1980 to 1989 World Boxing Champions

THE CHAMPIONS 1980 to 1989: 

 By Brian Zelley

Introduction:

A brief look at the world champions

and some of the top title bouts in

the Eighties.

There were plenty of names to go 

around from heavyweights such as

Larry Holmes and Mike Tyson,  to many

others with some of the best being

Marvin Hagler, Roberto Duran, 

Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns.

But, there would be many other greats

or near greats such as:

Aaron Pryor, Salvador Sanchez,

Wilfredo Benitez, Alexis Arguello,Wilfredo Gomez, Michael Spinks,      Ray Mancini,  Barry McGuigan,and Julio Cesar Chavez.

Mike Tyson:

Of all the champions in the eighties, it was MIKE TYSON that appeare

to be the most controversial for some of his antics, but one would have

to look long and hard to find a fighting force like Tyson.  Mike began

his pro journey under the guidance of Cus D'Amato who had previously

guided Floyd Patterson and Jose Torres.

It would be November 22, 1986 when the power punching
Mike Tyson would fight for a piece of the world 
heavyweight title against  Trevor Berbick.  Well,

it came as no shock to many when Tyson stopped
Berbick early in the fight. After two knockdowns 
by power left hooks, referee Mills Lane  stopped the

slaughter to save Berbick and now Tyson was a partial
champion.  But, it  would be his March 7, 1987 12-round
 decision over "Bonecrusher" Smith that would make him
 an almost complete world  champion with the WBA and WBC

versions of the world heavyweight title but he would need
 to defeat the IBF title holder Tony Tucker  to become the
real deal in heavyweight history.  

And, once again Mike proved that he was not just a quick
knockout king but could also go the distance when he defeated 
Tucker in the 12-rounds on August 1, 1987.  

Throughout the rest of the eighties, "Mighty" Mike 
continued to win over various boxers such as
Tyrell Biggs,  Larry Holmes, Tony Tubbd,  
Michael Spinks, Frank Bruno and Carl Williams./

Other Names in the Eighties: 
*  Aside from the names previously mentioned there were
 some interesting  bouts by others. One was British  middleweight
Alan Minter who would win the title from Vito Antuofermo 
by a split decision in  Las Vegas.  

But, in a rematch with Vito later in the year in London, Minter would
eliminate any controversial decisions by stopping Antuofermo in 9 rds.
Before the year ended, Alan would lose the title to one of the best in 
the eighties by the name of Marvin Hagler.

* In 1980, tragedy would rear it's ugly head on September 19, 1980
when bantamweight champion Lupe Pintor  stopped Welsh boxer
Johnny Owen in Los Angeles.