Virgil Hill vs Frank Tate II - Showtime  7-23-94 - video Dailymotion

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Virgil Hill defends the WBA Light Heavyweight Title against former Middleweight Champion Frank Tate on Showtime Boxing

Transcript

00:00:00For Jeff Harding so here at the Bismarck Civic Center in Bismarck, North Dakota

00:00:04We just saw Mike McCallum defeat Jeff Harding via unanimous decision in our co-feature to capture the WBC light heavyweight championship

00:00:12And dethrone Jeff Harding coming up next the second half of our light heavyweight championship doubleheader as

00:00:17We are closing in on our main event the WBA light heavyweight championship

00:00:21Let's take you backstage into the dressing room with the champion Virgil Hill

00:00:25Who's making the sixth defense of his second WBA light heavyweight title 17th defense overall

00:00:30This is a rematch of about almost two years ago and Hill and Tate

00:00:33Fought for the vacant title with Hill controlling most of the contest and recapturing the championship via decision

00:00:39And the man he defeated provides the opposition again tonight coming up next our main event

00:00:45WBA light heavyweight champion Virgil Hill versus number one contender Frank Tate who hopes to avenge his

00:00:511992 lost to Hill in Virgil's backyard

00:00:55Well, perhaps Hill versus Tate has destiny

00:01:00But ironically, they didn't start out as adversaries

00:01:04In fact, they crossed paths for the first time as teammates representing the United States of the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles

00:01:10While both shared in the glory of that fabulous success story

00:01:13Virgil Hill and Frank Tate went their separate ways

00:01:17That is until a fateful September night in 1992 when they met for the light heavyweight championship of the world

00:01:23Now when they look at each other, they see a rival

00:01:26Not a teammate

00:01:28What do world champions Evander Holyfield, Ernell Whitaker, Mark Breland, and Meldrick Taylor have in common?

00:01:43They were all members of the 1984 Olympic boxing team

00:01:46The most successful squad in the history of the games

00:01:49Winning 11 medals, nine of them gold

00:01:51On the team was Frank Tate, a flashy 19-year-old who many believed was as talented as any fighter on that squad

00:01:59Less successful and often overlooked was a shy North Dakota native named Virgil Hill

00:02:05Frank had the gold medal, I had the silver medal

00:02:08Frank was at Cronk, Jim, you know, he was in with all the good guys

00:02:12You know, like with Breland and Tyro Biggs and all those guys

00:02:16And he was in that group, you know

00:02:18So I felt a little bit like an outcast

00:02:21So, you know, I wanted my paybacks, so to speak

00:02:25And eight years later, Hill did get his payback

00:02:29As he met Tate for the vacant WBA light heavyweight title

00:02:32In front of his ex-super and North Dakota fans

00:02:35Hill, usually a patient counterpuncher, surprised Tate early with an aggressive attack

00:02:40Just our game plan, you know, that's what we had planned

00:02:43That's what we had worked on, was a long press to fight

00:02:45He was throwing apples and, um, he was holding him, trying to throw me around

00:02:52But, um, just, I guess it was a psychological thing on his behalf

00:02:55He tried to psych himself up, you know, to show himself that he's the champion

00:03:00I threw a lot of things

00:03:04I might have stomped on his toe

00:03:06You know, give him an elbow, shoulder, whatever

00:03:09You know, I wanted that belt back, so

00:03:12I was willing to do whatever it takes to win

00:03:14Comfortably ahead, Hill may have gotten a little too overconfident in the 11th round

00:03:20I got my mouth open, you know

00:03:22Which is something you don't do if you're a fighter

00:03:25And then he caught me with a good shot

00:03:27I wasn't really trying to throw the upper cup to knock Birdie Hill out

00:03:32I was just trying to throw the upper cup to get out

00:03:33So I won't be cornered

00:03:35And it quiet

00:03:35Despite cracking two motors, Hill survived the round and won the title

00:03:40WBA light heavyweight champion of the world

00:03:43Virgil

00:03:45I just wasn't psychologically into the fight

00:03:51And, um, I let Birdie Hill get away

00:03:54It wasn't the fact that we were in benchmark

00:03:57Because it doesn't matter to me

00:03:58I could fight someone in their living room

00:04:00It was just that friday wasn't psychologically ready for the fight

00:04:04How can you not mentally be ready to fight for the world championship?

00:04:10I don't know

00:04:11Anybody get, you know, take a courage pill or heart or what?

00:04:19I don't know, you know

00:04:20I don't know that there's anybody that I've ever fought that hasn't been mentally ready

00:04:25You know, to win the world championship

00:04:26Tonight, these two former Olympic teammates and longtime rivals

00:04:30Will once again meet in the ring for the WBA light heavyweight championship

00:04:35It was important for us to be aggressive at that time

00:04:38Because Frank is a thinker

00:04:40And we didn't give him time to think, you know

00:04:44He'd just throw anything

00:04:45And that's what we anticipated

00:04:47And it worked out for the best

00:04:49But I think that, you know, he's got a different game plan now

00:04:52Where, you know, our game plan is switched too

00:04:55This time I'm going to do a lot of boxing

00:04:57And show him a lot of different things that he didn't see in the first fight

00:05:00But myself, I'm just going to go out there

00:05:02And show the people of Bismarck

00:05:04Myself, the people that work with me

00:05:06That what this work should have happened the first time

00:05:08Yes, Frank Tate says tonight will be a different story

00:05:21Let's get into styles right now

00:05:22Ferdy Hill is a steady fighter

00:05:24Workman like Tate

00:05:25Known for his patience

00:05:27Neither are really knockout artists

00:05:28What do you expect in the rematch?

00:05:30Well, I expect Virgil Hill to do what's won all these fights for him

00:05:34He's a patient fighter

00:05:35Counterpuncher

00:05:36Thinking fighter

00:05:37Moving fighter

00:05:38Some of his fights are track meets

00:05:39And frankly, with all his patience

00:05:41Sometimes get boring

00:05:42But Tate

00:05:43Tate has to come in and take command

00:05:44Tate has to change things around at the beginning

00:05:46Tate has to get him into a fight

00:05:48If he can get him into a fight

00:05:49As he did that last time

00:05:51Then we have a chance of seeing a very good fight

00:05:53Which is pretty even

00:05:54If it's going to be a track meet

00:05:56Virgil Hill is going to win

00:05:57Yeah, Tate told us he'll do whatever it takes

00:05:59And if it takes being dirty

00:06:01Like he thought Hill was in that first fight

00:06:03He'll do that

00:06:03We'll see

00:06:03Now, we learn that Hill had a problem

00:06:05With his left hand in training

00:06:07A tendon injury in his left thumb

00:06:08He also had surgery on his left shoulder last year

00:06:11Hill relies heavily on his left hook

00:06:14Right now, let's take a look at Virgil Hill

00:06:16In training for this fight

00:06:17And it certainly appears

00:06:19As if there are no visible signs

00:06:20You know, whatsoever

00:06:21That reflect any physical problems

00:06:23Hill looks fine

00:06:24Despite the recent history of hand and shoulder difficulty

00:06:27But what about the possible effects of these injuries?

00:06:30Virgil, is Hill 100%?

00:06:32I think he is

00:06:32I don't think the injuries have anything to do with this fight

00:06:35The rotator is absolutely well

00:06:36You saw how he punched

00:06:37And how he moved around in training

00:06:38As far as the thumb

00:06:39Was a little tiny tear

00:06:41Of the extensor tendon

00:06:41Which the doctors didn't even want to operate

00:06:44Didn't even want to fix

00:06:44That gets fixed on its own

00:06:46I don't think there's anything to this

00:06:48Both fighters are 100%

00:06:50No excuses

00:06:51Let them go out

00:06:52And see who wins the championship

00:06:53I think this crowd is 100% ready

00:06:55You can hear them stomping in the background

00:06:57And we'll take a look at the challenger

00:06:59The top contender

00:07:00Frank Tate

00:07:01Born in Detroit, Michigan

00:07:02Trained for the pros in Houston

00:07:03The 29-year-old Tate who turns

00:07:0530 next month

00:07:06Comes in with a record of 34-3

00:07:08With 20 knockouts

00:07:09The former IBF middleweight champ

00:07:11Now 10-1

00:07:12Since moving up to the light

00:07:13Heavyweight division in 1990

00:07:15With his lone blemish

00:07:16The decision loss to Virgil Hill

00:07:17For the title in 92

00:07:19Frank Tate

00:07:21Getting a second chance

00:07:22At Hill and a crack

00:07:23At a second world championship

00:07:25Thank you

00:07:29And we'll turn right in

00:07:34Now 10 takeoff

00:07:34Now 10 review

00:07:35We'll be here

00:07:36Come on

00:07:38Stand up camera man

00:07:40Stand up

00:07:40Hey

00:07:41Hey

00:07:42Now 10 review

00:07:43What the hell is gonna happen

00:07:44Throw in the 있잖아요

00:07:45Hey

00:07:47I studied my best

00:07:49I took my

00:07:50To see you

00:07:51My best

00:07:52after

00:07:53Up

00:07:54What

00:07:55I

00:07:56See, I'm too much fun to ever play.

00:07:59Start again in the morning when you get the end.

00:08:01You're in my mind, you think I burn it up.

00:08:04So put all the hell with people, then pop it up to the right side of this.

00:08:07This is all in your face.

00:08:08I turn this love out, leave you looking at me straight.

00:08:11But you can't do it, and now you regret that you call yourself a bet.

00:08:14When you start to fit weight, some brothers say no.

00:08:16You sing the same song, while we roll it over, you'll do it this far.

00:08:20Give me my body, start it with a baby, don't cry.

00:08:22It's better play, cause it's hard.

00:08:25One more time.

00:08:26Interesting garb being worn by Tate.

00:08:31Looks like a referee.

00:08:33Frank Tate won the IBF middleweight belt with a grueling 15-round decision

00:08:36over Michael Olajone in 1987.

00:08:38Went 23-0 before his first loss.

00:08:41Losing the title to Michael Nunn in 88 is all the other setbacks

00:08:44to Lindell Holmes in 90, Virgil Hill in 92.

00:08:47Since that loss to Hill, Tate is 4-0, the last three via TKO.

00:08:53And here's the man they're waiting for,

00:08:55the champion, 30-year-old Virgil Hill, North Dakota's favorite son,

00:08:58fighting in this state for the 21st time.

00:09:00Undefeated here.

00:09:01Many feel he's taking the easy way out by staging numerous bouts in his own backyard.

00:09:06And you can be sure, this partisan crowd ready to erupt at the sight of his face.

00:09:11He's 38-1, 20 knockouts, lone defeat.

00:09:13Decision to Tommy Hearns in 91.

00:09:15Far from this maddening crowd in Las Vegas.

00:09:18Will Virgil Hill once again be safe at home?

00:09:20We'll find out shortly.

00:09:22We'll find out shortly.

00:09:52We'll find out shortly.

00:10:22We'll find out shortly.

