Angry Holmes brands title fight ‘a fix’

Press, 21 April 1986, Page 40

Angry Holmes brands title fight ‘a fix’

NZPA-Reuter Las Vegas

The International Boxing Federation (1.8. F. champion, Michael Spinks, withstood two thunderous rights in the final rounds yesterday to score a split-points decision that the loser, Larry Holmes, branded a fix. A disgusted Holmes said he broke his right thumb in the third round but still thought he had won the 15-round contest He then announced he was finally through with the sport that had earned him more than SUS3O million in 18 years. “I’m gone. I’m announcing my retirement and I’m going on now to different heights. I have other projects that I could do. I’ve got my hotel and I’m not broke,” said the 36-year-old champion in his dressing room before going to hospital to have his thumb treated.

Spinjks, who became

the first light-heavy-weight to win a heavyweight title last September . when he ended Holmes’s dream of matching Rocky Marciano’s record of 49 wins without a loss, was as gracious in victory as Holmes was bitter in defeat.

“No matter what, he’s still my champ,” the 29-year-old champion told a news conference, but added: “He looked worse now than he did the first time.”

Spinks said he let Holmes burn himself out, giving him the first three rounds, but from the sixth round “I was hustling Larry. From the tenth round I was out hustling him totally.” Spinks, who weighed Bkg less than Holmes, showed unexpected power and amazing stamina as he survived near-knockdowns in the last two rounds to qiake

his first successful title defence and improve his record to 29-0. The decision was booed by many of the more than 8000 spectators in a converted convention hall and most ringside observers thought Holmes had at least earned a draw.

Holmes, who ended his career with a 48-2 record, said the fight was stolen from him.

“I have nothing to be ashamed of. I gave it my all. Michael is a good fighter, but he didn’t beat me. He confused me, but I beat the hell out of him tonight I hurt him four or five times, and he knows it and everybody else knows it” he said.

Judge Joe Cortez scored the fight 144-141 for Holmes, but Spinks was given the decision by Jerry Roth, who had it 144-142 and Frank Brunette, at 144-141.