On July 12, 1986, at The Omni in Atlanta, Georgia, Evander Holyfield, a rising star in the cruiserweight division, faced Dwight Muhammad Qawi, the reigning WBA Cruiserweight Champion. The fight, billed as “The War,” lived up to its name, becoming an instant classic. Holyfield, with only 11 professional fights under his belt, was stepping into the ring against the experienced and formidable Qawi, who had 30 wins and 4 losses. This was a test of endurance, skill, and willpower, lasting 15 grueling rounds.
Round 1
As the bell rang, both fighters came out with purpose. Qawi, known for his relentless style and powerful punches, tried to assert dominance early. Holyfield, taller and with a reach advantage, used his jab to keep Qawi at bay. The round was marked by Qawi’s aggression, as he constantly moved forward, throwing hooks and body shots. Holyfield, however, remained composed, landing a few sharp counters. The round ended with Qawi slightly ahead, showcasing his veteran experience.
Round 2
Holyfield adjusted his strategy in the second round, using more lateral movement to avoid Qawi’s relentless pressure. He continued to work behind his jab, mixing in combinations to keep Qawi guessing. Qawi maintained his aggressive approach, but Holyfield’s footwork and speed allowed him to evade many of Qawi’s punches. The crowd began to see the makings of a classic as Holyfield’s precision started to shine through.
Round 3
The third round saw Holyfield finding his rhythm. He landed several clean combinations, using his jab to set up powerful right hands. Qawi, undeterred, continued to march forward, attacking Holyfield’s body with vicious hooks. Holyfield’s defensive skills were on full display, as he absorbed Qawi’s punishment and responded with sharp counters. The round ended with Holyfield gaining confidence and momentum.
Round 4
Qawi, known for his ability to fight inside, tried to close the distance in the fourth round. He unleashed a barrage of body shots, trying to wear down the younger Holyfield. Holyfield responded by using his jab effectively, creating space and landing crisp combinations. Both fighters exchanged heavy punches, but Holyfield’s accuracy and speed gave him the edge in this round.
Round 5
The pace remained intense in the fifth round. Qawi’s relentless pressure continued, but Holyfield’s conditioning and resilience were evident. Holyfield landed several impressive combinations, targeting Qawi’s head and body. Qawi, despite taking significant punishment, kept coming forward, throwing powerful hooks and uppercuts. The round was closely contested, with both fighters showcasing their toughness and skill.
Round 6
By the sixth round, it was clear that this fight was living up to its billing as “The War.” Holyfield, showing remarkable stamina, continued to box effectively, using his jab and footwork to control the pace. Qawi, displaying his championship heart, kept pressing, landing several hard shots to Holyfield’s body. Holyfield’s combinations were cleaner, and his ability to slip Qawi’s punches allowed him to take the round.
Round 7
Holyfield’s strategy of using his jab and movement paid off in the seventh round. He landed several clean right hands, staggering Qawi momentarily. Qawi, never one to back down, responded with fierce hooks to Holyfield’s body. The action was relentless, with both fighters exchanging heavy punches. Holyfield’s superior conditioning and speed allowed him to maintain the upper hand.
Round 8
In the eighth round, the toll of the fight began to show on both fighters. Qawi’s face was marked with swelling and cuts, while Holyfield showed signs of fatigue. Despite this, the intensity never waned. Holyfield continued to use his jab effectively, landing combinations and avoiding Qawi’s counters. Qawi’s relentless pressure kept the fight close, but Holyfield’s precision gave him the edge in this round.
Round 9
The ninth round saw a resurgence from Qawi. He pushed forward with renewed vigor, landing several powerful shots to Holyfield’s body and head. Holyfield, displaying his warrior spirit, stood his ground and traded punches with Qawi. The crowd was on its feet, witnessing an epic battle. Qawi’s aggression earned him the round, but Holyfield’s resilience was evident.
Round 10
As the fight entered the tenth round, both fighters were visibly exhausted. Holyfield’s jab remained a key weapon, keeping Qawi at bay and setting up combinations. Qawi, with his never-say-die attitude, continued to press forward, landing hard shots to Holyfield’s body. The action was back and forth, with both fighters having their moments. Holyfield’s cleaner punches and superior movement gave him the edge.
Round 11
In the eleventh round, Holyfield’s conditioning and determination shone through. He landed several clean combinations, staggering Qawi with a powerful right hand. Qawi, 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.
Round 12
The twelfth round was a testament to the endurance and willpower of both fighters. Holyfield continued to use his jab effectively, landing clean combinations and avoiding Qawi’s counters. Qawi, despite taking significant punishment, kept pressing forward, throwing powerful hooks and uppercuts. The action was relentless, with both fighters showcasing their toughness and skill. Holyfield’s superior conditioning and precision gave him the edge in this round.
Round 13
As the fight entered the thirteenth round, the toll of the battle was evident on both fighters. Holyfield’s face showed signs of swelling, while Qawi’s eyes were nearly shut. Despite this, the intensity never waned. Holyfield continued to use his jab effectively, landing combinations and avoiding Qawi’s counters. Qawi’s relentless pressure kept the fight close, but Holyfield’s superior conditioning and precision gave him the edge in this round.
Round 14
In the fourteenth round, both fighters were running on sheer willpower. Holyfield’s jab remained a key weapon, keeping Qawi at bay and setting up combinations. Qawi, with his never-say-die attitude, continued to press forward, landing hard shots to Holyfield’s body. The action was back and forth, with both fighters having their moments. Holyfield’s cleaner punches and superior movement gave him the edge.
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. Qawi, 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.
