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Michael MoorerAmerican heavyweight boxer
Date of Birth: 12.11.1967
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Biography of Michael Moorer
- Early Career
- Move to Heavyweight
- WBO World Champion
- Unification Fight with Evander Holyfield
- First Defeat against George Foreman
- IBF World Champion
- Rematch with Evander Holyfield
- Comeback and Retirement
Biography of Michael Moorer
IntroductionMichael Moorer is an American professional boxer who competed in the heavyweight division. He is a former world champion in the light heavyweight (WBO version, 1988-1990) and heavyweight (WBO version, 1992; WBA version, 1994; IBF version, 1994 and 1996-1997) weight categories. Moorer was named the "Most Promising Boxer" of 1988 by Ring magazine. He had a successful career, winning numerous fights by knockout.
Early Career
Moorer made his debut as a professional boxer in March 1988 at the age of 20. He won his first 11 fights by knockout and then fought for the world championship in the light heavyweight division for the WBO version. In December 1988, he became the WBO champion by knocking out Ramzi Hassan. Moorer became a world champion at the age of 21, just nine months after turning professional. He successfully defended his title nine times, winning all his fights in the light heavyweight division by knockout.
Move to Heavyweight
In 1991, Moorer moved up to the heavyweight division and knocked out Terry Davis in the second round. In July 1991, he had a fight against Alex Stewart. Moorer knocked Stewart down in the first round and continued to dominate the fight. In the fourth round, Moorer landed a powerful punch that sent Stewart to the canvas, resulting in a knockout victory for Moorer.
WBO World Champion
In May 1992, Moorer fought Bert Cooper for the vacant WBO heavyweight title. Cooper knocked Moorer down in the first round, but Moorer quickly recovered and knocked Cooper out in the fifth round. In February 1993, Moorer won a decision victory against former world champion James Smith.
Unification Fight with Evander Holyfield
In April 1994, Moorer faced Evander Holyfield in a highly anticipated fight for the IBF and WBA heavyweight titles. Moorer was knocked down in the second round but dominated the rest of the fight. In the final round, Moorer taunted Holyfield and narrowly avoided getting hit with a powerful punch. Moorer won the fight by a majority decision, becoming the unified heavyweight champion.
First Defeat against George Foreman
In November 1994, Moorer faced George Foreman and was knocked out in the tenth round. Foreman became the oldest heavyweight champion in history at the age of 45. This loss marked Moorer's first defeat.
IBF World Champion
In June 1996, Moorer fought Axel Schulz for the vacant IBF heavyweight title. Moorer won a close split decision victory in a competitive fight. He defended his title with a knockout victory against Francois Botha in November 1996. In March 1997, Moorer defeated Vaughn Bean by a majority decision.
Rematch with Evander Holyfield
In November 1997, Moorer had a rematch with Evander Holyfield. Moorer was knocked down multiple times and the fight was stopped in the eighth round due to Moorer's condition. After this fight, Moorer retired from boxing for three years.
Comeback and Retirement
Moorer made a comeback in November 2000 and fought five bouts against low-ranked opponents. In August 2002, he was knocked out by David Tua in the first round. Moorer continued to fight until 2008, winning five more fights against mediocre opponents. He eventually retired from professional boxing.
