Leeonzer Barber
Leeonzer Barber ( born February 18, 1966 in Detroit ) is a former boxer in the light heavyweight division. He was WBO light heavyweight world champion from 9 May 1991 until 10 September 1994 when he was beaten by Dariusz Michalczewski. Until the defeat Michalczewski he defended his title eight times.
Professional career
Barber rose immediately turned professional. He made his debut on December 10, 1986 in Belvoir, U.S. against Americans Lynn Robinson. He defeated them by knockout in the first round. Robinson could barely beats fit and was sent by a strong hook Barber to the ground. By the time he was allowed to fight against Tom Elton Collins to the title of the WBO, he was able to defeat another ten opponents, including five by knockout
On May 9, 1991, he fought against Tom Elton Collins to the newly formed World Association WBO title. The fight took place in York Shire (United Kingdom). Colin was, like most other opponents before, powerless against Barber and could only save themselves by repeatedly clinching before a knockout. In the sixth round, Barber grew and brought Collins to case three times, which is why he lost by technical knockout.
During his WBO career he could defend his title eight times, including against Anthony Hembrick, Andrea Magri and against Nicky Piper. Against these he won uneinstimmig and controversial. Against Piper he even went twice to the ground. He won the fight only by more precipitation in the ninth round.
After Nicky Piper fight Dariusz Michalczewski was selected as the mandatory challenger. The fight took place on 10 September 1994 in Alster village in Germany. Michalszewski was the clear underdog in the ring. Barber showed physical fitness fitter than in the previous battles, but could not arrive to the attacks Michalszewskis. Michalczewski brought Barber often to the brink of knockouts and let Barber repulse little opportunity. Barber left the cover in the fight for the most part, and beat back often. Michalczewski got the title of WBO awarded.
Through his defeat Barber was forced to subdue Michalczewski in a rematch. He fought first against Sajad Abdul Azzis and Earl Niles and won both fights. He suffered his second defeat to the well-known fighter Ramón Garbey, who beat him three times in the ninth round to the ground. Shortly after he announced his retirement from boxing.
In 2004, he attempted a comeback. He wanted to challenge the reigning world champion of the WBO, Zsolt Erdei. So far it did not. His last fight he officially denied to Sajad Abdul Azzis. Very little could be seen of his boxing skills potential. He was sent in the eight rounds of combat to the ground five times and lost by task in the eighth round. Shortly thereafter, he announced now finally withdraw from active boxing.