00:10:52their hero Virgil Hill the chance of Virgil Virgil ringing out and he'll

00:11:01loves it let's check the numbers as we go to the tail of the tape the two

00:11:07fighters almost a mirror image in terms of the breakdown Hill is 30 take 29

00:11:11he'll stand six feet in the quarter take five eleven and three quarters he'll tip

00:11:15the scales at 174 and a half the same for Tate and the reach nearly even as

00:11:20well and of the WBA rules for this championship belt 10 point much system

00:11:25three scoring judges no standing eight count the three knockdown rule is in

00:11:29effect only the referee can stop the fight a fighter cannot be saved by the

00:11:32bell except in the final round so the Bismarck Civic Center here in

00:11:37Bismarck North Dakota the scene for our featured event the WBA light heavyweight

00:11:41championship Virgil Hill and Frank Tate ready to get it on set for the

00:11:45introductions we go to our ring announcer Jimmy Lennon jr ladies and gentlemen

00:11:56before I featured that of the evening at this time I'd like to ask you to rise for

00:12:01the singing of our national anthem in the ring presenting the colors we have the

00:12:06century high school spirit of 76 and the color guard and to lead us tonight my

00:12:12pleasure to have the microphone over to Katie oh say can you see

00:12:30by the dawn's early light what so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming whose broad stripes and bright stars

00:12:54bright stars through the perilous fight or the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming

00:13:10and the rocket's red glare the bombs bursting in air came through through the night that our flag was still there

00:13:32Oh say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave

00:14:00Thank you very much to Katie Boerud and thanks to the century high school spirit of 76 and color guard Tim Boerud director

00:14:18Ladies and gentlemen we welcome you to the Bismarck Civic Center for the main event of the evening the battle on the Badlands brought to you by Don King Productions in association with La Cerveza Mass Fina Corona Beer

00:14:36This bout is scheduled for 12 rounds of boxing and is sanctioned by the World Boxing Association the president in the ring Roberto Mendoza Supervisor Lidia Sanchez along with the North Dakota State Athletic Commission and

00:14:43Deputy athlete Commissioner Mary Feist

00:14:53by the World Boxing Association, the president in the ring,

00:14:58Roberto Mendoza, supervisor, Lydia Sanchez,

00:15:03along with the North Dakota State Athletic Commission,

00:15:06and Deputy Athletic Commissioner, Mary Feist.

00:15:10Physicians at ringside, Dr. Bill Musha, Dr. Robert Oatfield,

00:15:14Dr. Tony Tello, Tom Keeper-at-the-bell, Lois Seeley,

00:15:18keeping count of the knockdowns, Mick Chirash.

00:15:22Introducing the judges scoring this bout at ringside,

00:15:27Hubert Earle, Luis Rivera, and Julio Roldan.

00:15:34All right, fans, here we go with the main event of the evening.

00:15:40And now, ladies and gentlemen in attendance and boxing fans

00:15:44joining us around the world, it's showtime!

00:15:49The WBA Light Heavyweight Championship of the World,

00:15:55scheduled for 12 rounds of boxing.

00:15:57Introducing the referee in charge,

00:15:59bringing in this his 31st world title bout,

00:16:02Bernie Soto.

00:16:05Presenting to you first, ladies and gentlemen,

00:16:07is the challenger on my left,

00:16:10fighting out of the blue corner.

00:16:12He enters the ring wearing black and white striped trunks,

00:16:16hailing from Houston, Texas, by way of Detroit, Michigan.

00:16:22He weighed in at 174 and one-half pounds.

00:16:27His record includes 34 wins,

00:16:30three losses with 20 wins coming by way of knockout.

00:16:34He is ranked the number one light heavyweight contender by the WBA.

00:16:38Please welcome tonight's challenger.

00:16:41Introducing the 1984 Olympic gold medalist

00:16:44and former IBF middleweight champion of the world,

00:16:48Frank Tate!

00:16:55And his opponent across the ring on my right,

00:16:59in the red corner, the defending champion,

00:17:01really needing no introduction to you, the fans.

00:17:05He enters the ring wearing black trunks with silver trim,

00:17:10hailing from and representing Bismarck, North Dakota.

00:17:18He weighed in the same weight of 174 and one-half pounds,

00:17:23and he enters the ring with a record of 38 wins.

00:17:26Only one defeat,

00:17:28with 20 wins coming by way of knockout.

00:17:31Here is the 1984 Olympic silver medalist

00:17:35and two-time WBA light heavyweight champion of the world.

00:17:39Tonight, making his 17th defensivist title,

00:17:42please welcome the pride of North Dakota,

00:17:46known as Quicksilver.

00:17:49Introducing Virgil Hill!

00:17:52Once again, here's your referee in charge.

00:18:06Now to give instructions, Bernie Soto.

00:18:14I gave you the instruction to the dressing room.

00:18:17I hope you obey my command.

00:18:19Shake hands.

00:18:20Good luck to both of you.

00:18:26Final instructions from referee Bernie Soto,

00:18:29Virgil Hill,

00:18:31and Frank Tate,

00:18:33ready to square off

00:18:34for the WBA light heavyweight championship.

00:18:37Tate looking for revenge

00:18:39after the loss to Hill a few years ago.

00:18:44And here we go.

00:18:47Just a minute.

00:18:48Just a minute.

00:18:48Up for the bell.

00:18:49Any second.

00:18:51The bell.

00:18:52Yes, that would help.

00:18:53The bell to signal the beginning of the fight.

00:18:56Tate told us yesterday

00:18:57he wasn't prepared for his first fight with Hill.

00:19:00The desire just wasn't there.

00:19:02He wasn't sharp.

00:19:03There was no snap in his punches.

00:19:05Now he says,

00:19:06I'm hungry.

00:19:07I paid the price.

00:19:08I'm in condition.

00:19:08In fact,

00:19:09the best shape in five years.

00:19:11He said he intends to throw a lot more punches,

00:19:13something he didn't do in the first fight.

00:19:15Hill was certainly the aggressor of that first fight,

00:19:18that controlled the tempo,

00:19:19the pace for most of the fight,

00:19:21with the exception of the 11th round

00:19:23when he was nearly decked

00:19:24by a right uppercut by Frank Tate.

00:19:27But Tate thought he put Hill down

00:19:29and went into the neutral corner

00:19:30and didn't finish him off.

00:19:31Well, they want,

00:19:33Tate wanted to get into an early shootout.

00:19:35He doesn't want this guy to run on him

00:19:36and, and, uh,

00:19:38Virgil Hill is obliging him

00:19:40just like he did in that first fight.

00:19:41They're just standing there

00:19:42close to each other

00:19:43throwing hard punches, hard jabs.

00:19:46Tate said he intended to start out fast,

00:19:49jump on Hill,

00:19:50keep the pressure on,

00:19:51do whatever it takes to win,

00:19:53even if that means fighting dirty.

00:19:54There, there seems to be

00:19:57a real animosity

00:19:58between these two men.

00:19:59Thursday's paper,

00:20:00Hill told a reporter,

00:20:01a local reporter,

00:20:02I didn't like him then

00:20:03and I don't like him now,

00:20:05talking about the 84 Olympics.

00:20:08They, they hung out

00:20:09with different people

00:20:09and no thought Tate

00:20:11was hanging around

00:20:12with the important guys,

00:20:13the big guys,

00:20:14the Breelands,

00:20:15the picks,

00:20:15people like that.

00:20:17He's hanging out with that.

00:20:18Oh, nice right hand by Tate.

00:20:22Wow, right on the mark.

00:20:25Hill weathered that one very well,

00:20:26but boy, did he run into a right hand.

00:20:28They're both jamming equally hard.

00:20:31There is really, really a surprise

00:20:32in how hard Virgil Hill

00:20:34is fighting here.

00:20:36Virgil usually takes

00:20:37that first round off

00:20:38and walks around

00:20:38and, and is cool

00:20:40and picks apart

00:20:40the other opponent.

00:20:41Not now.

00:20:42They're standing there

00:20:43swapping hard jabs.

00:20:45Hill, known as a counter puncher,

00:20:47Tate knows.

00:20:48He's got to bring it here.

00:20:50Tate ought to be licking his lips.

00:20:51This is what he wanted.

00:20:53He wanted to come in here

00:20:53and start fast.

00:20:54He wanted him to feel

00:20:55the power of his hands

00:20:57and he's done that.

00:20:59Yeah, but,

00:20:59welcomes a war.

00:21:00Yeah, but,

00:21:01but Virgil Hill

00:21:02has him backed away.

00:21:03Virgil Hill is still here

00:21:04and he's punching

00:21:05just as hard as Tate.

00:21:06This is give and take

00:21:07of a high order here.

00:21:09Many, including Tate,

00:21:10call Hill a one-armed fighter

00:21:11that he only uses the left,

00:21:13but it's a quick

00:21:13and deceptive left hook.

00:21:15Hill with the left there,

00:21:18plunging left.

00:21:20Again with the left.

00:21:22Hill only has two knockouts

00:21:23in the last three years.

00:21:24He's a workman-like fighter.

00:21:25One wonders what he's waiting for

00:21:27with that right hand.

00:21:28He hasn't thrown it at all.

00:21:30Whereas Tate's red and butter

00:21:32punches the right.

00:21:32There's the left by Hill.

00:21:33Again with the left.

00:21:34He refuses to use

00:21:36the right hand, Virgil Hill.

00:21:37Oh, Tate is just waiting

00:21:41and tying that left jab.

00:21:43Twice he's thrown that right hand

00:21:44with a great deal of authority.

00:21:46Once he landed,

00:21:46once he missed.

00:21:47But boy, he's just waiting

00:21:48for that moment

00:21:49when that left hand comes in.

00:21:52Action-packed first round

00:21:53with some good exchanges

00:21:54as we head for the back.

00:22:01There's no one over here.

00:22:02There's no one over here, Mike.

00:22:04Right over here.

00:22:05Just what you're doing, right?

00:22:21Keep doing what you're doing, right?

00:22:24Nice one.

00:22:24He's trying to come in.

00:22:25Tate wanted to start fast.

00:22:27This is what you call a fast start.

00:22:29Wong, there's that right hand

00:22:30just waiting for the left hand

00:22:32to come over and he finished off

00:22:33for the hook, which had he

00:22:35landed would have been destructive.

00:22:37And you see that the right hand,

00:22:39that's what he's been trying to time.

00:22:41But I must say,

00:22:42Virgil Hill landed

00:22:43an awful lot of right hands.

00:22:44I think he took that round

00:22:45because of his aggressive use

00:22:47of the left jab.

00:22:50He was, both of them,

00:22:51both of them were giving and taking.

00:22:53That could have been an even round.

00:22:54And I just gave it to Virgil Hill

00:22:55on his left hand.

00:22:59Round two.

00:23:02Frank Tate getting off

00:23:03to the quick start

00:23:04with the big right.

00:23:05He's not a knockout puncher.

00:23:0720 knockouts and 34 wins.

00:23:08He has to put punches together.

00:23:10Works up the jab.

00:23:12In the first fight,

00:23:13Hill simply didn't let Tate

00:23:14get on track.

00:23:15Well, it's a different Virgil Hill

00:23:17than I'm used to seeing.

00:23:18The only one fight

00:23:19he ever fought like this,

00:23:20he fought against this man Tate.

00:23:21They seem to really get it on

00:23:23when they fight each other.

00:23:24Meanwhile, Tate feels he's better

00:23:26when his opponent comes after him,

00:23:27which was not the case

00:23:28and he'll take one.

