Michael Moorer
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Michael Lee Moorer (born November 12, 1967) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1988 to 2008. He won a world championship on four occasions in two weight classes, having held the WBO light heavyweight title from 1988 to 1991; compiling 22 straight KOs in 22 fights and the WBO heavyweight title from 1992 to 1993; the unified WBA, IBF and lineal heavyweight titles in 1994; and regained the IBF heavyweight title again from 1996 to 1997 becoming a three-time heavyweight world champion.[1]
Michael Moorer was an undefeated southpaw in his first 35 professional bouts. He captured the WBO light heavyweight title in 1988 which he defended 9 times. In 1991, Moorer moved up to Heavyweight winning the vacant WBO heavyweight title from Bert Cooper via TKO in 1992. He went on to beat Evander Holyfield for the unified WBA, IBF and lineal heavyweight titles in 1994. He remains one of only two southpaws to win the lineal world championship at heavyweight, being joined by Oleksandr Usyk, and the only light heavyweight world champion to win a heavyweight world title on more than one occasion.
Moorer is only one of four boxers over the last century that has ever won a version of a world title at both light heavyweight and heavyweight along with Roy Jones Jr., Michael Spinks, and James Toney.
Since retiring from the sport, Moorer has worked as a boxing trainer and private investigator. In 2009, he worked alongside Freddie Roach at the Wild Card gym in Los Angeles.[2]
Moorer was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2024.[3]
Amateur career
Moorer was born in Brooklyn and raised in the small town of Monessen, Pennsylvania. From an early age, Moorer began playing football and was raised by a single mother, who noticed Moorer's unusual hyperactivity. At age 10, Moorer's grandfather, a former New York Golden Gloves Champion who sparred with greats such as Archie Moore, encouraged Moorer to begin training at age 11. Moorer is naturally right-handed, but fought the entirety of his career as a southpaw. Moorer graduated from Monessen High School in 1987, where he starred in football as a linebacker and tight end.[4]
As his amateur career developed, Moorer moved to Detroit, Michigan to train with the legendary Emanuel Steward. In 1986, Moorer was a National Champion for the 156 lb (light middleweight) weight class. At Steward's Kronk Gym, Moorer was known for beating professionals while still an amateur. Moorer also won a bronze medal at the Goodwill Games, and finished his amateur career with a record of 48–16.
Professional career
Light heavyweight
Moorer had a fast rise through the professional boxing ranks. He debuted on March 4, 1988, knocking out Adrian Riggs in the first round. Before the year's end, he was undefeated in eleven bouts (winning all by way of early round knockouts) and fighting for the world title for the first time. He acquired the newly created WBO light heavyweight title with a five-round knockout of Ramzi Hassan.
In 1989, he retained the title six times, beating Freddie Delgado, Frankie Swindell, Mike Sedillo and former WBA champion Leslie Stewart, among others.
In 1990, he retained the title three times before the end of the year, beating Mario Melo and former Michael Spinks challenger Jim McDonald, among others.
Heavyweight
1991 saw Moorer move up to the heavyweight division. He rolled through the competition en route to securing an opportunity to fight for the vacant WBO heavyweight championship the following year against Bert Cooper. Moorer stopped Cooper in the fifth round after both fighters were down and hurt during the bout.
He did not defend the then-lesser regarded WBO heavyweight belt. Moorer and trainer Emanuel Steward parted ways after the Cooper fight. Moorer eventually joined Lou Duva's team, and was trained by Georgie Benton for three fights in 1993, including a 10-round decision win over former champion James "Bonecrusher" Smith.
Moorer then parted ways with the Duvas and Benton, and hired New York-based trainer Teddy Atlas in late 1993. Moorer closed the year with a ten-round decision over Mike Evans.
Unified heavyweight champion
Template:Main article On April 22, 1994, Moorer challenged Evander Holyfield for the lineal, IBF, and WBA title belts. In round 2 Holyfield sent Moorer down on the canvas, but Moorer overcame and went on to win a majority decision. As a result, he became the first-ever southpaw heavyweight champion.
