Mike Weaver (boxer)
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Michael Dwayne Weaver (born June 13, 1951) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1972 to 2000, and held the WBA heavyweight title from 1980 to 1982. He is widely regarded as one of the Best Heavyweight Boxers of the 1980s beating Heavyweight Champions such as Gerrie Coetzee and John Tate.[1][2][3][4]
Marines
Weaver was a member of the United States Marine Corps from 1968 to 1971, and went to Vietnam. During this time he started amateur boxing and training.
Professional career
Early years
By 1972 Weaver was living and training in California, and took up professional boxing. In his early career, Weaver was considered a journeyman opponent. He was frequently brought in on short notice and overmatched against more experienced and developed contenders, and used as a sparring partner for Muhammad Ali and Ken Norton, who famously nicknamed him "Hercules" due to his top developed muscle definition.
In 1976 Weaver beat well regarded veteran Jody Ballard, and in 1978 lost two close decisions. First to contender Stan Ward for the California State Heavyweight title, and then to Leroy Jones for the NABF heavyweight title.
Heavyweight contender
In late 1978 Weaver got a new team and manager and reeled off five straight knockouts, two of which came over top ranked opponents. In October 1978 he came off the floor to knock out hard hitting Colombian Bernardo Mercado in 5, and in January 1979 knocked out hulking old foe Stan Ward in 9 to win the USBA heavyweight title.
WBC heavyweight title challenge against Larry Holmes
These wins helped get him a high-profile world title fight against undefeated WBC champion Larry Holmes in New York's Madison Square Garden in June 1979. New cable channel HBO bought the rights to the fight as Weaver was so lowly-regarded the fight was seen as a mismatch and the networks didn't want anything to do with it (Weaver was 19–8 to Holmes' 30–0).
But, in a brutal contest, Weaver proved far better than expected, however, and gave Holmes a really tough battle. Holmes would rally by decking Weaver with a sharp uppercut in the 11th and in the 12th, Holmes pounded Weaver with powerful rights until the referee stopped the fight.
USBA heavyweight title contest
Although Weaver had lost, his surprise showing had made him a deserved high-profile name. Later in the year he was back, retaining his USBA belt with a 12-round decision over Scott LeDoux whom he outboxed rather than slugged with. Using his jab a lot gaining complimentary reviews generally.
WBA heavyweight champion
In March 1980, Weaver fought John Tate for the WBA title, in Tate's backyard of Knoxville, Tennessee. Tate was an amateur star from the 1976 Olympic team. As a pro he had put together a 20–0 record and won the vacant WBA title by decisioning South African Gerrie Coetzee over fifteen rounds, in front of 86,000 hostile fans in Pretoria, South Africa.
Weaver vs. Tate produced one of the divisions finest knockouts ever. The taller Tate dominated Weaver for all the first 10 rounds. But then with sheer determination a battered Weaver suddenly turned it around, pushing Tate backward. But he'd left it too late, according to the commentators, as only 5 rounds remained and Tate was expected to resume his lead. However, with only 40 seconds left in the 15th round, Weaver caught Tate bouncing off the ropes towards him with a devastating left hook. It dropped Tate to the canvas out cold for well over a minute. Press pictures showed Tate sound asleep whilst Weaver did a handstand alongside to celebrate.
In October 1980 Weaver made his first defense, traveling to Sun City, South Africa, to fight Gerrie Coetzee. Weaver was hurt and nearly knocked down in the 8th round but rallied down the stretch and knocked Coetzee out in the 13th round. Coetzee, a good boxer/puncher, had never previously been down, amateur or pro.
In 1981 Weaver outpointed the spoiler James "Quick" Tillis over 15 rounds in Chicago to retain his title after a year's inactivity.
Losing the title to Michael Dokes; controversy
Template:Main article After another year's inactivity, Weaver took on highly regarded Michael Dokes in Las Vegas, December 10, 1982. Dokes came out fast and dropped Weaver inside the opening minute. As Weaver covered up on the ropes and Dokes missed a few swings, referee Joey Curtis stopped the fight after 1:03 had passed and awarded Dokes the victory by technical knockout. This caused controversy due to the timing of the stoppage, and many in the arena accused the fight of being fixed.
However, four weeks earlier, the fatal fight between Ray Mancini and Duk Koo Kim at Caesars' Palace had taken place where Kim died as a result of a brain injury. On the morning of the fight, Nevada State Athletic Commission officials warned all officials participating in the card to protect the health of the boxers in order to avoid another potential fight-related fatality, which Curtis responded, "Everybody has Duk Koo Kim in the back of his mind," referring to the November 13 fight, as Dr. Lonnie Hammargren, a doctor who had performed brain surgery in a futile attempt to save Kim, attended the meeting.[5] (ESPN later ranked this the #7 worst bad call by a referee in a fight, doing so in 2008.[6])
Weaver was given a rematch with Dokes on May 20, 1983, which ended in a 15-round majority draw; judge Jerry Roth gave Dokes a four-point victory while judges Harold Lederman and Larry Hazzard had it even.
