My Top Closed Circuit Fights Part 3.

This is the List of My Top Closed Circuit Fights.

1. 1. Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Thomas Hearns 2. June 12, 1989. Caesar’s Palace Outdoor Arena; Las Vegas, Nevada. In their rematch nearly 8 years since their first meeting, Thomas Hearns drops Leonard twice in their 12 round super-middleweight fight. Its’s my first trip to the Pavilion in Cherry Hill, New Jersey to see this one, and I was rooting hard for the ‘Hit-Man’. When the decision is read, the bout is incredibly scored a draw, and I make the 7 mile drive home in a foul mood, knowing Tommy got the shaft2.
   2. Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Roberto Duran. December 7, 1989. Mirage Hotel; Las Vegas, Nevada. The first fight at the new Mirage Hotel and Casino on the strip in Las Vegas, is the host for the third and final fight between the two legends. I’m back in Ray’s corner for this one, and brave the 7 degree temperatures in Jersey to make another trip to the Pavilion to catch the action. The fight itself is a dud, with Leonard winning almost every single round, and his trying to mimic the taunts from New Orleans in 1980, fall flat. The only drama of the night occurs when a booming Duran right hand opens a huge gash over Ray’s eye as round 11th round closes. Sugar Ray wins almost every round on the judge’s scorecards, in what would be the last victory of his caree
   3. Evander Holyfield vs. Buster Douglas. October 25, 1990. The Mirage; Las Vegas, Nevada. Douglas faces number one contender Evander Holyfield after upsetting Mike Tyson in February. Buster gets $24 million to face Evander, and prepares by coming in fat at 246 lbs., 15 pounds over his best weight. It ends in three rounds when a beautiful Holyfield right hand caroms off of Buster’s head, putting him on the canvas. Douglas never even attempts to get up, and lays on the floor as he wipes the blood from his nose. The title now belongs to Evander, who rises to the occasion, and wins his second championship after having been the best cruiserweight in boxing history.
   4. Evander Holyfield vs. George Foreman. April 19, 1991. Atlantic City Convention Hall; Atlantic City, New Jersey. For this one, I travel to Trump Plaza in Atlantic City to see my favorite fighter ever, George Foreman, train for a week. It was a pleasure to make the hour or so drive to see George train, and entertain the small crowds gathered in the ballroom boxing gym. Unfortunately, Evander is the quicker and younger man when the opening bell rings, and while Foreman gains respect for hanging tough, loses 9 of 12 rounds and his shot at the title. I take solace in his gutty effort, and when he talks of continuing his career despite the loss, I know I’ll get a chance to see him in action again.

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