In his first defense of those belts, on November 5, 1994, Moorer faced 45-year-old George Foreman, who lost his last fight for the vacant WBO heavyweight title to Tommy Morrison. For nine rounds, Moorer easily outboxed him, hitting and moving away, while Foreman moving forward, seemingly unable to "pull the trigger" on his punches. Moorer was ahead on all three judges' scorecards entering the 10th round, when Foreman hit him with a number of long-range jabs. Then, suddenly, a short right hand caught Moorer square on his chin, gashing open his bottom lip, and he collapsed to the canvas. Moorer was knocked out and lost the world championship. He also lost his undefeated record. Foreman, at age 45, became the oldest fighter ever to win the world heavyweight title.
The following year, Moorer re-grouped by winning against fringe contender Melvin Foster. Meanwhile, Foreman retained the title with a close and controversial decision against German fighter Axel Schulz.
Because of the controversial nature of the Foreman-Schulz bout, the IBF ordered Foreman to travel to Germany for a rematch, but Foreman refused, choosing to leave the IBF belt vacant instead. South African Francois Botha travelled to Germany instead and beat Schulz with another close decision to claim the title, but he was stripped of it when he tested positive for illegal substances shortly after.
Third heavyweight title reign
Template:Main article Moorer was then given the opportunity to fight Schulz for the vacant crown in Berlin. On June 22, 1996, Moorer won the IBF heavyweight crown once again, beating Schulz by a 12-round split decision.
He became a three-time heavyweight champion; WBO (1992), WBA/IBF (1994) and IBF (1996–1997). When Moorer held the WBO heavyweight title, it wasn't considered an authentic heavyweight title. Ironically, Moorer has always been recognized as a former light heavyweight champion despite only ever holding the WBO title at that weight.
Moorer's first defense came against Botha on November 9, 1996. In a brutal one-sided bout, Moorer, leading on the cards going into the 12th, ended with a flourish, knocking Botha out 18 seconds into the final round.
In March 1997, Moorer retained his belt with a 12-round decision over previously undefeated Vaughn Bean before parting ways with trainer Teddy Atlas, with whom he'd been experiencing increasing tension since the beginning of their professional relationship. He replaced him with Freddie Roach.
Holyfield vs. Moorer II
Template:Main article On November 8, Moorer lost his IBF title in a unification match with WBA champion Evander Holyfield. Moorer was knocked down five times before ringside doctor Flip Homansky advised referee Mitch Halpern to stop the bout in round eight.
Comeback
After this, he retired from boxing for three years before returning with a knockout of journeyman Lorenzo Boyd. Moorer had begun drinking heavily and weighed 270 pounds. During his comeback, he won three more fights, then seemingly retired again when he was knocked out only 30 seconds into round one by David Tua on August 17, 2002. However, he returned to the ring once again on March 29, 2003, beating Otis Tisdale on points over ten rounds. On August 23, 2003, he beat Brazil's Rodolfo Lobo by knockout in only 64 seconds.
After a layoff of almost a year, he returned on July 3, 2004, losing a ten-round unanimous decision to Eliseo Castillo in Miami, Florida. In December of that year, Moorer rallied from a severe deficit on the scorecards to hand former cruiserweight champion Vassiliy Jirov his first knockout loss. He continued fighting, winning all of his bouts against limited opposition. His last fight was a KO win over Shelby Gross in 2008. Following the fight, Moorer retired from professional boxing.
Personal life
Moorer was arrested in 1989 for taking part in a brawl in Charleroi, Pennsylvania.