00:23:29So we could be in

00:23:30for some fireworks here.

00:23:32Well, if the first round

00:23:33is any indication,

00:23:35we're in for a good fight.

00:23:39Virgil Hill again.

00:23:42Trying to press the attack.

00:23:45Hill somewhat of an enigma,

00:23:47a guy who's held the title

00:23:48for over five years,

00:23:49never really had

00:23:50the big identification bounce.

00:23:52Pretty much sidestepped

00:23:53the huge threats,

00:23:55even though he's made

00:23:5716 successful title defenses.

00:24:00All time for the light

00:24:01heavyweight division.

00:24:03Tate has calmed down somewhat.

00:24:04He got out of his

00:24:05let's get it on mood

00:24:07and started being cautious.

00:24:08Maybe he thought that

00:24:09hand was being very effective

00:24:12on the part of Virgil Hill.

00:24:13He's gotten the distance

00:24:15away from it again.

00:24:16And Virgil Hill looking

00:24:17to lose that goal tag

00:24:19in one fell swoop here tonight.

00:24:22Well, there was nothing dull

00:24:23about that first round.

00:24:25Yes, he's fought Tommy Heard

00:24:26his only defeat.

00:24:27Yes, he fought Bobby Chez

00:24:29back in 89

00:24:29before Bobby really

00:24:31reached his peak.

00:24:32But no, he never fought

00:24:34Prince Charles Williams

00:24:34or Dennis Andres

00:24:36or Jeff Harding

00:24:36before he was just

00:24:37betrothed by Mike McCallum

00:24:39or Michael Moore

00:24:40when he was a light heavyweight.

00:24:43When he left the nest

00:24:44to fight Hearns

00:24:45in Las Vegas in 91,

00:24:47we saw what happened.

00:24:49He was like a lost sheep

00:24:50fighting a legend.

00:24:51He throws.

00:24:52He didn't have the crowd

00:24:53roaring behind him.

00:24:54Different story here

00:24:55in this point.

00:24:56Oh, here he is.

00:24:57A lion in his own den.

00:24:58Public is well behind.

00:25:00Oh, look out!

00:25:03Frank Tate!

00:25:04No knockdown.

00:25:05No, that was a recoil.

00:25:06That was a recoil from his own punch.

00:25:08He got his legs tangled up.

00:25:09Had nothing to do.

00:25:10No one punched him

00:25:11to drive him back there.

00:25:12To last his footing.

00:25:15Correct call by Bernie Soto.

00:25:16He just didn't bother with...

00:25:17Oh, nice little...

00:25:18Oh, nice little punch.

00:25:20Ripping punch by Tate

00:25:22and then a counterpunch

00:25:24by Virgil Hill

00:25:26that drove back Tate.

00:25:29So the action continues here

00:25:31in round two.

00:25:33Final 30 seconds

00:25:34and again,

00:25:35reeling into the ropes

00:25:36is Tate that

00:25:37the result of a punch.

00:25:39And Virgil Hill

00:25:40pouring it on.

00:25:41This crowd going crazy.

00:25:43That was a punch.

00:25:44I don't think he was

00:25:45that badly hurt.

00:25:46He stumbled back.

00:25:47Wasn't that bad.

00:25:48Oh, nice right hand

00:25:49by Tate.

00:25:50Just planted it perfect.

00:25:52And now left

00:25:52by Virgil Hill.

00:25:57Fake strong showing

00:25:58by Virgil Hill

00:25:59again in the second round.

00:26:10Mr. Frank.

00:26:11Listen to me.

00:26:13You've got to step up, okay?

00:26:14Okay.

00:26:15Okay?

00:26:16You can't back up.

00:26:17Step up with your double jab,

00:26:19all right?

00:26:19A hard jab.

00:26:20Okay.

00:26:21Big breath.

00:26:22How you feel, son?

00:26:22Good.

00:26:23You'll be all right.

00:26:24Listen.

00:26:25Go ahead.

00:26:26Let's take a look

00:26:27at the slip,

00:26:28which was just that.

00:26:28See?

00:26:29Just slipping back.

00:26:31As corner man McKinley

00:26:32is roaring mad,

00:26:33saying,

00:26:33you're not using the jab.

00:26:34Use the jab.

00:26:35Now let's look

00:26:36at the end of the round,

00:26:37which again

00:26:38was Virgil Hill.

00:26:40This was a straight

00:26:41good shot

00:26:42and over goes,

00:26:44well,

00:26:45that was not much

00:26:45of a punch either.

00:26:47Goes Frank Tate.

00:26:47He didn't look like

00:26:48he was hurt.

00:26:49He landed good shots,

00:26:50but then Virgil Hill

00:26:52has really taken

00:26:54each round

00:26:55by his strength

00:26:56and his aggression.

00:26:57He is fighting

00:26:58like I've never seen

00:26:59him fight before.

00:27:00This is a different

00:27:01Virgil Hill.

00:27:05Round three.

00:27:07Virgil Hill

00:27:08looking to end

00:27:10this thing early.

00:27:11There's a pretty

00:27:11left jab by Hill

00:27:12and Hill once again

00:27:13the aggressor

00:27:15and effectively.

00:27:15Looking back there,

00:27:25just reaching for a punch.

00:27:26He's lucky he didn't get gone.

00:27:30Lucky that Tate

00:27:32wasn't close enough

00:27:33to finish with a good

00:27:34right hand there

00:27:34because he was flailing

00:27:35as he came in.

00:27:36That's where you get hit.

00:27:38I think the first few rounds

00:27:40certainly evidence

00:27:40that there is

00:27:41clearly nothing wrong

00:27:42with the left hand

00:27:44of Virgil Hill.

00:27:45Well, Virgil Hill's

00:27:46got the adrenaline

00:27:47pumping inside of him.

00:27:48Right!

00:27:48I mean, he's like

00:27:49a radiator

00:27:50just about ready

00:27:51to boil over.

00:27:53He's got so much energy

00:27:54right there.

00:27:55And the additional

00:27:55support of this crowd.

00:27:59He just seems

00:27:59irresistible right now

00:28:00and Frank

00:28:01is not taking advantage

00:28:03of his carelessness.

00:28:04Frank Tate

00:28:04should be putting in

00:28:05some very hard

00:28:06counterpunches

00:28:07as he comes in.

00:28:08He has missed him

00:28:09and therefore

00:28:10Virgil is unscathed.

00:28:13And again,

00:28:14as in the first fight,

00:28:15Hill not letting

00:28:16Tate get off

00:28:16with the right hand.

00:28:23Oh, nice right hand.

00:28:24Nice right hand.

00:28:25Another nice right hand.

00:28:26No knockdown.

00:28:27It was a slip

00:28:28as he unleashed the punch.

00:28:35He had just nailed

00:28:36Virgil Hill with a good shot.

00:28:37It looked like

00:28:38it stunned Hill

00:28:39for a moment.

00:28:39And then he went down

00:28:41and blew the whole

00:28:41opportunity as Hill

00:28:42got himself back

00:28:43together again.

00:28:46First really good shots

00:28:47by Frank Tate

00:28:48that seemed to be

00:28:49taking effect on Hill.

00:28:50And Tate coming in

00:28:51with the mouth wide open.

00:28:53Yeah.

00:28:54You notice that?

00:28:55Yeah, he's got a huge

00:28:56mouthpiece.

00:28:56I'll tell you that,

00:28:57I've never seen a mouthpiece

00:28:58that big.

00:28:58I don't think it fits right.

00:28:59Almost looks like

00:29:00he has difficulty

00:29:01holding it in the mouth.

00:29:02It's too big.

00:29:04I mean, for a thing

00:29:05that's fitted,

00:29:05I'm just wondering

00:29:06about that.

00:29:07Now, that's one thing

00:29:08you've never been accused

00:29:08of, having a small mouth.

00:29:10Oh, keep me close.

00:29:13Round three continues.

00:29:16It has been a wild start

00:29:18to this fight.

00:29:20Yeah, Virgil Hill

00:29:21accused of being goal.

00:29:22He certainly can't be accused

00:29:23of doing anything

00:29:24but making this

00:29:25a really dynamic...

00:29:26Oh, a hand by Frank Tate.

00:29:28Nice right hand.

00:29:28That would have been

00:29:29a little bit lower

00:29:29and went off the top

00:29:30of Virgil Hill's head.

00:29:31Not down

00:29:32where it would have

00:29:33been a big damaging blow.

00:29:35A glancing blow

00:29:36by Frank Tate

00:29:37with that right.

00:29:38Less than 30 seconds to go

00:29:39in this action-packed third.

00:29:42Oh, boy.

00:29:42Oh, Frank is getting stoked up now.

00:29:45Frank wants to get it on now.

00:29:46Again, this is getting

00:29:47really sloppy.

00:29:48Yeah, using some

00:29:49bullying wrestling tactics

00:29:51as Frank Tate.

00:29:54Proud reacting

00:29:55at everything.

00:29:58Final seconds

00:29:59of the third round.

00:30:00Well, Tate has finally

00:30:01woken up

00:30:02and he's had

00:30:04a good round

00:30:05for himself here.

00:30:13Sit down!

00:30:15You had the motherfucker

00:30:17and you let him

00:30:17off the goddamn hook!

00:30:19You're here!

00:30:20Step up, sign,

00:30:22step a dab,

00:30:23and let the right hand go!

00:30:24You had him

00:30:25and you let him

00:30:26off the goddamn hook!

00:30:28McKinley furious

00:30:29with Tate.

00:30:32And this little slip

00:30:33that we'll see here

00:30:34might have been the one

00:30:36that let Virgil

00:30:37off the hook.

00:30:38There's that right hand.

00:30:39Now, look at Virgil.

00:30:40He doesn't react well.

00:30:41In comes Tate.

00:30:42Going again,

00:30:43and look,

00:30:43left his feet

00:30:44and landed

00:30:45on his face.

00:30:46That's an unfortunate thing.

00:30:48There's a difficulty.

00:30:49See how he's waving

00:30:50in the breeze

00:30:51and he misses

00:30:51the punch

00:30:52and goes on his face.

00:30:54Look at the frustration.

00:30:57Virgil Hill's knees,

00:30:58Ferdy,

00:30:58actually buckled

00:31:00after Tate's big punch,

00:31:01but then Tate fell.

00:31:03That's why he was so mad.

00:31:05He knew he heard of it,

00:31:05and that's why

00:31:06Stacey McKinley

00:31:07made Teddy Atlas

00:31:08look like Mother Tarifa

00:31:10in that last sequence.

00:31:11Yeah, he was a little vile,

00:31:13a little obscene,

00:31:13but you can't blame him.

00:31:15This is boxing.

00:31:16Got to get the guy's attention.

00:31:17He just saw the wave.

00:31:18When's the last time

00:31:19he saw the wave?

00:31:21Bringing it back here

00:31:22in Pittsburgh, North Dakota,

00:31:23a real throwback.

00:31:25Now, these people

00:31:25are happy to be here tonight.

00:31:26This is a good championship fight

00:31:28for their hero fighting,

00:31:29a good fight.

