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Michael Lee Moorer was born in 1967 and grew up in Monessen, Pennsylvania, USA. He began boxing at the age of 10, and competed as a professional boxer from 1988 until his retirement from the ring in 2008.
During his long career, he won a world championship four times in two different weight classes. He held the WBO light heavyweight title from 1988 to 1991, the WBO heavyweight title from 1992 to 1993, the unified WBA, IBF and the lineal heavyweight titles in 1994, and the IBF heavyweight title from 1996 to 1997. He is thus a three-time heavyweight world champion.
- Only four boxers have won a version of a world title at both light heavyweight and heavyweight over the last century: Michael Moorer, Roy Jones Jr., Michael Spinks, and James Toney.
- At the time of writing, in 2024, Moorer is still the only light heavyweight world champion to win a heavyweight world title on more than one occasion
- Moorer is naturally right-handed, but fought the entirety of his career as a southpaw. For his first 35 professional bouts, Moorer remained an undefeated southpaw, and he is still the only southpaw to win the lineal world championship at heavyweight.
- Moorer was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2024.
Background and amateur career
Michael Lee Moorer was born on November 12, 1967. He was born in Broorlyn, New York City, but grew up in the small rust belt town Monessen near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Moorer, who was raised by a single-mom, was a hyperactive child. He started playing football at an early age, and when he was ten years old his grandfather – a former New York Golden Gloves Champion – encouraged him to start boxing training as soon as he turned 11. By 1986, Moorer had become the National Champion for the 156 lb (light middleweight) weight class.
During his time at Monessen High School, he was a successful football player, excelling as a linebacker and tight end. He graduated from high school in 1987.
Amateur boxing
Moorer moved to Detroit, Michigan to train with the famous Emanuel “Manny” Steward, known as the Godfather of Detroit Boxing. At Steward´s Krong Gym in Detroit, Moorer was permitted to fight against professional boxers – and developed a reputation for winning.
Eventually, Moorer won a bronze medal at the Goodwill Games.
He finished his amateur career with a record of 48-16.
Light heavyweight
Moorer made his debut as a professional boxer on March 4, 1988, in a match where he knocked out Adrian Riggs in the very first round. Before 1988 was over, he was undefeated in eleven bouts – having won them all by knocking out his opponent early. He captured the 1988 WBO Light Heavyweight Title by knocking out Ramzi Hassan in the fifth round. He would go on to defend this title nine times, often winning by knockout, which highlighted his power and technical skill in the ring. He retained the title six times in 1989, against opponents such as Freddie Delgado, Frankie Swindell, Mike Sedillo, and former WBA champion Leslie Stewart. In 1990, he retained it three times before the end of the year.
Heavyweight
In 1991, Moorer moved up to the heavyweight division. His transition was successful as he won the WBO Heavyweight title. After this, he left Steward and eventually joined Lou Duva´s team. For three fights in 1993, he was trained by Georgie Benton. A high-point during this year was a win over the former champion James “Bonecrusher” Smith. Before 1993 was over, Moorer had left Duva´s and Benton, and hired Teddy Atlas to be his new trainer. Towards the end of the year, Moorer defeated Mike Evans (ten-round decision).
A pinnacle moment in his career came in 1994 when he defeated Evander Holyfield to claim the unified WBA, IBF and lineal heavyweight titles. This victory made Moorer the first southpaw to win the heavyweight championship.
Notable fights
One of Moorer’s most memorable fights occurred in 1994 against George Foreman. Despite leading on points throughout the fight, Moorer was knocked out in the tenth round, resulting in a dramatic and historic upset.
Moorer also faced notable fighters such as Axel Schulz, Francois Botha, and had a rematch with Evander Holyfield. These bouts further solidified his reputation as a formidable heavyweight contender.
Retirement and legacy
Moorer retired in 2008 with an impressive record of 52 wins (40 by knockout), 4 losses, and 1 draw. He is celebrated for his powerful left hand, southpaw stance, and his achievements in both the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions.
After retiring, Moorer transitioned into a training role, sharing his extensive boxing knowledge and experience with new fighters. In 2009, he began working alongside Freddie Roach at the Wild Card gym in Los Angeles. Moorer´s contributions to the sport, both as a fighter and a trainer, have left a lasting legacy in the boxing world.