Norton loses boxing title

Press, 12 June 1978, Page 6

Norton loses boxing title

NZPA-Reuter Las Vegas Larry Holmes, jabbing beautifully and fighting a fine strategic battle, won the World Boxing Council heavy-weight championship when he beat the defending title-holder, Ken Norton, on a split, points decision on Saturday. The 28-year-old Holmes capped an undefeated career by winning the title in his twenty-eighth fight. The loss was a monumental blow to Norton, 32, who lost the championship he was given by proclamation in his first defence. The 15-round match, before a capacity crowd of 5200 at Caesar’s Palace Hotel, was close all the way. The judges, Harold Buck and Joe Swessell,

both scored it 143 points to 142 for Holmes. Judge Lou Tabot had it 143-142 for Norton. The fifteenth round, a big one for Holmes, earned . him the verdict. Both fighters came out for the final round realising that the decision would probably be close. Thev fired away at ea-h other with lefts and rights in a furious rally that was sustained for the entire 3min Each staggered several times, but it was Holmes who finished the stronger and nearly put Norton on the floor in the final 20s. Holmes, weighing 94.8 k» to 99.79 kg for Norton, maintained a dancing circling style for most of the fight.