00:31:32Both men have now

00:31:33been stung,

00:31:34and both men

00:31:34are a little bit more

00:31:35cautious than they were

00:31:36when they opened up

00:31:37these first three rounds.

00:31:39Well, you know,

00:31:40oftentimes fighters

00:31:42hear about

00:31:43the coach feature

00:31:44of the other car.

00:31:45Everybody was saying

00:31:45the McCallum-Arty fight

00:31:46was going to be

00:31:47the big fight.

00:31:48These guys don't want

00:31:49to be upstaged.

00:31:49They're showing it right here.

00:31:53Everybody came in

00:31:54thinking this is going

00:31:55to be a boring fight.

00:31:56It's anything but boring.

00:31:57Yes, sir.

00:31:58First fight was good.

00:31:59This is getting better.

00:32:02Mike McCallum,

00:32:03unanimous decision

00:32:04over Jeff Harding.

00:32:06He just got the scorecards

00:32:08earlier,

00:32:08and some of those judges

00:32:09had it a lot closer

00:32:10than we thought it was.

00:32:12Yeah, one had it by four,

00:32:13one three,

00:32:14and one by two.

00:32:15I really didn't think

00:32:16it was that much.

00:32:18Questionable.

00:32:20Well, he won.

00:32:21That's the only way

00:32:21he can do.

00:32:22And he's in a champ.

00:32:23Meanwhile, Frank Tate

00:32:25trying to take

00:32:25the championship

00:32:26away from hometown

00:32:27hero, Virgil Hill.

00:32:29Here in round four,

00:32:30and it has been

00:32:30a terrific start

00:32:32to this fight.

00:32:33Both men have

00:32:33stunned,

00:32:34been stunned,

00:32:35and, look,

00:32:36gotten the feel

00:32:37of each other's wrath

00:32:39and they're a little

00:32:39cautious.

00:32:40All of a sudden,

00:32:41it settled down

00:32:41to what we expected,

00:32:42some one of a chess game

00:32:43right now.

00:32:44And Tate just missed

00:32:45with that big right hand.

00:32:57Hill waiting for his opening,

00:32:59continues to lunge

00:33:00with the left.

00:33:02He just won't use the right.

00:33:07But he's been effective,

00:33:09nonetheless,

00:33:10thus far.

00:33:10This is the kind of

00:33:15posing that you were

00:33:16expecting from this fight,

00:33:17and this is the first time

00:33:18they did it.

00:33:25Now, things are quieting

00:33:26down considerably.

00:33:30After the heated action

00:33:31earlier, again,

00:33:32a glancing go right off

00:33:33the top of Hill's head

00:33:34by Tate.

00:33:35If he connects

00:33:36with one of those 30,

00:33:37who knows?

00:33:39This is missing.

00:33:40Oh, what a left hand

00:33:41and Tate says,

00:33:43I'm okay,

00:33:43which is usually a sign

00:33:44that he is hurt.

00:33:45And there was

00:33:46a low blow before

00:33:47that series struggle.

00:33:48Somebody's got to do

00:33:49something to win this round,

00:33:50because right now,

00:33:51neither one

00:33:51have done anything good.

00:33:53A dribble of blood

00:33:54along the left eye,

00:33:56the left corner

00:33:57of Frank Tate's left arm.

00:33:59Final seconds of round four.

00:34:09And they don't let up.

00:34:19Look,

00:34:20you're working good, okay?

00:34:21You're working good, all right?

00:34:23But Frank,

00:34:23start to put some power

00:34:24on that jab.

00:34:25Give me some water.

00:34:26Be fair.

00:34:28Frank,

00:34:28we've got to win

00:34:29this title, son.

00:34:30We've got to win

00:34:31this title.

00:34:31You can win

00:34:32this title, Frank.

00:34:33Okay?

00:34:33That's right.

00:34:33I'm working, man.

00:34:36Double the jab.

00:34:37Big back.

00:34:38All right,

00:34:39just like you done cook.

00:34:40Just like you done cook.

00:34:41You've got to step up.

00:34:42Shoot the right hand

00:34:43at the throat.

00:34:45Shoot the right hand

00:34:46at his throat, okay?

00:34:47That's right.

00:34:47All right.

00:34:48Look.

00:34:49Red hand is going

00:34:49to your left.

00:34:50Don't give him time.

00:34:51That's all it is.

00:34:52Don't give him time.

00:34:53Your head has got

00:34:54to be coming off the line.

00:34:55Okay?

00:34:57All right?

00:34:59That's the move.

00:35:00I don't want some pressure

00:35:00this time.

00:35:01I want you to go out

00:35:02there and remind him

00:35:03how he lost the first one.

00:35:04All right?

00:35:07Let's do it.

00:35:09Let's do it.

00:35:10Come on, Jack.

00:35:15What a contrast

00:35:16to the two corners.

00:35:17They're going wild.

00:35:18Very animated

00:35:18in the Frank Tate corner.

00:35:19Very calm and cool

00:35:20in the Virgil Hill corner

00:35:21as we begin round five.

00:35:23That could be

00:35:24because it appears

00:35:25Virgil Hill might

00:35:26have a slight edge

00:35:26here and the Tate

00:35:28people want to get

00:35:28started.

00:35:29They want to get

00:35:29that edge going.

00:35:30They're aware

00:35:31that they're in

00:35:31the hometown here.

00:35:32Virgil Hill fights

00:35:33much better here

00:35:34than he does

00:35:34when he plays out.

00:35:35So they want

00:35:36to get an edge

00:35:37going.

00:35:37They haven't got it yet.

00:35:40Tate trying to load

00:35:41up on his right

00:35:42as it appeared

00:35:43to us.

00:35:44Is that a good strategy?

00:35:45He hurt Hill

00:35:46in round three

00:35:46but Virgil

00:35:47throwing more jabs

00:35:48for him.

00:35:49That's what he likes

00:35:50to do.

00:35:50He knows.

00:35:52He's calling quick sober

00:35:53because of the jab.

00:35:54Here comes Tate

00:35:54with a variety

00:35:56of punches

00:35:56that builds up points.

00:35:58All right.

00:35:58That's enough,

00:35:59puncher.

00:35:59That's enough.

00:35:59Yes, it is a quick

00:36:00and deceptive jab.

00:36:01He also has

00:36:02a very good left hook

00:36:03as we have seen

00:36:03here tonight.

00:36:04Talking about

00:36:04right hand

00:36:05by Tate

00:36:06but partially

00:36:06blocked,

00:36:07deflected by him.

00:36:08Oh, that's a nervous

00:36:10that's a nervous

00:36:11thing he does

00:36:12with his mouthpiece.

00:36:13He's slowing it down.

00:36:15Notice still

00:36:15that backing

00:36:17around the second

00:36:17round.

00:36:19Tate left his feet

00:36:20on a hook

00:36:20like that

00:36:21and he gets hit

00:36:22while he left

00:36:22his feet

00:36:23he will be flattened.

00:36:24As it was

00:36:25he's hit the canvas

00:36:25already.

00:36:26There's that nice

00:36:27left jab again

00:36:28by Virgil Hill.

00:36:29He got him twice.

00:36:31And again

00:36:32the mouth of Tate

00:36:33wide open

00:36:33with that

00:36:33a big mouthpiece

00:36:35protruding.

00:36:37That's a nervous

00:36:38he's having

00:36:38it's a battle.

00:36:42Good slip there

00:36:43by Tate.

00:36:43Tate is not

00:36:44playing a waiting game.

00:36:45He waits

00:36:46for Virgil

00:36:47to make his movement

00:36:47and tries to rip

00:36:48a right hand

00:36:49either to the body

00:36:50or over the left jab.

00:36:51He is not initiating

00:36:52the action.

00:36:53Watch him

00:36:53every time

00:36:54he go into

00:36:54a suck piece

00:36:55he waits for Virgil.

00:36:56There you go.

00:36:57Well that is definitely

00:36:58a good left

00:36:59and then a wild

00:37:00miss by Hill.

00:37:01That is definitely

00:37:01one of the trademarks

00:37:02of Tate.

00:37:03Patience is a virtue

00:37:04to Frank Tate.

00:37:04He learned that

00:37:05from fishing

00:37:06believe it or not.

00:37:07He carried it

00:37:08over into his

00:37:09boxing career.

00:37:12The mouthpiece

00:37:13really looks like

00:37:14an annoying problem.

00:37:16I don't know

00:37:16if it's a bad habit

00:37:17or what.

00:37:18It's hard to believe

00:37:19a guy gets to this level

00:37:20and hasn't got a fitted

00:37:21mouthpiece

00:37:21perfectly comfortable.

00:37:23Usually

00:37:24that's the sign

00:37:25of wearing this

00:37:26in a fighter

00:37:26but he can't be tired

00:37:27of this early.

00:37:28it's a nervous

00:37:28and that's not right.

00:37:30See you all close.

00:37:32Just notice.

00:37:33Again,

00:37:34a little trickle of blood

00:37:35left eye

00:37:35at the corner

00:37:37of the left eye

00:37:37of Frank Tate

00:37:38who attended to it

00:37:39in the corner earlier.

00:37:40Tate says,

00:37:41you didn't get me

00:37:41with that one.

00:37:42Wild miss by Tate.

00:37:43Tate comes back

00:37:44with a left block.

00:37:44I believe this corner

00:37:47is going to have to

00:37:48start telling son

00:37:49you better go first.

00:37:50If you don't get off

00:37:51first,

00:37:51this guy's winning the rounds.

00:37:53He's got to start first.

00:37:55Keeps letting Virgil

00:37:56initiate yet.

00:37:58Hilling 13 to 5

00:37:59favorite

00:37:59to retain his title.

00:38:05It's the WBA

00:38:06Light Heavyweight Championship.

00:38:10Virgil Hill has owned it

00:38:11on and off

00:38:11for over five years

00:38:12as we head

00:38:14for the bell.

00:38:16Round five.

00:38:17Two rather

00:38:18uneventful rounds.

00:38:22That's what I'm talking about.

00:38:24You just got done

00:38:24showing the whole world

00:38:25what you can do.

00:38:28Beautiful boxing.

00:38:30You look good.

00:38:32How do you feel, Chance?

00:38:33You look good.

00:38:35All right.

00:38:35Can you give me

00:38:36another round like that?

00:38:37That's right.

00:38:37Keep that chin

00:38:38in the pocket, right?

00:38:39All right.

00:38:40Keep your hands up.

00:38:41Keep moving in,

00:38:42moving out.

00:38:43Picking the five.

00:38:44All right.

00:38:44A little more.

00:38:45And your right hand

00:38:46is working.

00:38:47It's working, right?

00:38:49Hang on.

00:38:50Nice and good.

00:38:50You're satisfied there.

00:38:51That's the all-goateeat corner.

00:38:53It's the first time

00:38:54I've seen everybody

00:38:54have a goatee,

00:38:55including fighter.

00:38:55You damn right you did.

00:38:57You want it big.

00:38:59Beautiful.

00:39:00Beautiful.

00:39:01You show him

00:39:02who's boxed.

00:39:03Come on, Chance.

00:39:04Nice deep breath.

00:39:05You know,

00:39:05if this guy keeps leaving,

00:39:06Tate keeps leaving,

00:39:07let's watch this.

00:39:08Watch his feet

00:39:08when he fights.

