On October 25, 1990, at The Mirage in Las Vegas, Nevada, Evander Holyfield, the former undisputed cruiserweight champion, faced James “Buster” Douglas, the newly crowned heavyweight champion who had shocked the world by defeating Mike Tyson earlier that year. This bout was for the undisputed heavyweight championship and was highly anticipated, as Holyfield sought to solidify his status as a top heavyweight contender and Douglas aimed to prove that his victory over Tyson was no fluke.
Round 1
As the bell rang, both fighters approached the center of the ring with determination. Holyfield, known for his speed and technical skills, established his jab early, keeping Douglas at bay. Douglas, significantly heavier, looked to use his size and reach advantage to land powerful blows. Holyfield’s jab was precise, and he landed a few sharp right hands that caught Douglas’ attention. Douglas, despite his size, appeared sluggish and struggled to find his rhythm. The round ended with Holyfield clearly in control, using his superior speed and footwork to dictate the pace.
Round 2
Holyfield continued to use his jab effectively in the second round, mixing in quick combinations that kept Douglas on the defensive. Douglas tried to use his jab to create openings but was met with Holyfield’s counterpunches. Holyfield’s movement and accuracy were impressive, as he slipped Douglas’ punches and landed several clean shots to the head and body. Douglas seemed slow and out of shape, struggling to keep up with Holyfield’s pace. The round ended with Holyfield maintaining his dominance, landing more punches and controlling the distance.
Round 3
In the third round, Holyfield’s confidence grew as he continued to outbox Douglas. He used his jab to set up powerful right hands, landing several clean shots that rocked Douglas. Douglas tried to mount an offense, but his punches were slow and telegraphed, allowing Holyfield to easily evade them. Holyfield’s combinations were fluid, and he landed a series of punches that visibly hurt Douglas. The round ended with Holyfield firmly in control, and Douglas showing signs of frustration and fatigue.
Round 4
Douglas came out more aggressively in the fourth round, trying to use his size and reach to bully Holyfield. He landed a few solid jabs, but Holyfield quickly regained control with his superior speed and technique. Holyfield continued to use his jab effectively, landing clean combinations that kept Douglas on the defensive. Douglas, despite his efforts, struggled to land significant punches and appeared increasingly fatigued. The round ended with Holyfield landing a powerful right hand that staggered Douglas, further solidifying his dominance.
Round 5
Holyfield’s dominance continued in the fifth round. He used his jab to control the distance and landed several sharp combinations that kept Douglas off balance. Douglas, clearly tired, struggled to mount any meaningful offense. Holyfield’s movement and accuracy were impressive, as he slipped Douglas’ punches and landed clean shots to the head and body. The round ended with Holyfield firmly in control, and Douglas looking increasingly discouraged.
Round 6
The sixth round saw Holyfield maintaining his dominance. He continued to use his jab effectively, landing clean combinations that kept Douglas on the defensive. Douglas, despite his size and reach advantage, struggled to find his rhythm and appeared increasingly fatigued. Holyfield’s movement and accuracy were impressive, as he slipped Douglas’ punches and landed clean shots to the head and body. The round ended with Holyfield firmly in control, and Douglas looking increasingly discouraged.
Round 7
In the seventh round, Holyfield’s confidence was evident as he continued to outbox Douglas. He used his jab to set up powerful right hands, landing several clean shots that rocked Douglas. Douglas tried to mount an offense, but his punches were slow and telegraphed, allowing Holyfield to easily evade them. Holyfield’s combinations were fluid, and he landed a series of punches that visibly hurt Douglas. The round ended with Holyfield firmly in control, and Douglas showing signs of frustration and fatigue.
Round 8
Holyfield’s dominance continued in the eighth round. He used his jab to control the distance and landed several sharp combinations that kept Douglas off balance. Douglas, clearly tired, struggled to mount any meaningful offense. Holyfield’s movement and accuracy were impressive, as he slipped Douglas’ punches and landed clean shots to the head and body. The round ended with Holyfield firmly in control, and Douglas looking increasingly discouraged.
Round 9
In the ninth round, Holyfield’s confidence grew as he continued to outbox Douglas. He used his jab to set up powerful right hands, landing several clean shots that rocked Douglas. Douglas tried to mount an offense, but his punches were slow and telegraphed, allowing Holyfield to easily evade them. Holyfield’s combinations were fluid, and he landed a series of punches that visibly hurt Douglas. The round ended with Holyfield firmly in control, and Douglas showing signs of frustration and fatigue.
Round 10
The tenth round was a showcase of Holyfield’s boxing skills. He used his jab to control the distance and landed several clean combinations that kept Douglas on the defensive. Douglas, despite his size and reach advantage, struggled to find his rhythm and appeared increasingly fatigued. Holyfield’s movement and accuracy were impressive, as he slipped Douglas’ punches and landed clean shots to the head and body. The round ended with Holyfield firmly in control, and Douglas looking increasingly discouraged.
Round 11
Holyfield’s dominance continued in the eleventh round. He used his jab to control the distance and landed several sharp combinations that kept Douglas off balance. Douglas, clearly tired, struggled to mount any meaningful offense. Holyfield’s movement and accuracy were impressive, as he slipped Douglas’ punches and landed clean shots to the head and body. The round ended with Holyfield firmly in control, and Douglas looking increasingly discouraged.
Round 12
In the twelfth round, Holyfield’s confidence grew as he continued to outbox Douglas. He used his jab to set up powerful right hands, landing several clean shots that rocked Douglas. Douglas tried to mount an offense, but his punches were slow and telegraphed, allowing Holyfield to easily evade them. Holyfield’s combinations were fluid, and he landed a series of punches that visibly hurt Douglas. The round ended with Holyfield firmly in control, and Douglas showing signs of frustration and fatigue.
Round 13
Holyfield came out strong in the thirteenth round, landing a series of clean punches that had Douglas on the defensive. Douglas, showing his toughness, absorbed the shots and continued to fight back. The pace was relentless, with both fighters trading heavy blows. Holyfield’s speed and accuracy gave him the upper hand, but Douglas’ power kept him in the fight. The crowd was witnessing a classic heavyweight battle, with neither fighter willing to give an inch.
Round 14
In the fourteenth round, Holyfield’s conditioning and determination shone through. He landed several clean combinations, staggering Douglas with a powerful right hand. Douglas, showing his championship heart, refused to back down and continued to press the action. The exchanges were brutal, with both fighters landing heavy shots. Holyfield’s accuracy and speed allowed him to take the round, but Douglas’ power remained a threat.
Round 15
The final round was a true testament to the heart and determination of both fighters. Holyfield, knowing the fight was close, came out aggressively, landing several clean combinations. Douglas, despite being battered and bruised, refused to back down and continued to press the action. The exchanges were brutal, with both fighters landing heavy shots. As the final bell rang, the crowd erupted in applause, witnessing an epic battle that would go down in history.
Knockout
In the third round, Holyfield threw a punch that changed the course of the fight. He landed a powerful right hand that connected flush with Douglas’ chin, sending him crashing to the canvas. Douglas tried to rise, but he was unable to beat the count. The referee counted to ten, and Holyfield was declared the winner by knockout. It was a stunning victory for Holyfield, who had dominated the fight from start to finish.
