Evander Holyfield vs George Foreman

On April 19, 1991, the boxing world turned its eyes to Atlantic City, New Jersey, where Evander Holyfield defended his trio of heavyweight titles against the legendary George Foreman in a bout famously dubbed "The Battle of the Ages." This clash saw the 28-year-old champion Holyfield going up against 42-year-old Foreman, marking Foreman's remarkable return to boxing prominence after a decade away from the sport.

The fight, held at the Convention Center, was a historic event for multiple reasons, not least because it launched TVKO (later, HBO Pay-Per-View), setting a precedent for the future of boxing broadcasts. It garnered unprecedented attention, drawing a pay-per-view buy rate of 8.8 per cent from 16.5 million homes, the highest ever for a pay-per-view event, generating around $55 million in revenue.

Holyfield, entering as the reigning World Boxing Council, World Boxing Association, and International Boxing Federation Heavyweight Champion, was making his first defence of the titles he had seized from Buster Douglas. Foreman's challenge came after compiling a 24-0 record with 23 KOs since his comeback, showcasing the formidable power that once made him a heavyweight titan.

The event was not without controversies and dramas outside the ring, particularly regarding the fight's promotion and financial arrangements. Donald Trump, the live site promoter, negotiated a tumultuous agreement for the fight's rights, initially setting an $11 million fee subject to renegotiation due to the Persian Gulf War's impact on travel. The ensuing dispute nearly moved the fight to Las Vegas, but an agreement was reached to keep the event in Atlantic City.

Inside the ring, the fight lived up to its billing. Holyfield and Foreman provided a compelling spectacle, with Holyfield's speed and technique pitted against Foreman's power and resilience. Despite Holyfield's dominance in the stats, landing 355 out of 584 punches to Foreman's 188 out of 444, the older Foreman showed remarkable toughness, absorbing Holyfield's best shots and continuing to press forward throughout the bout.

Holyfield emerged victorious by unanimous decision, with scores of 115-112, 117-110, and 116-111, but not without facing moments of peril, as he admitted to being stunned by Foreman's power in the second, fifth, and seventh rounds. Foreman's performance, even in defeat, was a testament to his enduring skill and heart, proving he was still a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division.