00:39:09Look at that.

00:39:10You almost did a pirouette.

00:39:11I mean,

00:39:11you can't do that

00:39:12and expect to keep your feet

00:39:13or not get nailed.

00:39:14If you get nailed

00:39:15when you're up in the air,

00:39:16there's no way

00:39:16to take the punch.

00:39:17Here we go, round six.

00:39:26Yeah, that could be a problem.

00:39:27Really off-balance move.

00:39:29McKinley's got to be

00:39:31exhorting his fighter

00:39:32to be first,

00:39:33to get active.

00:39:34He can't just wait.

00:39:35He may be patient,

00:39:36but he'll be patient

00:39:37and not have the championship

00:39:38when he walks out of here.

00:39:40He's got to go out

00:39:41and get the championship.

00:39:42Well, Freddie,

00:39:43a few years ago,

00:39:43Hill said he took

00:39:44this championship for granted.

00:39:46He's certainly not

00:39:46fighting that way tonight.

00:39:48All of his wins

00:39:49in Bismarck,

00:39:50but the loss

00:39:51to Tommy Hearns

00:39:51really woke him up,

00:39:52really shook Virgil Hill up.

00:39:54Hill lost the title

00:39:55to Hearns in 91,

00:39:56then Hearns lost the title

00:39:57to Iran Barkley

00:39:58who vacated the belt

00:40:00to move down and win.

00:40:01Then he'll fortate

00:40:02for the vacant title

00:40:03a few years ago

00:40:04and won it back.

00:40:05Do you mind saying that again?

00:40:06He got lost, definitely.

00:40:08Oh!

00:40:08And Virgil Hill,

00:40:10no knockdown,

00:40:10a slip, says the referee.

00:40:12Bernie Choteau.

00:40:13Well, a lot of people

00:40:14are going down here.

00:40:15I mean,

00:40:15something wrong

00:40:16with the law of gravity

00:40:17here in Bismarck.

00:40:18People are going down

00:40:19all over this place.

00:40:23Tate going down

00:40:24a couple of times earlier,

00:40:25but no knockdown.

00:40:30Still no drive,

00:40:31still no aggression

00:40:31from the part

00:40:32of Frank Tate

00:40:33who's receiving

00:40:33waiting for the attack.

00:40:35And he said that

00:40:36he had no hunger,

00:40:38no desire

00:40:38in the first fight,

00:40:39but it's all there now.

00:40:41But he's not

00:40:41displaying it thus far.

00:40:43Good luck jab again

00:40:47by Hill.

00:40:48Looking very sharp.

00:40:50You're looking good.

00:40:51He's looking like

00:40:51a champion who's won

00:40:52a record number of wins

00:40:54and is confident

00:40:55that this type of fight

00:40:57will carry him

00:40:58to another win.

00:40:58He has the most

00:40:59successful title defenses

00:41:00in the light heavyweight

00:41:02division.

00:41:0316.

00:41:04Even more than

00:41:08the legendary

00:41:09Bob Foster.

00:41:26Final minute

00:41:27of round six.

00:41:28The crowd

00:41:29in rhythmic applause

00:41:30trying to provide

00:41:32a lift for Virgil Hill.

00:41:33Virgil Hill

00:41:38fighting

00:41:39a virtually

00:41:39left-handed fighter.

00:41:41Definitely not a balanced attack.

00:41:42Definitely not body shots

00:41:44are not flying.

00:41:46Tate could be in trouble.

00:41:48He's wrong.

00:41:49He has been wobbled.

00:41:55That's what that right hand was.

00:41:56He was waiting to throw it

00:41:58and he nailed him

00:41:58with a right,

00:41:59a perfect right hand.

00:42:01Less than 30 seconds.

00:42:02Frank Tate

00:42:03frogging.

00:42:05Hill,

00:42:05sorry,

00:42:06Tate's been a heavy

00:42:06right by Tate.

00:42:08Tate is just

00:42:09waving in the breeze.

00:42:10He's waiting to be

00:42:10knocked out

00:42:11and Hill won't do it.

00:42:13Is Hill letting Tate

00:42:14off the hook?

00:42:14Ten seconds to go

00:42:15in the round.

00:42:16He is waving

00:42:17in the breeze

00:42:18and all one good shot

00:42:19will get him down.

00:42:21Where's the left now

00:42:22by Hill?

00:42:22There it is.

00:42:25Right now,

00:42:25right now.

00:42:26Right now.

00:42:26But Tate should

00:42:27on.

00:42:38Be careful

00:42:38with that uppercut.

00:42:40You know how you got hit?

00:42:41Because you ain't busy.

00:42:42He's waiting to be

00:42:46with that.

00:42:46Just hold it.

00:42:48Listen.

00:42:49This is what I want you to do.

00:42:49Okay?

00:42:50Okay?

00:42:51Deep breath.

00:42:52Real deep breath.

00:42:52Don't put no more water.

00:42:53Get an ice pack.

00:42:54Get an ice pack.

00:42:55Deep breath.

00:42:56Come on, Frank.

00:42:56Go on.

00:42:56You ain't listening.

00:42:58Now let's take a look.

00:42:59That right hand,

00:43:00we've been wondering

00:43:01what he's waiting for.

00:43:02That's what he's waiting for.

00:43:04Look at him

00:43:04waving a breeze.

00:43:05Every synapse

00:43:07and neuron

00:43:08is jangling

00:43:09in his head.

00:43:09Boy, I mean,

00:43:10he,

00:43:11Tate is just about gone.

00:43:13And Virgil Hill

00:43:14had decided to attack

00:43:15in a cool manner,

00:43:16he would have put him away here.

00:43:25Interesting that a man

00:43:26with that much experience

00:43:27is Virgil Hill

00:43:28could not put away

00:43:30a man that was virtually gone.

00:43:31Earlier,

00:43:32Tate let Hill off the hook

00:43:34and the last round

00:43:34it was the champion Hill

00:43:36who let Tate off the hook.

00:43:38We enter round seven.

00:43:39Well, if he was cautious

00:43:41before,

00:43:42he has double the reason

00:43:43to be cautious now

00:43:44has Tate because he has felt

00:43:45the sting

00:43:47from the champion,

00:43:48Virgil Hill,

00:43:48and it almost put him out here.

00:43:50A little triple of blood

00:43:51from the right nostril

00:43:52of Frank Tate.

00:43:56Why could Virgil Hill

00:43:57finish Frank Tate off

00:43:58in that last round?

00:44:00He had him.

00:44:01He had him,

00:44:02and it's midway through the fight.

00:44:03He can't be tired,

00:44:04so it was just

00:44:05a little overaggressive,

00:44:07a little overeager,

00:44:07and he didn't do it.

00:44:13But how things

00:44:14are settling down.

00:44:20Virgil Hill's got too much

00:44:21experience to come out here

00:44:22and think he can pick up

00:44:23where he left off.

00:44:24He knows he's got to reset

00:44:24and got to get started,

00:44:25but he does have a confidence

00:44:27of knowing he can knock this guy.

00:44:29He's got the punch.

00:44:29He knows that.

00:44:30And Frank Tate knows

00:44:35that he can't be knocked out

00:44:37because he was just about wrong.

00:44:39Virgil Hill,

00:44:40only two knockouts

00:44:40in the last three years.

00:44:44Meanwhile, Frank Tate,

00:44:4520 knockouts and 34 wins.

00:44:48Neither fighter

00:44:48or knockout artist.

00:44:52Frank Tate's front

00:44:53tripping wet.

00:44:54Virgil Hill and bobbing

00:45:04and weeding.

00:45:04It was that left chair

00:45:05by Hill,

00:45:06trying to follow it up.

00:45:12Right hand by Tate,

00:45:13but it didn't have full impact.

00:45:15Now, that was the equipment

00:45:16in the other,

00:45:16but it didn't have the effect

00:45:17on Virgil,

00:45:18but that's exactly

00:45:19what happened to him

00:45:20in reverse.

00:45:20Again and again,

00:45:28we see him set up.

00:45:29Again and again,

00:45:29we see Virgil Hill first.

00:45:33Virgil Hill dictating

00:45:34the pace as he did

00:45:35in the first fight,

00:45:36but a lot more aggressive

00:45:37than in the first fight.

00:45:38He's getting close.

00:45:40A lot of painting

00:45:40going on there.

00:45:43Waiting for the window

00:45:45of opportunity.

00:45:49Certainly Tate

00:45:50isn't coming in

00:45:51to dictate the fight

00:45:51or contest it.

00:45:53He's falling back.

00:45:57There's that left

00:45:58jab by Virgil Hill.

00:46:00Once again,

00:46:01the nod of approval

00:46:02by Tate,

00:46:02which means he got stoned.

00:46:06This is getting outfought

00:46:07and outfought right now.

00:46:11Yes, came out,

00:46:12spotted and outstained

00:46:13by Virgil Hill.

00:46:15As well.

00:46:17Look at that movement

00:46:18on the part of Hill.

00:46:19That's the one thing

00:46:20that nobody can criticize him.

00:46:22He's got legs,

00:46:23this guy.

00:46:23He can move.

00:46:24Step back, step back,

00:46:25step back,

00:46:25go ahead.

00:46:31Wild miss on the uppercut

00:46:32by Tate

00:46:33and Virgil Hill.

00:46:35And Tate continue

00:46:36to go at it

00:46:37after the bell.

00:46:38So here at the

00:46:40Bismarck Civic Center

00:46:41in Bismarck, North Dakota,

00:46:43let's show you

00:46:44what it's like

00:46:44outside the Civic Center.

00:46:47Beautiful night.

00:46:48Temperature in the 70s,

00:46:50very calm.

00:46:51It's invigorating

00:46:52to be out here

00:46:53in America's heartland.

00:46:55Beautiful sight.

00:46:57And back inside

00:46:58to a near capacity crowd

00:47:00at the Civic Center

00:47:01in Bismarck,

00:47:02the home of Virgil Hill.

00:47:03They have been

00:47:04exhorting their champion

00:47:05on all night long.

00:47:06Hey, get that head

00:47:08up for my breathing.

00:47:09There you go.

00:47:12Beautiful, beautiful,

00:47:13beautiful.

00:47:14Get it up.

00:47:15Get it up.

00:47:16Get it up.

00:47:17Keep them hands up.

00:47:18From behind us.

00:47:20Keep them hands up.

00:47:21All we got to do

00:47:21at the center

00:47:21is an overhand.

00:47:22Too many goatees talking.

00:47:24All three are talking

00:47:25at the same time.

00:47:26That's bad.

00:47:26Give me a shot at work.

00:47:28Come on.

00:47:29But on the other hand,

00:47:29he's winning handling.

00:47:31You've been winning

00:47:31and if you fight,

00:47:32it's that was wrong.

00:47:32You've got to go up

00:47:33to the double jab right hand

00:47:34and hook behind it.

00:47:37And here we go

00:47:38into round number eight.

00:47:40Scheduled for 12

00:47:41for the WBA

00:47:42Light Heavyweight Championship.

00:47:47It has been action-packed,

00:47:48but Virgil Hill

00:47:49has done most of the damage.

00:47:52A lot of gunko

00:47:53with a left eye now

00:47:54for Frank Tate.

