Holmes, Tate prepare to defend boxing titles

Press, 1 April 1980, Page 32

Holmes, Tate prepare to defend boxing titles

NZPA-Reuter Las Vegas, The World Boxing Council heavyweight champion, Larry Holmes, and the No. 2 contender, Leroy Jones, weighed in yesterday for their upcoming fight and, in spite of a difference of about 18kg both said they ' felt more comfortable than they have in years. , Holmes weighed 95.79 kg, a little heavier than expected, but still lighter than he has been in more than a year, i Jones weighed 115 kg, also a - little more than anticipated. . The two meet today, in a 1 title bout scheduled for 15 I rounds. . “I ■ feel so' good and so l sharp,” said Holmes after yesterday’s weigh-in. “I feel better than I have the last couple of fights.” t

Jones believes his weight advantage will be to his benefit in the later rounds. “It’s going to make it easier for me if I have to apply the pressure to muscle him.” Holmes disagreed: “He always runs out of gas because he weighs too much. If he does try to lean on me, bam! I’ll bring it up on his chin and that will be that.” In Knoxville, Tennessee, meanwhile, the World Boxing Association champion, “Big” John Tate, weighed in at 105 kilograms to the challenger Mike “Hercules” Weaver’s 94 kilograms for their heavyweight title fight today at the University of Tennessee. Tate, aged 25, undefeated as a professional with a 20-0

. record, is making his first : title. defence since winning . the . crown with a 15-round ’ points decision over Gerrie Coetzee, of South. Africa, —last'October 20 in Pretoria.Tate, who weighed in at 240 pounds for that fight,, said: "I’m in better shape noyz than I was when I won ' the crown. I’m ready for this one. . "I .just got my mind on: ■ this fight. I’m not worried about. Muhammad Ali. After I take care of business to- ’ morrow I’ll give. some, thought to Ali and Holmes.” Tate was referring to Ali’s ' recently announced intention earlier this; month to end his ■ 18-month retirement and' seek, to become the. first I heavyweight • to win .the championship, a fourth time.