It was the classic fight. The brawler against the boxer – a subject that divides fight fans to this day.
As Alan Minter’s hand was raised following his split-decision victory over Vito Antuofermo in Ceasar’s Palace, he could hardly believe what was happening.
In the 44th fight of his professional career, the 29-year-old southpaw from Crawley had unified the WBA, WBC and Ring titles in one of the most intriguing fights of the year.
Despite the contrast in styles, both were known has heavy bleeders which many fans had thought would be a decider – who would bleed first.
As it turned out it wasn’t a factor as those watching on could not decide who won a close fight, which went out live on national TV.
Adopted New Yorker Antuofermo put Minter down in the 14th and thought that would swing the decision in his favour.
But British judge, Roland Dakin, scored the fight 149-137 for Minter. Judge Charles Minker of Las Vegas scored it 144-141 for Minter, while judge Ladislao Sanchez of Venezuela scored it 145-143 for Antuofermo.
Minter had won. He would go on to beat Antuofermo in the rematch in Wembley in June (TKO round 8) before losing his titles at Wembley to Marvellous Marvin Hagler in September in a fight that would define Minter’s career. The controversial stoppage due to cuts caused a riot in the stands and Minter would retire a year later.
But nothing could take away his marvellous achievement in Vegas that night when Minter became the best middleweight on the planet.
In contrast to Minter’s elation, a great of British boxing resigned himself to retirement in extremely harsh circumstances the very same night.
Sir Henry Cooper was 36 when he fought the fresh-faced Joe Bugner (who was 15 years his junior) at Wembley to defend his British, European and Commonwealth heavyweight titles.
Despite losing to Ali and Flloyd Paterson, Cooper was coming off the back of seven consecutive wins and although Bugner was the bigger man he approached the fight cautiously throughout the 15 rounds.
In a decision at riled the fans, British press and obviously Cooper, referee Harry Gibbs awarded the fight to Bugner by the now abolished quarter of a point margin.
Harry Carpenter commentating was less than impressed: "And how, in the world, can you take away the man's three titles, like that?" he said.
Cooper announced his retirement shortly after a career which saw him fight 55 times, winning 40 of them.
