I remember that fight in 1980, I saw it live on ABC, it was prime time. Big John Tate was on his way to victory over Mike Hercules Weaver in round 15, when Weaver landed that left hook that separated Tate from his WBA title. That knockout loss to Mike ended hopes of a title unification fight against WBC champion Larry Holmes.
And he would've beaten Ali on his way to that unification match with Holmes. Be a close one,that fight.
That bout ruined Tate, who was arguably the best HW at that time besides Holmes, Weaver was thrown to the wolves at a young age and survived, a legitimate tough guy!, Tate 6'4 230 lbs went thru that 5 elimination man tournament easily box and slug! 5 MAN WBA ELIMINATION TOURNAMENT 1979 1. TATE 2. COETZEE 3. KNOETZE 4. SPINKS 5. BOBICK They should of had an 8 man eliminater like 1968?
