06.05.05 – By Jim Amato: Teddy Atlas one of boxing’s top commentators and former trainer of ex-heavyweight titleholder Michael Moorer hinted that Michael was going to retire. That was a week or so ago, now Michael has made it official. He was slated to meet highly ranked Fres Oquendo but Fres will now have to look elsewhere for quality opposition.. I remember Michael well as he was making quite a name for himself in the 175lb. weight division. He won the W.B.O. Light Heavyweight title at a venue near Cleveland,Ohio by halting a game Ramzi Hassan.
Moorer was the best Lt.heavyweight around when he began to make his move toward heavyweight. In 1991 he broke into the heavyweight ratings with a thrilling four round stoppage of Alex Stewart. Michael won the W.B.O. version of the heavyweight title in May of 1992 coming out on top of a five round slugfest with Bert Cooper.
On April 22, 1994, Michael would become the W.B.A. and I.B.F. heavyweight when he rallied to outscore Evander Holyfield. Then on November 11th Michael would be stopped by George Foreman in the tenth round to complete George’s storybook comeback. Most people forget that Moorer probably won the majority of the rounds until getting clocked in the tenth.
On June 22,1996 Moorer regained the title that had been vacated. Michael outscored the capable Axel Shultz. In November of 1997 Michael lost his titles to Holyfield by a stoppage in eight rounds. Even in losing to Holyfield he gained a ton of respect for his courage.
Michael took some time off and returned to put together a modest win streak. Then in August of 2002 he met David Tua. The murderous punching Tua sent Michael to dreamland in the first session.
It would be almost two years later that Michael would lose again by a decision to then undefeated Eliseo Castillo. Then on December 9,2004 Michael would have to come from behind to halt a dangerous Vassily Jirov.
Michael Moorer retires with a 47-4-with one draw. He blasted out 37 opponents