,On May 20, 1985, Larry Holmes accepted the challenge of Carl ‘The Truth’ Williams in Reno, Nevada. The bout was live on NBC tv in prime time, and it would be the last time it happened on one of the three major networks. Larry struggled with the 25 year old Williams, but in the end won a close, unanimous decision. HIs record now stood at 48-0, with the undefeated record of Rocky Marciano in sight. The real story behind Marciano’s record is that he fought his brother 4 times and had exhibition bouts early in his career counted as victories. His 49-0 record is a myth and Larry Holmes’ 48-0 undefeated streak is the real all time best.
Holmes accepted the challenge of Michael Spinks, the light heavyweight champ who was moving up to challenge Larry for the money. Michael bulked up to 200 lbs. through weight training and diet and by the time September 21st rolled around, he was only a slight underdog. I got to see Michael train at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas 3 weeks before the bout, and he didn’t look like he had gained that much weight. Since I liked both Michael and Larry the same, I really didn’t want them to fight each other, and didn’t know who to root for.
I went over my cousin Paul’s house to watch the fight from the Riviera on HBO while my mother babysat his two kids for him. The 15 round decision went to Michael Spinks, ending Larry’s dream of retired undefeated at 50-0. I felt sorry for him and went home with a sick feeling in my stomach. While I was happy for Michael, I felt lousy that Larry had lost his chance at history.
The rematch was set for April 19, 1986 at the Hilton Center in Las Vegas. Since I had nowhere else to go, I checked into a hotel room for $25 that offered HBO. I had no intentions of sleeping there, but was only there to watch the fight and leave. Larry won the first 5 rounds easy, took a few rounds off and finished strong. There was no doubt in my mind that he had recaptured his title belt, but when the scores were announced, he got screwed. The crooked judges awarded Spinks a split decision victory in to me one of the worst robberies in heavyweight title history. I was livid on the drive home and every time I watch the fight on tv, I still get pissed off.
Larry Holmes spoke his mind and it cost him. He spoke about judges that are paid off, and what a crook Don King was and it shot him in the ass. He walked off into the sunset after the loss, and I was proud that he went out on his terms by telling Larry Merchant, “They can all kiss my big black behind.”
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