Further title challenges and later career
In June 1985 Weaver took on Pinklon Thomas, who then held the WBC title. Weaver lost by eighth-round knockout. This would be Weaver's last title challenge although a notable 2nd-round KO of Carl "The Truth" Williams a skilled boxer would follow the defeat to Thomas. Weaver continued to fight for another 15 years. His career ended at the age of 49 with a sixth-round KO rematch loss to Larry Holmes.
Professional boxing record
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round, time | Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | Loss | 41–18–1 | Larry Holmes | TKO | 6 (10), 0:45Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Nov 17, 2000 | Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 59 | Loss | 41–17–1 | Melvin Foster | TKO | 9 (10) | Aug 8, 1998 | Spirit Lake, North Dakota, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 58 | Win | 41–16–1 | Derrick Ryals | UD | 10 | Mar 27, 1996 | Warner Center Marriott, Woodland Hills, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 57 | Win | 40–16–1 | George O'Mara | UD | 12 | Jun 21, 1995 | Warner Center Marriott, Woodland Hills, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Retained NBA heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 56 | Win | 39–16–1 | Bill Corrigan | RTD | 2 (12), 3:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Sep 17, 1994 | Pavilhão do Colégio D. Bosco, Macau, SARScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Won vacant NBA heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 55 | Win | 38–16–1 | Ladislao Mijangos | KO | 2 (12), 1:50Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jun 6, 1994 | Casino Magic, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Won vacant International Boxing Authority heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 54 | Win | 37–16–1 | Bert Cooper | UD | 10 | Feb 27, 1993 | Capital Indoor Stadium, Beijing, ChinaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Won vacant NBA heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 53 | Win | 36–16–1 | Mike Gans | KO | 5 (10) | Nov 17, 1992 | Bakersfield, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 52 | Loss | 35–16–1 | Lennox Lewis | KO | 6 (10), 1:05Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jul 12, 1991 | Caesars Tahoe, Stateline, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 51 | Win | 35–15–1 | Dion Burgess | TKO | 5 (10), 2:58Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jul 18, 1990 | Varsity Arena, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 50 | Loss | 34–15–1 | James Smith | UD | 12 | Apr 4, 1990 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Lost WBA Americas heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 49 | Win | 34–14–1 | Philipp Brown | SD | 12 | Jul 27, 1989 | Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Retained WBA Americas heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 48 | Win | 33–14–1 | Lionel Washington | TKO | 1 (12), 1:48Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | May 1, 1989 | Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Won vacant WBA Americas heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 47 | Win | 32–14–1 | Bobby Crabtree | KO | 3 (10), 2:58Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jan 31, 1989 | Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 46 | Loss | 31–14–1 | Johnny DuPlooy | KO | 2 (10) | Apr 30, 1988 | Superbowl, Sun City, BophuthatswanaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 45 | Win | 31–13–1 | Johnny DuPlooy | RTD | 6 (10) | Nov 28, 1987 | Rand Stadium, Johannesburg, South AfricaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 44 | Win | 30–13–1 | James Pritchard | TKO | 6 (10), 2:30Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Aug 24, 1987 | Louisville Gardens, Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 43 | Win | 29–13–1 | David Jaco | KO | 2 (10) | Jul 29, 1987 | Yaounde, CameroonScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 42 | Loss | 28–13–1 | Donovan Ruddock | SD | 10 | Aug 23, 1986 | Cumberland County Memorial Auditorium, Fayetteville, North Carolina, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 41 | Loss | 28–12–1 | James Smith | TKO | 1 (10), 2:29Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Apr 5, 1986 | Coliseum, Colonie, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 40 | Win | 28–11–1 | Carl Williams | TKO | 2 (10), 2:37Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Feb 16, 1986 | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 39 | Loss | 27–11–1 | Pinklon Thomas | KO | 8 (12), 1:42Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jun 15, 1985 | Riviera, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | For WBC heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 38 | Win | 27–10–1 | Tony Anthony | DQ | 1 (10), 3:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Nov 9, 1984 | Riviera, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Anthony disqualified for hitting after the bellScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 37 | Win | 26–10–1 | Billy Joe Thomas | TKO | 7 (10), 1:16Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Aug 31, 1984 | Riviera, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 36 | Win | 25–10–1 | Stan Ward | TKO | 9 (15) | Sep 30, 1983 | The Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 35 | Template:DrawDraw | 24–10–1 | Michael Dokes | MD | 15 | May 20, 1983 | Dunes, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | For WBA heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 34 | Loss | 24–10 | Michael Dokes | TKO | 1 (15), 1:03Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Dec 10, 1982 | Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Lost WBA heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 33 | Win | 24–9 | James Tillis | UD | 15 | Oct 3, 1981 | Horizon, Rosemont, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Retained WBA heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 