Date: 2007-10-13
Location: Khodynka Ice Palace, Moscow, Russia
Referee: Raul Caiz Sr
Judge: Chuck Giampa 117-111
Judge: Dr Ruben M Garcia 118-110
Judge: Tom Miller 117-111
World Boxing Organization Heavyweight Title (1st defense by Ibragimov)
Ibragimov was previously scheduled to fight WBA champion Ruslan Chagaev in a title unification bout, but Chagaev withdrew after contracting hepatitis. Holyfield was confirmed to be Chagaev’s replacement on August 8
An offer of $6.5 million won the purse bid for the fight.
Ibragimov landed 139 of 348 punches (40%) and Holyfield landed 58 of 302 (20%).
Ibragimov outstruck Holyfield in each round and landed more power shots in every round except 11th (even). Holyfield was unable to connect on more than 6 punches per round.
An estimated 50 million viewers watched the fight.
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