On March 11, 1989, at the Convention Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Evander Holyfield, a former undisputed cruiserweight champion, faced Michael “Dynamite” Dokes, a former WBA heavyweight champion. This heavyweight bout was pivotal for Holyfield, as he sought to establish himself as a legitimate contender in the heavyweight division. The fight became an instant classic due to its intensity and the relentless pace both fighters maintained.
Round 1
As the bell rang, the atmosphere was electric. Both fighters came out cautiously, feeling each other out. Holyfield, known for his jab and technical skills, established his range early. Dokes, with his powerful hooks and uppercuts, tried to close the distance. The round was relatively even, with both fighters landing a few solid shots. Holyfield’s speed and footwork were on display, while Dokes showed his power with a few heavy blows.
Round 2
Holyfield started to find his rhythm in the second round. He used his jab effectively, keeping Dokes at bay and setting up combinations. Dokes, however, continued to press forward, landing a couple of solid body shots. The pace began to pick up, with Holyfield landing a sharp right hand that got the crowd’s attention. Dokes responded with a flurry of punches, but Holyfield’s defense held up well.
Round 3
The third round saw both fighters upping the intensity. Holyfield, using his superior speed, landed several clean combinations. Dokes, showing his resilience, absorbed the punches and continued to press forward. The exchanges were fast and furious, with both fighters landing heavy shots. Holyfield’s precision and accuracy were impressive, while Dokes’ power was evident in every punch he threw. The round ended with Holyfield slightly ahead.
Round 4
Dokes came out aggressively in the fourth round, throwing a barrage of punches. Holyfield, showcasing his defensive skills, evaded many of the shots and countered with sharp combinations. The crowd was on its feet, witnessing a high-paced, action-packed round. Holyfield’s jab continued to be a key weapon, creating openings for his powerful right hand. Dokes’ pressure was relentless, but Holyfield’s precision allowed him to take the round.
Round 5
By the fifth round, both fighters were fully engaged in a toe-to-toe battle. Holyfield’s combinations were fluid and accurate, while Dokes’ power punches kept him in the fight. The exchanges were brutal, with neither fighter willing to back down. Holyfield’s speed and conditioning were evident, as he continued to land clean shots. Dokes, however, landed a few significant punches that shook Holyfield, making it a close round.
Round 6
The sixth round was a showcase of Holyfield’s boxing skills. He used his jab to control the distance and landed several crisp combinations. Dokes, showing his toughness, kept coming forward, trying to land his powerful hooks. Holyfield’s footwork and movement allowed him to avoid many of Dokes’ punches, and his counterpunching was on point. The round ended with Holyfield clearly ahead, but Dokes remained dangerous.
Round 7
In the seventh round, the pace slowed slightly as both fighters began to show signs of fatigue. Holyfield continued to use his jab effectively, landing combinations and avoiding Dokes’ power punches. Dokes, however, managed to land a few heavy shots, reminding everyone of his knockout power. Holyfield’s superior conditioning allowed him to stay active, landing more punches and taking the round.
Round 8
Holyfield started the eighth round with a renewed sense of urgency. He landed several powerful combinations, staggering Dokes momentarily. Dokes, displaying his warrior spirit, fought back with heavy hooks and uppercuts. The action was intense, with both fighters landing significant punches. Holyfield’s speed and precision gave him the edge, but Dokes’ power kept the fight close. The crowd was on its feet, witnessing an incredible display of heart and skill.
Round 9
The ninth round was one of the most action-packed of the fight. Both fighters traded heavy shots, with Holyfield landing clean combinations and Dokes responding with powerful hooks. The exchanges were brutal, and both fighters showed signs of fatigue. Holyfield’s superior conditioning allowed him to stay active, landing more punches and taking the round. Dokes’ resilience and power were on full display, making it a thrilling round.
Round 10
Holyfield came out strong in the tenth round, landing a series of clean punches that had Dokes on the defensive. Dokes, 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 Dokes’ power kept him in the fight. The crowd was witnessing a classic heavyweight battle, with neither fighter willing to give an inch.
Round 11
In the eleventh round, Holyfield’s conditioning and endurance were evident. He continued to land clean combinations, using his jab to set up powerful right hands. Dokes, showing his championship heart, kept pressing forward, landing a few significant punches. The action was intense, with both fighters giving their all. Holyfield’s superior conditioning allowed him to stay active and take the round, but Dokes’ power remained a threat.
Round 12
As the fight entered the twelfth round, both fighters were visibly exhausted. Holyfield continued to use his jab effectively, landing combinations and avoiding Dokes’ power punches. Dokes, despite his fatigue, kept pressing forward, trying to land a knockout blow. The exchanges were brutal, with both fighters showing incredible heart and determination. Holyfield’s superior conditioning and precision gave him the edge, but Dokes’ power kept the fight close.
Round 13
The thirteenth round saw Holyfield using his jab to control the distance, landing clean combinations and avoiding Dokes’ power punches. Dokes, showing his toughness, kept coming forward, trying to land a knockout blow. The action was intense, with both fighters landing significant punches. Holyfield’s superior conditioning and precision gave him the edge, but Dokes’ power kept the fight close.
Round 14
In the fourteenth round, Holyfield’s conditioning and determination shone through. He landed several clean combinations, staggering Dokes with a powerful right hand. Dokes, 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 Dokes’ 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. Dokes, 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.
Aftermath
The judges scored the bout 144-140, 144-140, and 147-138 in favor of Evander Holyfield, who was crowned the new WBA Cruiserweight Champion. The fight, lasting 15 rounds of intense action, showcased the heart, skill, and determination of both fighters. Holyfield’s victory solidified his status as a rising star in the boxing world, while Qawi’s valiant effort further cemented his reputation as one of the toughest fighters in the sport.
Holyfield vs. Qawi remains one of the greatest cruiserweight fights of all time, a true classic that exemplifies the spirit of boxing. The fight, known as “The War,” lived up to its name, with both fighters giving their all in an unforgettable battle.
