HOLMES v HOLYFIELD

Holmes had twice retired, first after losing a rematch to Michael Spinks in 1986 for the IBF Heavyweight Championship, and then again after a loss to Mike Tyson in 1988 for the Undisputed Heavyweight Championship. In 1991, Holmes launched a successful comeback, winning five consecutive fights before facing undefeated Olympic Gold Medalist Ray Mercer in a match to determine the number one contender. Though Holmes came into the fight as an underdog, he was able to outpoint Mercer en route to a victory by unanimous decision.

Holyfield's previous fight was a tough victory over journeyman fighter Bert Cooper, who was a last-minute replacement for Francesco Damiani, who himself was a replacement for Mike Tyson, after Damiani determined that he could not compete due to a foot injury. Cooper nearly managed to dethrone Holyfield of his title in the third round when he was able to deliver the first knockdown of Holyfield's professional career.