32 | Win | 23–9 | Gerrie Coetzee | TKO | 13 (15), 1:49Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Oct 25, 1980 | Superbowl, Sun City, BophuthatswanaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Retained WBA heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 31 | Win | 22–9 | John Tate | KO | 15 (15), 2:15Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Mar 31, 1980 | Stokely Athletic Center, Knoxville, Tennessee, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Won WBA heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 30 | Win | 21–9 | Scott LeDoux | UD | 12 | Nov 24, 1979 | Metropolitan Sports Center, Bloomington, Minnesota, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Retained USBA heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 29 | Win | 20–9 | Harry Terrell | KO | 4 (10), 2:14Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Sep 22, 1979 | Memorial Sports Arena, Los Angeles, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 28 | Loss | 19–9 | Larry Holmes | TKO | 12 (15), 0:44Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jun 22, 1979 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | For WBC heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 27 | Win | 19–8 | Oliver Philipps | KO | 4 (10), 1:52Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Mar 2, 1979 | Sahara, Reno, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 26 | Win | 18–8 | Stan Ward | RTD | 9 (12), 0:01Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jan 18, 1979 | Sahara Hotel and Casino, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Won inaugural USBA heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 25 | Win | 17–8 | Abdul Khan | KO | 2 (10), 2:33Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Dec 5, 1978 | Sahara, Reno, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 24 | Win | 16–8 | Bernardo Mercado | TKO | 5 (10) | Oct 22, 1978 | Sahara, Reno, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Won vacant Nevada heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 23 | Win | 15–8 | Mike Creel | KO | 2 (10), 1:44Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Sep 17, 1978 | Sahara, Reno, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 22 | Loss | 14–8 | Leroy Jones | UD | 12 | Aug 19, 1978 | Sahara Hotel and Casino, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | For vacant NABF heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 21 | Loss | 14–7 | Stan Ward | UD | 12 | Jan 24, 1978 | Sacramento, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | For vacant California heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 20 | Win | 14–6 | Pedro Lovell | UD | 10 | Nov 15, 1977 | Convention Center, Anaheim, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 19 | Win | 13–6 | Dave Martinez | KO | 1 (10) | Sep 13, 1977 | Sports Arena, Anchorage, Alaska, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 18 | Win | 12–6 | Bill Sharkey | MD | 10 | Apr 1, 1977 | Beacon Theatre, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 17 | Win | 11–6 | Dwain Bonds | KO | 8 (10), 2:58Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jan 19, 1977 | Sahara Hotel and Casino, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 16 | Win | 10–6 | Fonomanu Young Sekona | KO | 6 (10) | Nov 4, 1976 | Circle Star Theater, San Carlos, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 15 | Win | 9–6 | Jody Ballard | MD | 10 | Jul 14, 1976 | The Aladdin, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 14 | Win | 8–6 | Tony Doyle | TKO | 9 (10), 2:13Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jun 27, 1975 | Coliseum, San Diego, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 13 | Win | 7–6 | Mani Vaka | PTS | 10 | Aug 24, 1974 | Neal S. Blaisdell Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 12 | Loss | 6–6 | Duane Bobick | TKO | 7 (10) | Jul 26, 1974 | Coliseum, San Diego, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 11 | Win | 6–5 | Orville Qualls | KO | 2 (8), 0:57Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | May 31, 1974 | Coliseum, San Diego, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 10 | Loss | 5–5 | Rodney Bobick | UD | 10 | Mar 22, 1974 | Coliseum, San Diego, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 9 | Win | 5–4 | Ellis McKinley | PTS | 6 | Feb 21, 1974 | Grand Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 8 | Loss | 4–4 | Larry Frazier | KO | 2 (6), 2:15Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Dec 11, 1973 | Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 7 | Win | 4–3 | Bob Swoopes | KO | 1 (6) | Nov 9, 1973 | San Diego, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 6 | Win | 3–3 | Tony Pulu | KO | 2 (6) | Oct 11, 1973 | Grand Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 5 | Win | 2–3 | Lyn Martin | KO | 1 (6), 1:30Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Sep 10, 1973 | The Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 4 | Loss | 1–3 | Billy Ryan | TKO | 2 (4), 1:55Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Feb 28, 1973 | Warnors Theatre, Fresno, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 3 | Win | 1–2 | Carlos Lopez | PTS | 5 | Feb 2, 1973 | San Bernardino Arena, San Bernardino, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 2 | Loss | 0–2 | Howard Smith | PTS | 5 | Oct 31, 1972 | Civic Auditorium, Bakersfield, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 1 | Loss | 0–1 | Howard Smith | KO | 3 (4) | Sep 14, 1972 | Grand Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
Titles in boxing
Major world titles
- WBA heavyweight champion (200+ lbs)
Minor world titles
- NBA heavyweight champion (200+ lbs) (2×)
- International Boxing Authority heavyweight championTemplate:Efn (200+ lbs)
Regional/International titles
- WBA Americas heavyweight champion (200+ lbs)
- USBA heavyweight championTemplate:Efn (200+ lbs)
- Nevada heavyweight champion (200+ lbs)
Notes and references
Notes
References
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