Has it ever happened before? We have Wilder-Szpilka for the WBC and the vacant IBF being contested at Barclays on the same bill. Has this ever happened before? (Yes, I know the title is split, people can debate "true" champion, lineal, etc., etc. -- but that's not my point; titles have been split for decades. I'm wondering if it has ever happened, maybe when Don King controlled all the fractured titles back in the 1980s?)
November 1996 card was filled with Akinwande - Zolkin (WBO) Moorer - Botha (IBF) Tyson - Holyfield (WBA)
Yep. I was at that fight. Entertaining undercard for sure. Not like the **** Bob Arum tries to pass off as an undercard. Although I was rooting for Tyson, I have never experienced an atmosphere like that night. Not at any other fight or sporting event. The Superbowl didn't even compare. The tension and excitement that night was truly sublime.
Great story. I was a kid at that time but I felt how great of event it was even watching it on TV. And you're right, most of today's undercards aren't even worth attending. And then in 1996 boxing was BIG, everyone knew Tyson and Holyfield, as well as old George and other boxing stars.
May 1987 Tyson/Thomas (WBC/WBA) Douglas/Tucker (IBF) Then Tyson unified all the titles in his next fight - against Tucker. A great time in the life of Don King. The beginning of the end for Tyson.