![]() ![]() ![]() It did, and Holyfield won by TKO in Round 11, scoring an impressive upset. Evander Holyfield in 1996 was like the heavyweight version of today's Mayweather-Pacquiao.īoth fighters were clearly not the same as they once were when the hype was at its highest five years earlier. In the end, Lee was convicted on bribery charges and served 22 months in prison and paid $25,000 in fines. The IBF fed Foreman Alex Schulz, who was defeated by majority decision. Over 23 boxers and 7 promoters, including Don King and Top Rank's Bob Arum, were revealed to have been involved in fights tainted by bribes.Īrum said he paid $100,000 in 1995 to have George Foreman not have to face his mandatory. This scheme would go on for over 13 years before an investigation was made, and IBF President Robert Lee was arrested, along with three other officials who were charged with taking bribes. The IBF's rankings would depend on the merit of the boxers in their particular division, but fighters with a big-pocket promoter, like Don King, could pay to advance.īribes from big promoters ensured their fighters stayed ranked above other fighters just getting by. Their rankings and championship title shots were almost immediately paid for, by $338,000 in bribes. The IBF (International Boxing Federation) is one of the younger governing bodies, beginning operations in 1984. In boxing, there are four major world championship governing bodies: the WBC, WBA, WBO, and IBF. gave James Toney his first loss and defeated the legendary Mike McCallum during the same time period of his career. To make a comparison, Sugar Ray Leonard faced and defeated the likes of Roberto Duran and Tommy Hearns between the ages of 25 and 28. Ali was closer to 30 than 25, leaving the world to only wonder what those three years could have produced. The other spineless commissions followed suit.ĭuring the three years he wasn't allowed to box, Ali had to go on speaking engagements at various colleges to make enough money to put food on the table and pay his bills.īy the time Ali was reinstated in 1970, three of his best years as a professional were gone. The New York State Athletic Commission, the most influential boxing commission at the time, decided to revoke Ali's boxing license before he was even convicted. He was highly acclaimed, earning money and fame in his profession of pugilism, until he was called to join the Vietnam draft.Īli didn't believe in the Vietnam War, and on April 28, 1967, he protested by refusing to step forward when his name was called, resulting in his arrest. Muhammad Ali was the undefeated heavyweight champion of the world in 1967. ![]()
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