00:47:55You noticed that.

00:47:56Yeah, I'm surprised

00:47:57that Bernie Soto

00:47:57hasn't stopped it

00:47:58and made him wipe it off.

00:47:59But that can get in his eye

00:48:00and be trouble.

00:48:02Bill, the missed lower

00:48:03off the right line of Tate.

00:48:06Sense a little bit

00:48:09of desperation

00:48:10on the part of Tate.

00:48:11He's not putting

00:48:11harder punches

00:48:12than starting first.

00:48:13They've got to get

00:48:14that blob of stuff

00:48:15off his eye.

00:48:16Look at that.

00:48:17I'm really surprised

00:48:17it's not being stopped.

00:48:19That is a lot.

00:48:19I am surprised

00:48:20that Bernie Soto

00:48:21usually is very good at that.

00:48:24A couple of punches

00:48:25and get it off.

00:48:26In the meantime,

00:48:26he could get in the eye

00:48:27and then he can't see well.

00:48:28That could be very damaging.

00:48:29He could backfire on him.

00:48:36Bernie Soto,

00:48:37a barber from Miami

00:48:38who used to do

00:48:39Bernie's hair.

00:48:40Bernie, I advise you

00:48:41not to say anything bad

00:48:42about him.

00:48:43Since I no longer

00:48:43have any hair to cut.

00:48:44Yeah.

00:48:44I'm in no danger.

00:48:46He's not done.

00:48:47He's looking for the opening.

00:48:59What a target

00:49:00that provides there.

00:49:01Yeah.

00:49:01It almost draws your glove to it.

00:49:03It's almost like,

00:49:04hit me right here.

00:49:05And he just did.

00:49:07What a glancing blow.

00:49:09That time he connected

00:49:12Virgil Hill

00:49:13and he followed up

00:49:13with the right.

00:49:14Tate shakes his head.

00:49:15No.

00:49:16He shakes his head.

00:49:17No,

00:49:17but he's not doing

00:49:18anything affirmative.

00:49:20Tate landed again

00:49:21to the head.

00:49:22And again.

00:49:23Or I should say,

00:49:24Hill.

00:49:25And Hill with a big left hand

00:49:26that pushed Tate's head back.

00:49:28He's got the feeling

00:49:33that Tate is just

00:49:34ready to go.

00:49:35He's not doing

00:49:36anything offensively.

00:49:38Yeah,

00:49:38he is in a survival mode.

00:49:40He's not here

00:49:41to win the fight.

00:49:42He's here to survive this.

00:49:43He's not doing anything

00:49:44to Tate.

00:49:46I mean,

00:49:46to Virgil Hill.

00:49:47And Virgil seems

00:49:48very comfortable.

00:49:49Hill,

00:49:49the effective

00:49:50aggressor

00:49:50throughout.

00:49:55We had Tate

00:49:56in dire trouble

00:49:57a few rounds

00:49:58to go,

00:49:58but let him

00:49:59off the hook

00:50:00in the final second.

00:50:08Beautiful shotgun

00:50:09jab by Virgil Hill.

00:50:10Tate finally

00:50:11showing some offense,

00:50:12but Hill

00:50:13coming back

00:50:13with a combination.

00:50:20A little quick move

00:50:21and some pace work

00:50:22by Virgil Hill.

00:50:23It gets the crowd

00:50:24going.

00:50:28He's got to win this fight,

00:50:41but you've got to win

00:50:43these four rounds big.

00:50:44You've got to win it.

00:50:45You've got to win

00:50:46these next four rounds,

00:50:47son.

00:50:48Listen,

00:50:49all you've got to do

00:50:50is fight, baby.

00:50:51You can win this fight,

00:50:52but you've got to win

00:50:53these four rounds big.

00:50:54You understand?

00:50:54Okay.

00:50:54All right.

00:50:55He's back.

00:50:55All right.

00:50:56Fighting.

00:50:56I don't like it.

00:50:57I don't love it.

00:50:58And you've got to go to work.

00:50:59We've got nothing to sprint.

00:51:00We've got everything in the game,

00:51:01nothing to lose,

00:51:02okay?

00:51:02Call out.

00:51:02Do you want to be champion?

00:51:03Yeah, baby.

00:51:04Then you've got to go out there

00:51:05and take the title.

00:51:05Take a look at what I think

00:51:08is winning the fight

00:51:08for Virgil Hill.

00:51:09That jab right there.

00:51:10Look at the way

00:51:11he spun his head around.

00:51:12If he was close enough

00:51:14to land the right hand

00:51:15after that,

00:51:16let's watch it again.

00:51:17Bang.

00:51:18Look at the way

00:51:18his head goes all the way back.

00:51:19That's big points.

00:51:21Big points.

00:51:22I mean,

00:51:22it's now got to the point

00:51:24where Virgil Hill is

00:51:25beginning to coast

00:51:26on these rounds.

00:51:27He's doing the fighting.

00:51:28He's winning.

00:51:29And Tate has not

00:51:31come on.

00:51:31Let's switch.

00:51:32How's the stomach feeling?

00:51:34There you go!

00:51:35Beautiful.

00:51:37Let's do it.

00:51:39Hands up, champ, all right?

00:51:44And it's round nine.

00:51:47What a beautiful chair

00:51:48exhibited by Virgil Hill

00:51:50all night long,

00:51:51particularly in that last round

00:51:52as we saw in the report.

00:51:55McKinley exhorting.

00:51:58Mike Tate must take

00:51:59these last four rounds

00:52:01and I agree with him there.

00:52:03I have got Virgil Hill

00:52:05way ahead

00:52:0679 to 73

00:52:07but I gave that

00:52:09a 10-8 round

00:52:09when he almost got him

00:52:10in trouble

00:52:11because he was so

00:52:12out of it.

00:52:13Just needed

00:52:13one little bit more.

00:52:14That was a big pummeling

00:52:15that took him.

00:52:17Either way,

00:52:1810-8 and 10-9.

00:52:20Virgil Hill

00:52:21is comfortably in front.

00:52:22But there's four rounds

00:52:24to go, folks,

00:52:24and this is a guy

00:52:25that can punch Tate.

00:52:27So let's see.

00:52:29Well, if Frank Tate

00:52:29is waiting

00:52:30to pull something off here,

00:52:33he doesn't have much time left.

00:52:36Whoa!

00:52:36Right hand there,

00:52:37but he's blocked

00:52:38by Virgil Hill,

00:52:39who kind of shrugs

00:52:40his shoulders.

00:52:40Is that all you got?

00:52:42Yeah, because up to this point,

00:52:44Frank is always agreeing

00:52:45or nodding his head.

00:52:47He's having a silent

00:52:48conversation with Virgil Hill

00:52:50who hasn't done anything

00:52:50but punches Tate

00:52:52suddenly with a jab.

00:52:54Hill answering

00:52:54with his fists.

00:52:56Not verbally.

00:53:04They're confidently moving in.

00:53:06There's the left jab

00:53:07by Hill.

00:53:07Again, it pushed Tate's head back.

00:53:10That is subject.

00:53:12Out of behind it.

00:53:12Right hand by Tate.

00:53:14That's what he needs.

00:53:15He needs one of those

00:53:16to turn this fight around.

00:53:17He's certainly a gambler.

00:53:18He's waiting for it to land.

00:53:20But the effective left jab

00:53:22has been working all night

00:53:23so he continues.

00:53:24Why not Virgil Hill?

00:53:26And Virgil Hill

00:53:27left his feet that time.

00:53:28This is an aircraft carrier fight.

00:53:29Anybody who's leaving the deck here.

00:53:36Tate just cannot solve

00:53:38the jab of Virgil Hill.

00:53:40And he doesn't seem

00:53:40to have an idea

00:53:41of how to block it.

00:53:42He's too good a fighter for this.

00:53:44I mean, you know,

00:53:44you're talking about

00:53:45a quality fighter

00:53:46and Tate for him

00:53:47to be getting hit

00:53:47this many left jabs.

00:53:49Awesome.

00:53:50Frank Tate,

00:53:50the former IVF

00:53:51middleweight champion,

00:53:53number one rated

00:53:53light heavyweight contender.

00:53:58And 23-0

00:53:59before his first loss.

00:54:02His only three losses

00:54:03to Michael Nug,

00:54:04Lindell Holmes,

00:54:05and Virgil Hill

00:54:06in 92.

00:54:08Several low blows there,

00:54:09but not within sight

00:54:11of the referee,

00:54:11Bernie Solis.

00:54:12Let it go.

00:54:13Tate wobbled a little bit there.

00:54:15I'd say 10-1 since moving up

00:54:16to light heavyweight.

00:54:19But has seemingly

00:54:20met his match here

00:54:21in Virgil Hill.

00:54:22Hill unloading with the right,

00:54:24but it missed.

00:54:25There's a rarity.

00:54:30The crowd again,

00:54:32exhorting Hill.

00:54:35Hill,

00:54:36nice body attack

00:54:37by Virgil.

00:54:39Going to the chest

00:54:40with the left.

00:54:41Look,

00:54:41look, man.

00:54:54You ain't doing shit.

00:54:56You done quick fightin'.

00:54:57You ain't fightin',

00:54:57you done quick.

00:54:58I'm quick.

00:54:59You ain't,

00:55:00you done quick,

00:55:00goddammit.

00:55:02You done quick fightin'.

00:55:04You can't walk around

00:55:06the ring like that

00:55:06and win no title.

00:55:13You're doing all that

00:55:14talkin'.

00:55:14You got backin' up now.

00:55:17I told you

00:55:17to shoot the double down,

00:55:19shoot the right hand

00:55:19and come back

00:55:20and left hook.

00:55:21The guy that took

00:55:22the play away from you,

00:55:23okay?

00:55:23Wake up.

00:55:24Wake up.

00:55:25Better wake up, Frank.

00:55:26Wake up.

00:55:27You done quick, Frank.

00:55:29You done quick.

00:55:29That's what you done done.

00:55:30Wake up.

00:55:31Take a deep breath.

00:55:33And you got to wake up.

00:55:34You can win this fight.

00:55:34Do you want to win

00:55:36the fight, John?

00:55:36Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

00:55:37But then you better

00:55:38wake the fuck up.

00:55:39Come on, baby.

00:55:39Well, let's go to work,

00:55:40goddammit.

00:55:40Let's go to work,

00:55:42you hear?

00:55:42Okay, baby.

00:55:43Wake up.

00:55:44Wake up.

00:55:45Sign in.

00:55:46Go in.

00:55:48The biggest assault

00:55:49of the night

00:55:50administered by

00:55:51Stacey McKinley

00:55:52telling Frank Tate

00:55:54you quick.

00:55:57Hey,

00:55:58want to get started.

00:55:59Do something.

00:56:00Go forward.

00:56:01I mean,

00:56:01you've got to wake

00:56:02this fighter up.

00:56:03He's in a,

00:56:03he's being low

00:56:04by that left jab.

00:56:05He's just being

00:56:06low by,

00:56:07he must be the

00:56:08aggressor.

00:56:09And Ferdy,

00:56:09the left eye of Frank Tate

00:56:10continues to be a problem.

00:56:12It looked like

00:56:12it was almost

00:56:13closed there

00:56:14as we peered in

00:56:15on him in the corner.

