Larry Holmes defended his WBC world heavyweight title against Ossie Ocasio
Date: March 23, 1979
Venue: Hilton, Winchester, Nevada
Holmes stance: orthodox
Ocasio stance: orthodox
Larry Holmes stayed busy after winning the WBC heavyweight title from Ken Norton in June 1978. His first defence, five months later, was against the durable, reigning European champion Alfredo Evangelista. The challenger had fought Muhammad Ali for the undisputed title a year earlier and had gone the full 15 rounds. Holmes stopped him in the seventh round, in a dominating performace.
Ossie Ocasio turned pro in 1976 and won his first ten fights against a series of journeymen. He then signed with promoter Don King and beat another King prospect, Kevin Isaac. In his next bout, Ocasio caused a major upset by beating Jimmy Young on the undercard of the Norton-Holmes title fight. Ocasio proved this win was no fluke by outpointing Jimmy Young again in January 1979. This victory took Ocasio's record to 13-0 with 9 KOs, and earned him his first shot at a world title.
For an in depth look at their respective records, visit:
Larry Holmes - https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/150
Ossie Ocasio - https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/864