Larry Holmes was a totally different fighter in this fight. His pinched nerve in his back had healed, and he threw and landed lots of right hands. Many were following stiff jabs and I gave him the first 5 rounds easy.
Michael would land combinations on occasion, but by the 12th round, I thought the decision was in the bank for Holmes. In fact, Larry staggered him badly in the 14th round, forcing Michael to run to safety. Even the HBO announcers had the ex-champ regaining his crown as the 15th round came to a close.
When the scores were read, unbelievably Michael was given a split decision victory, and quite frankly I didn’t thing he deserved it. He retained the title, while an understandably bitter Holmes said he was through afterwards. I left the motel right after the fight, and felt crummy knowing Holmes had gotten the shaft.
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