Mike Weaver (boxer)

Mike Weaver ( born June 14, 1952 in Gatesvillle, Texas as Michael Dwayne Weaver) is a former American heavyweight boxer and former title holder of the World Association WBA.

Career

Waver 1972 Professional and lost three of his first four fights. With a record of six wins in five defeats, he joined in July 1974 against the undefeated Olympian Duane Bobick white and went KO.

Then he had a series of eight victories in a row before he again lost twice. In 1978 he won the first time against a well-known opponent, he beat Bernardo Mercado (20-1 ) KO.

Despite this moderate balance sheet with an eight defeats he received on 22 June 1979, the opportunity to compete at Madison Square Garden against undefeated WBC champion Larry Holmes. The fight then went however balanced than generally expected. In the twelfth round, Holmes eventually prevailed with a hard fought TKO.

Nevertheless, the power Weaver brought recognition and after two more victories, he was allowed on 31 March 1980 another title fight, this time against WBA champion John Tate, deny. Tate led up to the 15th and final round convincingly on points, as Weaver succeeded with a desperation attack nor the heavy KO and thus the title.

The belt he was able to defend twice: In October 1980, by a technical knockout against Gerrie Coetzee and in October 1981 on points against the undefeated "Quick" Tillis, who, after he had clearly dominated at the beginning, conditionally completely collapsed at the end of the fight.

He then lost the title on 10 December 1982 by a controversial Erstrundenabbruch to the undefeated young star Don King Michael Dokes. The direct rematch was considered a draw.

One last title fight, he denied on June 15, 1985 against WBC champion Pinklon Thomas, he lost prematurely. Despite a knockout victory against Carl "The Truth" Williams went with knockout defeats against James Smith and one defeat against Donovan Ruddock downhill. His last fight he competed in 2000 in a duel of veteran against Larry Holmes.