00:56:16He's getting hit

00:56:17with an awful lot

00:56:17of left hands

00:56:18and they're putting

00:56:18that gunk on him

00:56:20ahead of time

00:56:20and I'm not sure

00:56:21they've been

00:56:22not hurting him

00:56:23by putting too much

00:56:24on there.

00:56:24Bill Benton

00:56:25in there

00:56:25as the cup man.

00:56:26Frank Tate

00:56:27being nailed

00:56:27with that left hand

00:56:28by Virgil Hill.

00:56:29Tate stopped

00:56:30throwing the right hand

00:56:31that was so effective

00:56:32earlier.

00:56:33He's just not,

00:56:34there's the right hand

00:56:35by Tate.

00:56:35Finally,

00:56:36finally he assaulted,

00:56:39he landed

00:56:39and he landed

00:56:40the right hand.

00:56:41But up to this point,

00:56:42he's been receiving.

00:56:43and he'll coming back.

00:56:49Station McKinley

00:56:50just lacing

00:56:51into Frank Tate

00:56:52to try to get him

00:56:53untracked.

00:56:55I know he's won,

00:56:56he's lost

00:56:57the last four rounds

00:56:59straight

00:56:59and he's got to come back.

00:57:02He's got to get him

00:57:03away.

00:57:04Round 10.

00:57:06The worst thing

00:57:06you can tell a fight

00:57:07is you quitting.

00:57:08You're quitting.

00:57:09You might as well

00:57:09just pack up

00:57:10and go home.

00:57:11Especially a quality

00:57:12fighter like Tate.

00:57:13Muscle him in.

00:57:16Shades of

00:57:17you're blowing it, son.

00:57:20Angelo Dundee

00:57:21and the new

00:57:23Angelo Dundee,

00:57:24Teddy Atlas.

00:57:26Halfway through

00:57:26the tent,

00:57:27right hand

00:57:27by Curzio Hill

00:57:29and dances away

00:57:31from Frank Tate.

00:57:32I've never seen

00:57:33such leg speed.

00:57:34I haven't seen

00:57:34leg speed like that

00:57:35since Muhammad Ali,

00:57:36man.

00:57:37He leaps like a kangaroo.

00:57:38He just gets away.

00:57:39A gazelle-like

00:57:40move,

00:57:40tremendous

00:57:41cat-like move

00:57:42moved by

00:57:43the powerfully

00:57:45built Virgil Hill.

00:57:46He really has

00:57:47strong-looking legs

00:57:48as well.

00:57:48He does that

00:57:49and he uses it

00:57:50so well.

00:57:52And he has fought

00:57:53a one-handed fight

00:57:54virtually.

00:57:54It's just been that

00:57:55lift just

00:57:56continuously

00:57:57in the face

00:57:58of a guy

00:58:00that doesn't know

00:58:00what to do with it.

00:58:01He just doesn't know

00:58:03how to block that punch.

00:58:09They both bet punches there.

00:58:11Again, Tate can't

00:58:12get through with the right.

00:58:13He'll just too quick.

00:58:15Fight it out.

00:58:15Come on.

00:58:16Fight it out.

00:58:17I'll hold it.

00:58:18Okay, that's it.

00:58:18That's it.

00:58:19Soto saying,

00:58:20fight it out.

00:58:20He's a man

00:58:21willing to disengage

00:58:22knowing that

00:58:23you can get hit

00:58:23when you go back

00:58:24and you know

00:58:26what's interesting?

00:58:28Just there,

00:58:28right above us,

00:58:29Virgil Hill,

00:58:30Hilligray,

00:58:31the left

00:58:31and still

00:58:32made contact.

00:58:37Now,

00:58:37when you got

00:58:38Frank Tate,

00:58:39you know you're getting

00:58:39one of those

00:58:40right-hand counters

00:58:41could turn this fight

00:58:42around.

00:58:43It's just not happening

00:58:44to Frank Tate.

00:58:45It's just not happening.

00:58:46A right-hand

00:58:47by Virgil Hill,

00:58:49a solid right.

00:58:50Rarely have we seen

00:58:51the right by Hill

00:58:52in that time

00:58:52it's connecting.

00:58:54But when it connects,

00:58:55it really does damage.

00:58:57And I think

00:58:57Stacey McKinley

00:58:58might do some damage

00:58:59coming up.

00:59:00You got to knock him out.

00:59:01You got to knock him out.

00:59:02You got to knock him out now.

00:59:04Deep breath.

00:59:05Listen.

00:59:06Listen.

00:59:08Frank, listen.

00:59:09You got to knock him out.

00:59:12All right, guys.

00:59:13Let me work on this.

00:59:14You understand what I'm saying?

00:59:16You got to knock him out.

00:59:18You understand?

00:59:20Let the right-hand

00:59:21here.

00:59:22That's all you want to do.

00:59:23You got to do.

00:59:24Keep firing.

00:59:26Keep firing.

00:59:31Tate continues to try

00:59:33to get,

00:59:34and he can't get

00:59:35to a superior fighter

00:59:36because Virgil Hill

00:59:37does this.

00:59:38He keeps coming back,

00:59:39punching,

00:59:40and with accuracy

00:59:40dominates him

00:59:41with the left.

00:59:42Here's the right.

00:59:43Right on target.

00:59:44Look at this hit.

00:59:45How far back it went.

00:59:46It's a miracle

00:59:46he didn't go down

00:59:47with that one.

00:59:48You're in over on the inside.

00:59:49Turn it over.

00:59:50Boom.

00:59:50Right behind the ear.

00:59:52Watch him come

00:59:52out of the breech.

00:59:53He's going to try some shit.

00:59:54He's still trying

00:59:55to land there right in there.

00:59:56All right.

00:59:58Here we go.

00:59:59And around 11,

01:00:00the championship round.

01:00:02Take really

01:00:02taking his time.

01:00:04He's not even

01:00:04up off the stool yet.

01:00:05His corner

01:00:06is putting new tape

01:00:07in there.

01:00:08They're waiting

01:00:08for the mouthpiece

01:00:09and this is the problem

01:00:09also.

01:00:10And finally,

01:00:11takes his,

01:00:11come on,

01:00:12give me the mouthpiece.

01:00:13As weird as that mouthpiece

01:00:15is,

01:00:15he needed it.

01:00:16Well, I'll tell you what,

01:00:17Bernie, Virgil Hill,

01:00:18his stock really going up

01:00:20in this fight here tonight.

01:00:22In front of a good crowd here,

01:00:24national audience,

01:00:25and, you know,

01:00:25people would call him

01:00:26boring and electronic,

01:00:28and now he's really

01:00:29stepped it up.

01:00:30He's gained a new

01:00:33stature with his fight.

01:00:36He had a new level

01:00:38of ring generalship

01:00:39that heretofore we hadn't

01:00:40seen except in those

01:00:41track meets where he

01:00:42runs around.

01:00:43All of a sudden,

01:00:44he's found heart

01:00:44and he's found strength.

01:00:46And a few years ago,

01:00:46after he lost to Tommy Hearns,

01:00:48he went down under

01:00:50to Australia

01:00:50to work with Johnny Lewis

01:00:51and Jeff Fenwick

01:00:52on his aggression

01:00:53and his power.

01:00:55And it seems to be

01:00:56paying off now.

01:00:57Yeah, yeah,

01:00:58he is now the complete

01:00:59light heavyweight

01:01:00champion.

01:01:03He started out by working

01:01:05with the great Eddie

01:01:06Futchman, Freddie Roach.

01:01:09And then Johnny Lewis.

01:01:11Now he's got Mike Paul,

01:01:13Al Arsene,

01:01:13Ray McClein,

01:01:14and his manager

01:01:16is Bill Sorensen,

01:01:18who also happens

01:01:18to be the mayor

01:01:19of Bismarck.

01:01:21Yeah, he can run

01:01:22for re-election

01:01:22based off this fight.

01:01:23Right now, yes.

01:01:25He's hoping.

01:01:28The left job there

01:01:29by Frank Tate,

01:01:29and he'll come back.

01:01:31Tate's got to knock him out

01:01:33if he has any ideas

01:01:36of pulling it out.

01:01:39He says, come on,

01:01:40you're not doing anything.

01:01:45Oh, look, there's a nice,

01:01:47well-placed right hand

01:01:49by Virgil.

01:01:50Didn't do any damage

01:01:51because it was light,

01:01:52but it was just perfect.

01:01:53But then it had steel.

01:01:55Wow.

01:01:55He'll also show

01:02:02he's in excellent condition.

01:02:06On the balls of his feet,

01:02:08teppy toes dancing around,

01:02:09and we're into around 11,

01:02:10late,

01:02:11minutes ago.

01:02:12Tate's blinking a little bit

01:02:13from that eye,

01:02:14which is closing,

01:02:15the one that's had

01:02:15all that ointment on it.

01:02:16All that stuff

01:02:18isn't going to keep it

01:02:19from closing.

01:02:20Lincoln is having

01:02:21a hard time seeing.

01:02:22Bill just continues

01:02:23to have his way

01:02:24upstairs and down.

01:02:29Well, it certainly

01:02:30sets up a colossal battle

01:02:31with the other light

01:02:32heavyweight champion,

01:02:33doesn't it?

01:02:33Yeah, you got Mark McCallum

01:02:34now.

01:02:34Start thinking about that.

01:02:37If he finishes,

01:02:38and you've got one more

01:02:39round to go,

01:02:40stranger things have happened.

01:02:41But the notion of that

01:02:42sounds very entertaining.

01:02:48This is a perfect

01:02:50launching pad

01:02:51for the unification

01:02:52of the light heavyweight

01:02:53division here tonight.

01:02:54Well, twice his foot

01:02:55take and twice his dominating.

01:02:59Roundy rocks as he lands again.

01:03:01Final seconds of roundy lift.

01:03:03Right hand there by Tate,

01:03:10but not full of head.

01:03:15That's exactly what you

01:03:16got to do.

01:03:17Beautiful.

01:03:21Bloomberg, you done

01:03:22broke his will, man.

01:03:23That's right.

01:03:24He's a beat by him.

01:03:26Here we see Tate.

01:03:30It looks like it hurts,

01:03:32Virgil.

01:03:32Look how fast.

01:03:32Virgil says nothing to it,

01:03:34and he comes right back.

01:03:35Nothing seems to bother him

01:03:37tonight.

01:03:38And right off the bat,

01:03:39he starts to dominate

01:03:40Frank Tate again.

01:03:42It's been,

01:03:44no question about it,

01:03:45Virgil Hill's late.

01:03:53Hold some on.

01:03:54Hold some warning to this.

01:03:56Put it down good.

01:03:57Put it down good.

01:03:58Stop it!

01:03:59Hold some wait.

01:04:00Hold some shot.

01:04:00Take a shot.

01:04:02Frank, you got to come out fighting now.

01:04:03You got to fight him, little lad.

01:04:05Now, you got to come out fighting now.

01:04:06You have to fight him, little lad.

01:04:06Now, you got to come out fighting.

01:04:16Hard to hear,

01:04:17but the bell actually sounded

01:04:18as this crowd erupts for round 12.

01:04:21They touch drives, and here we go.

