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The 42-year-old Holmes, of Easton, Pa., certainly provided his share of thrills during his seven-year reign. His 1978
battle with Ken Norton for the World Boxing Council championship is one of the classic heavyweight slugouts of all time.
After winning the title, Holmes proceeded to give everyone a shot, but he too had trouble gaining public acceptance as he followed
in the footsteps of "The Greatest," Muhammad Ali. Even a 1980 win over Ali did little to bolster Holmes' stock, but he continued
defending often, with exciting battles against Renaldo Snipes, Gerry Cooney, Tim Witherspoon and Carl Williams helping him
gain respect...."
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The 29-year-old Holyfield, a native of Atlanta, Georgia has done everything right in his boxing career, but circumstances
have prevented him from earning his just due. In the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, he flattened New Zealand's Kevin
Barry in the second round of the light heavyweight semifinals only to be disqualified for hitting on the break in what can
best be described as a dubious call.He turned pro later that year and racked up 11 straight wins to earn a shot at
World Boxing Association cruiserweight champion Dwight Muhammad Qawi. Holyfield won a 15-round decision after a grueling
battle, then proceeded to unify the division championship with victories over Rickey Parkey in 1987 and Carlos DeLeon the
following year...."
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