Archie Moore would get his first shot at the light heavyweight championship on December 17, 1952 in St, Louis, Missouri against veteran Joey Maxim. The 39 year old grizzled fighter did not disappoint his hometown at the arena, and defeated Maxim via a 15 round decision. After sixteen long years, he had finally achieved his dream.
He fought nine times the following year of 1953, including a rematch win over Maxim. The now ageless 40 year old Moore continued to fight against younger opponents. He had often fought at heavyweight in between bouts at light heavy, most times fighting at around 180 pounds, which meant he would fight as a disadvantage of 20 pounds or more. But the ‘Mongoose’ was a fighter cut from a different cloth, and he had his aims on the heavyweight championship as well.
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