In 1991, just days after his win over Alex Stewart, Moorer was arrested for assaulting a police officer. Moorer had reportedly been intoxicated at the time of his arrest. The officer he punched suffered a broken jaw. Moorer later was placed on probation and settled the case out of court.[4]
Professional boxing record
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round, time | Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 57 | Win | 52–4–1 | Shelby Gross | KO | 1 (10), 0:32Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Feb 8, 2008 | Sheikh Rashid Hall, Dubai, UAEScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 56 | Win | 51–4–1 | Roderick Willis | SD | 10 | Oct 31, 2007 | José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum, San Juan, Puerto RicoScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 55 | Win | 50–4–1 | Rich Boruff | TKO | 1 (8), 1:34Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Aug 16, 2007 | Figali Convention Center, Panama City, PanamaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 54 | Win | 49–4–1 | Sedreck Fields | UD | 10 | Mar 16, 2007 | Hard Rock Live, Hollywood, Florida, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 53 | Win | 48–4–1 | Cliff Couser | KO | 1 (10), 1:36Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Dec 9, 2006 | Hard Rock Live, Hollywood, Florida, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 52 | Win | 47–4–1 | Vassiliy Jirov | TKO | 9 (12), 2:08Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Dec 9, 2004 | Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Won vacant WBA–NABA and WBC Continental Americas heavyweight titlesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 51 | Loss | 46–4–1 | Eliseo Castillo | UD | 10 | Jul 3, 2004 | American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 50 | Win | 46–3–1 | Jose Arimatea da Silva | TKO | 7 (10) | Jan 17, 2004 | Seminole Casino, Coconut Creek, Florida, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 49 | Win | 45–3–1 | Rogério Lobo | KO | 1 (10), 1:04Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Aug 23, 2003 | Seminole Casino, Coconut Creek, Florida, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 48 | Win | 44–3–1 | Otis Tisdale | UD | 10 | Mar 29, 2003 | Seminole Casino, Coconut Creek, Florida, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 47 | Loss | 43–3–1 | David Tua | KO | 1 (10), 0:30Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Aug 17, 2002 | Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 46 | Win | 43–2–1 | Robert Davis | UD | 10 | Feb 16, 2002 | Mohegan Sun Arena, Montville, Connecticut, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 45 | Win | 42–2–1 | Terry Porter | TKO | 4 (10), 1:11Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Dec 9, 2001 | Great Plains Coliseum, Lawton, Oklahoma, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 44 | Template:DrawDraw | 41–2–1 | Dale Crowe | TD | 5 (10), 0:35Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jul 27, 2001 | Soaring Eagle Casino, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | TD after Crowe cut from accidental head clashScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 43 | Win | 41–2 | Terrence Lewis | TKO | 2 (10), 2:42Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jan 12, 2001 | Lucky Star Casino, Concho, Oklahoma, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 42 | Win | 40–2 | Lorenzo Boyd | TKO | 4 (9), 1:22Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Nov 17, 2000 | Memorial Auditorium, Burlington, Iowa, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 41 | Loss | 39–2 | Evander Holyfield | RTD | 8 (12), 3:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Nov 8, 1997 | Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Lost IBF heavyweight title; For WBA heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 40 | Win | 39–1 | Vaughn Bean | MD | 12 | Mar 29, 1997 | Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Retained IBF heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 39 | Win | 38–1 | Francois Botha | TKO | 12 (12), 0:18Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Nov 9, 1996 | MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Retained IBF heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 38 | Win | 37–1 | Axel Schulz | SD | 12 | Jun 22, 1996 | Westfalenstadion, Dortmund, GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Won vacant IBF heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 37 | Win | 36–1 | Melvin Foster | UD | 10 | May 13, 1995 | ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 36 | Loss | 35–1 | George Foreman | KO | 10 (12), 2:03Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Nov 5, 1994 | MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Lost WBA and IBF heavyweight titlesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 35 | Win | 35–0 | Evander Holyfield | MD | 12 | Apr 22, 1994 | Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Won WBA and IBF heavyweight titlesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 34 | Win | 34–0 | Mike Evans | UD | 10 | Dec 4, 1993 | Convention Center, Reno, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 33 | Win | 33–0 | James Pritchard | TKO | 3 (10), 2:46Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jun 22, 1993 | Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 32 | Win | 32–0 | Frankie Swindell | TKO | 3 (10), 1:42Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Apr 27, 1993 | The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 31 | Win | 31–0 | James Smith | UD | 10 | Feb 27, 1993 | Showboat, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 30 | Win | 30–0 | Billy Wright | TKO | 2 (10), 1:26Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Nov 13, 1992 | Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 29 | Win | 29–0 | Bert Cooper | TKO | 5 (12), 2:21Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | May 15, 1992 | Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Won vacant WBO heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 28 | Win | 28–0 | Everett Martin | UD | 10 | Mar 17, 1992 | The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 27 | Win | 27–0 | Mike White | UD | 10 | Feb 1, 1992 | Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 26 | Win | 26–0 | Bobby Crabtree | RTD | 1 (10), 3:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Nov 23, 1991 | Omni Coliseum, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 25 | Win | 25–0 | Alex Stewart | TKO | 4 (10), 