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In a meaningful battle of former world champions, IBF #15 heavyweight Michael Moorer scored a ninth round knockout over IBF #13 Vassiliy Jirov Thursday night at the Pechanga Resort in Temecula, CA. A head clash in round three dropped Moorer to his knee for an eight count by referee Pat Russell. Jirov sustained a cut on the scalp in the same head clash, then was cut over the right eye by another headbutt in round seven. Russell took a point away from Jirov in round eight and after that, the fighters engaged in the best two-way action in the fight. The fighters continued to exchange in the ninth and Moorer (47-4-1, 37 KOs) connected with a left hook that floored Jirov (33-3, 29 KOs). Vassiliy beat the count but was very wobbley and the bout was stopped. Time was 2:08.
Vassiliy Jirov vs. Michael Moorer Dec. 9th 11.11.04 – They are former world champions who have each excelled in two weight divisions. But after their heavyweight battle on Thursday, December 9 at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California, only one can move forward in the world heavyweight rankings. Will it be two-time heavyweight and former light heavyweight champion Michael Moorer, or former cruiserweight king Vassiliy Jirov?
We’ll find out when Goossen Tutor Promotions presents this high-voltage showdown between two of boxing’s hardest punchers, in a 12 round bout which will be televised live on FSN's “Best Damn Sports Show Period.”
Doors open at 4pm and the first bout starts at 4:15pm (PT.) The main event starts at 5:30pm (PT.)
“We are thrilled to be back on the “Best Damn Sports Show Period,” said Dan Goossen of Goossen Tutor Promotions. "All sports fans enjoyed our first telecast with James Toney and Rydell Booker in September, reflected in the tremendous rating we received, they'll want to stay glued to their television sets for this one, which pits two world rated heavyweight contenders against each other in a fight that has major world title implications. Both Jirov and Moorer need a win on December 9, and each fighter packs the type of firepower to end it with one punch. This will be a great one.”
The first Goossen Tutor promoted Best Damn Heavyweight Fight on FSN drew BDSSP's highest primetime rating in the show's three year history.
Vassiliy “The Tiger” Jirov (33-2, 29 KOs) has made his name in the boxing business with a combination of a ‘never say die’ attitude and a relentless attack that leaves few opponents standing. A 1996 Olympic Gold medallist for Kazakhstan who also won the Val Barker Cup as the outstanding boxer of the Atlanta games, Jirov – who now makes his home in Arizona – ruled the cruiserweight division as world champion from 1999 to 2002. After losing a very close decision to James Toney in 2003 – a fight many media outlets named ‘Fight of The Year,’ Jirov decided to move up into the heavyweight division, where he won his first two bouts by knockout. In March of this year, Jirov was the underdog when he squared off against highly regarded and #1 world rated Joe Mesi in Las Vegas, but after scoring three knockdowns of the unbeaten contender, there would be no underestimating “The Tiger” in the heavyweight division again. And even though he lost a highly controversial decision by one point on each judge’s scorecard, Jirov had put his stamp down as a true heavyweight contender to watch.
"Fighting and beating the former two-time world heavyweight champion puts me right into the heavyweight title picture," said Jirov. "I'm going to show everyone that I'm a bigger puncher as a heavyweight, something my recent opponents will vouch for." The storied career of Michael Moorer (46-4-1, 36 KOs) began in 1988, and throughout the early 90’s “Double M” terrorized the light heavyweight division, winning a WBO world championship that he defended nine times before jumping to the heavyweight division in 1991. Moorer’s success continued among the big boys, and in 1994 he became the first southpaw to win the world heavyweight championship when he scored a stirring 12 round decision win over Evander Holyfield in 1994.
After he lost the belt to Hall of Famer George Foreman later that year, Moorer regained the crown with a decision win over Axel Schulz in 1996, and he defended his title twice before losing a courageous battle to Holyfield in their 1997 rematch. Moorer took a three-year break from the ring, but since his return in 2004, the Pennsylvania resident has compiled a 7-2-1 record with five knockouts, and he knows he is just one victory away from becoming a player again in the wide-open heavyweight division.
"This is it," said Moorer. "Do or die. I'm my strongest when everyone counts me out. Come December 9, they will be counting Jirov out."
ABOUT "THE BEST DAMN SPORTS SHOW PERIOD"
Each weeknight on FSN, sports and entertainment collide with the biggest name guest joining actor Tom Arnold, former NBA star John Salley, former NFL Pro Bowler Bryan Cox and host Chris Rose. This group tosses around sports conversation from the fans' and players' points of view with a no-holds-barred approach. Blending sports and comedy with an irreverent tone throughout the 90 minutes, BDSSP, airs at 8:00PM and 11:00 PM
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