1:54Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jul 27, 1991 | The Scope, Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 24 | Win | 24–0 | Levi Billups | TKO | 3 (10), 2:49Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jun 25, 1991 | The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 23 | Win | 23–0 | Terry Davis | TKO | 2 (10), 1:52Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Apr 19, 1991 | Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 22 | Win | 22–0 | Danny Stonewalker | TKO | 8 (12), 0:11Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Dec 15, 1990 | Civic Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Retained WBO light heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 21 | Win | 21–0 | Jim MacDonald | TKO | 3 (10), 0:55Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Aug 21, 1990 | The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 20 | Win | 20–0 | Mario Oscar Melo | KO | 1 (12), 1:52Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Apr 28, 1990 | Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Retained WBO light heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 19 | Win | 19–0 | Marcellus Allen | RTD | 9 (12), 3:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Feb 3, 1990 | Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Retained WBO light heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 18 | Win | 18–0 | Mike Sedillo | TKO | 6 (12), 2:07Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Dec 12, 1989 | The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Retained WBO light heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 17 | Win | 17–0 | Jeff Thompson | KO | 1 (12), 1:46Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Nov 16, 1989 | Steel Pier, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Retained WBO light heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 16 | Win | 16–0 | Leslie Stewart | TKO | 8 (12), 2:05Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jun 25, 1989 | Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Retained WBO light heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 15 | Win | 15–0 | Freddie Delgado | TKO | 1 (12), 2:39Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Apr 22, 1989 | The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Retained WBO light heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 14 | Win | 14–0 | Frankie Swindell | TKO | 6 (12), 2:50Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Feb 19, 1989 | High School Gym, Monessen, Pennsylvania, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Retained WBO light heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 13 | Win | 13–0 | Victor Claudio | TKO | 2 (12) | Jan 14, 1989 | The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Retained WBO light heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 12 | Win | 12–0 | Ramzi Hassan | TKO | 5 (12), 2:37Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Dec 3, 1988 | Brook Park, Ohio, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Won inaugural WBO light heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 11 | Win | 11–0 | Glenn Kennedy | KO | 1, 0:36Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Nov 4, 1988 | Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 10 | Win | 10–0 | Carl Williams | TKO | 1, 1:15Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Oct 17, 1988 | Tucson, Arizona, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 9 | Win | 9–0 | Jorge Suero | TKO | 2 | Oct 7, 1988 | The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 8 | Win | 8–0 | Jordan Keepers | TKO | 2 | Aug 12, 1988 | The Eagles Club, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 7 | Win | 7–0 | Terrence Walker | RTD | 5 (10), 0:01Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Aug 6, 1988 | Showboat Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 6 | Win | 6–0 | LaVelle Stanley | TKO | 2 | Jun 25, 1988 | Cobo Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 5 | Win | 5–0 | Keith McMurray | TKO | 2 (4) | Jun 6, 1988 | Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 4 | Win | 4–0 | Dennis Fikes | TKO | 2 | May 10, 1988 | Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 3 | Win | 3–0 | Brett Zwierzynski | KO | 1 (6) | Apr 29, 1988 | Detroit, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 2 | Win | 2–0 | Bill Lee | TKO | 1 | Mar 25, 1988 | Cobo Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 1 | Win | 1–0 | Adrian Riggs | TKO | 1 (4), 2:26Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Mar 4, 1988 | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
See also
- List of WBA world champions
- List of IBF world champions
- List of WBO world champions
- List of light heavyweight boxing champions
- List of heavyweight boxing champions
References
External links
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| style="width: 40%; text-align: center;" rowspan="1"| U.S. light middleweight champion
1986 Template:S-ttl/check
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| style="width: 40%; text-align: center;" rowspan="1"| WBA–NABA heavyweight champion
December 9, 2004 – March 2005
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| style="width: 40%; text-align: center;" rowspan="1"| WBC Continental Americas
heavyweight champion
December 9, 2004 – April 2005
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| style="width: 30%; text-align: center;" |Inaugural champion
| style="width: 40%; text-align: center;" rowspan="1"| WBO light heavyweight champion
December 3, 1988 – April 1991
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| style="width: 40%; text-align: center;" rowspan="1"| WBO heavyweight champion
May 15, 1992 – February 2, 1993
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|- style="text-align:center;"
|style="width:30%;" rowspan="2"|Preceded by
| style="width: 40%; text-align: center;" rowspan="1"| WBA heavyweight champion
April 22, 1994 – November 5, 1994 Template:S-ttl/check
| style="width: 30%; text-align: center;" rowspan="2"| Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by
|-
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| style="width: 40%; text-align: center;" rowspan="1"| IBF heavyweight champion
April 22, 1994 – November 5, 1994 Template:S-ttl/check
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| style="width: 40%; text-align: center;" rowspan="1"| IBF heavyweight champion
June 22, 1996 – November 8, 1997 Template:S-ttl/check
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