01:04:26Virgil Hill in complete control up to this point.

01:04:30Frank Tate looking for the KO.

01:04:35It's been a clean fight.

01:04:37No low blows and very little dirty stuff

01:04:40as opposed to that last one.

01:04:41It was all elbows and stepping on toes.

01:04:44Bernie Soto had not had to do much work tonight.

01:04:47And even though Hill has dictated the pace,

01:04:49no knockdowns, a lot of slippages.

01:05:00Good way through the fight.

01:05:01He'll have Tate in tremendous trouble

01:05:03but let him off the hook.

01:05:04Now behind the head goes Tate, apologizes.

01:05:07A little more caution for the referee, Bernie Soto.

01:05:17Keep it up. Keep it up since Bernie Soto.

01:05:21Things may get dirty this last round.

01:05:24And Frank Tate gets desperate.

01:05:27That's a good point because there were some dirty tactics

01:05:30in the first fight, particularly by Hill

01:05:32with some high elbows, and Frank Tate took a step,

01:05:34and he said he would have to get dirty if possible.

01:05:37But it has been the clean.

01:05:45Virgil Hill is not doing what he does well,

01:05:47and that's things.

01:05:49See, the front of stairs now.

01:05:50Yeah, bouncing around.

01:05:52He really knows he can blow this round

01:05:53and it doesn't make any difference.

01:05:54Got to be careful.

01:06:01Once again, Frank Tate unable to get that

01:06:04proven right of his untracked by Virgil Hill,

01:06:08and Hill continues to land with the left.

01:06:12That's because Tate has flattened himself with his feet.

01:06:14He's not moving.

01:06:15He doesn't have a bounce to go get him.

01:06:18We're going to end it up there with the right,

01:06:19but it didn't do anything.

01:06:26Final minute of the 12th.

01:06:34Well, even when he's not fighting,

01:06:43he's winning this round because of his ring generalship

01:06:46and because Tate is paralyzed right in the corner.

01:06:50And what does Tate have to lose right now?

01:06:52He's just go in and go for the knockout.

01:06:55Yeah, and he's afraid that mentally he'd quit

01:06:59about three or four rounds of it.

01:07:02His corner was correct.

01:07:03Stacey McKinley was on the mark.

01:07:09Ten seconds to go, and you will hear a roar

01:07:13when this one ends.

01:07:15So there you have it, as the two fighters embrace,

01:07:28it was all Virgil Hill, Virgil Hill.

01:07:34looking to successfully defend his WBA light heavyweight title

01:07:50for the 16th time overall, which is the most in light heavyweight history.

01:07:54Looking to make it two for two over his old Olympic teammate, Frank Tate.

01:08:00Hill again, looks to be reaping the benefits of the hometown advantage.

01:08:04Looking to make it 21 and 0 in the state of North Dakota, 14 and 0 in the capital city of Bismarck.

01:08:17A long night for Frank Tate.

01:08:18Let's take a look at some of the action, particularly midway through in round number six.

01:08:23Frank Tate and the strikes and Virgil Hill in the dark trucks in the black trucks.

01:08:29And here is the point where Frank Tate is in tremendous difficulty.

01:08:34Virgil Hill looking to end it right here.

01:08:35You see the crowd going wild in the background.

01:08:38Tate is rock.

01:08:38He's groggy.

01:08:39He's wobbly.

01:08:40And this is the juncture where Hill could have ended it, but he could not put Frank Tate away.

01:08:51That was in the final 10 or so seconds of that round, the sixth round.

01:08:55The bell sounded and Tate survived, but it could be all academic anyway,

01:09:02because it certainly appears as if Hill has it in the bag.

01:09:05Let's get the official decision from Jimmy Lennon, Jr.

01:09:08That's right.

01:09:10Great fight tonight, baby.

01:09:14Ladies and gentlemen, after 12 rounds of boxing, we have a unanimous decision.

01:09:20Here are the score totals.

01:09:22Judge at ringside, Hubert Earl scores at 119-108.

01:09:27Judge Luis Rivera scores the mat 119-107.

01:09:33Julio Rodan scores the mat 118.

01:09:37All three in favor of the winner and still champion, the pride of North Dakota, Virgil Quicksilver-Hill.

01:09:52Yes, indeed.

01:09:53A total wipeout for Virgil Hill, who retains his WBA light heavyweight championship.

01:10:13119-108, 119-107, 118-110.

01:10:18No question about it, it was all Virgil Hill.

01:10:22The question now, will he finally take the plunge and look to unify the title?

01:10:28Really the purpose of this light heavyweight tournament in the first place.

01:10:31Looks like our man, the fight doctor, Ferdi Pacheco, is set for post-fight reaction to the ring, so let's throw it up to Ferdi.

01:10:37Do you expect this easy a day?

01:10:39First of all, Ferdi, I got to give thanks to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

01:10:42Wasn't that easy.

01:10:44I got caught a couple times and stuff, and Frank was always in there, a gallant fighter.

01:10:49We knew he had a tough fight.

01:10:50Frank's probably one of the best light heavyweights out there.

01:10:52In a moment, we're going to look at the sixth round where you almost put him out.

01:10:55Why didn't you put him out?

01:10:56The guy was waving in the wind.

01:10:58Uh, just to conserve.

01:10:59Uh, I should've, but, uh, you know, we had a tough time making the weight this time and stuff,

01:11:04so we wanted to conserve.

01:11:05We knew that Frank was in good shape, and we didn't get him up out of there.

01:11:08We got another six rounds.

01:11:09I want to show you what you did.

01:11:12Take a look at this, and you tell me what's happening.

01:11:16Now, this was the right hand that you hadn't been throwing, and then all of a sudden lands.

01:11:20You call it.

01:11:21Right here.

01:11:22He's done with the jab, and then right, what's right hand?

01:11:24Bingo!

01:11:25Turned right into it.

01:11:26Because he had been countering me with the right hand, riding my jab back, countering me.

01:11:31And then, like a spaz, I didn't put him away.

01:11:36Not quite like a spaz.

01:11:38Well, a little unprofessional, to say the least.

01:11:42Good body shot.

01:11:43Um, I'm satisfied.

01:11:45We worked hard for this fight.

01:11:46Now, in the fourth round, did he stun you?

01:11:47He looked like he gave you a pretty good shot.

01:11:49Yeah, he did.

01:11:50And turned you around a little bit.

01:11:51Yeah, he did.

01:11:52He hurt me a couple times in there with some good right hands.

01:11:54But, you know, we trained real hard for the fight.

01:11:56We were in good condition, and we pretty much knew what to expect.

01:11:59The overhand right and the right upper fat, which he didn't throw much.

01:12:02I think you established yourself solidly as a light heavyweight.

01:12:05You changed from the running style to really fighting hard, as you have done in these last

01:12:09two or three fights.

01:12:10Is that the new and highly respected Virgil that we're gonna see from now on?

01:12:15Well, that's the new and improved Virgil Hill that Mike Hall and LRC and Ray McCline have

01:12:19brought out in me.

01:12:20You know, we do whatever it takes to win.

01:12:22You know, if we have a thinker like Frank is, you know, we gotta press the action.

01:12:25Because he's a thinker and an accomplished boxer.

01:12:28So I can't take anything away from him.

01:12:30It was a very tough fight.

01:12:31You have a daunting task ahead of you in Mike McCallum, the new light heavyweight champion.

01:12:35That's a different story.

01:12:36And we'll get to that in a little while when you get arrested and we get to that fight beat

01:12:42mid.

01:12:43And, of course, you're the guy that's gonna make it.

01:12:45Yes, I am.

01:12:46I thought that Virgil was just brilliant this evening.

01:12:48I think he fought a tremendous fight.

01:12:50I thought Frank was very formidable with them right hand counter punches.

01:12:53And so Virgil demonstrated that he is indeed a new Virgil Hill.

01:12:57And so with Mike McCallum being there, we're gonna try to unify the title.

01:13:01And these guys will be fighting each other soon on Showtime Championship boxing.

01:13:05And it's just, I'm excited.

01:13:06All right, one last word before we get back to Don King.

01:13:09Tell us about this fight.

01:13:12Well, Freddie, I was in good condition.

01:13:15I was just wrestling, you know.

01:13:18I have fought December the 18th in Pueblo, Mexico, and I haven't had a fight since.

01:13:22And a lot of people think it's just being in the gym, training hard, grinding, grinding, grinding.

01:13:27But that's not it.

01:13:28You almost got knocked out there.

01:13:29Well, I'm a tough man.

01:13:31I'm a tough man, you know.

01:13:32Only strong survive.

01:13:33You know, I don't take anything away from Virgil.

01:13:35It's just Virgil was here tonight and Frank Tate wasn't.

01:13:38And I take my hats off to him.

01:13:39And I wish the best man between him and Mike McCallum good luck.

01:13:43Thank you very much.

01:13:44Very noble of you.

01:13:45And now, let's get to different subjects we've got to get to.

01:13:49The first one, a little unpleasant.

01:13:50You have been indicted because of what they call insurance fraud.

01:13:56Insurance fraud.

01:13:57And because of the sum between the Chavez fight.

01:14:02Tell us a little bit about that.

01:14:04Freddie first, let me say that I'm just completely innocent of all allegations.

01:14:07I've done nothing to warrant this action.

01:14:11And I believe in the American system of justice.

01:14:14And I will be cleared.

01:14:15So it's something that just happens.

01:14:17But I really want to thank Governor Ed Schaffer for his hospitality here in North Dakota.

01:14:21If you have never seen any enthusiastic crowd like this here tonight,

01:14:25they really make our Showtime show something that is just great.

01:14:28And that's what we are about.

01:14:29To return to that for one moment, have you got a trial date?

01:14:32Do you know when you're going to trial?

01:14:33Or is that still up in the air?

01:14:34No, I don't.

01:14:35They will have a pretrial hearing on Tuesday morning.

01:14:38But due process is a wonderful thing.

01:14:39And I'm certain that everything will be all right.

01:14:41I will be cleared of all of these allegations in this action.

01:14:44But we must continue to be working for the betterment of America.

01:14:49And this is the greatest country in the world by none.

01:14:51I love America.

01:14:52And I love the American people.

01:14:53And I shall continue to persevere, work hard in the American workplace,

01:14:56and keep bringing you the best in boxing on Showtime Championship boxing.

01:15:01And that brings me to the next question.

01:15:02We've got a big September coming up.

01:15:04September 17th, a pay-per-view that's a stunner.

01:15:07Two big fights in there.

01:15:08Tell us about the three fights.

01:15:09Well, you have a great show coming up on September 17th.

01:15:12You have Julio Cesar Chavez taking on Meldrick Taylor and Meldrick Taylor 2,

01:15:17unfinished business.

01:15:18As you know, the first fight was a phenomenal fight.

01:15:20And Julio Cesar Chavez snatched the possible out of the impossible.

01:15:24He snatched victory out of the jaws of defeat.

01:15:27With two seconds remaining in the fight, he scored a technical knockout

01:15:30because the referee had to stop the fight.

01:15:32So now, Meldrick Taylor has lived Julio Cesar Chavez since that day.

01:15:36He wants to vindicate that loss.

01:15:38He wants to come back and make it.

01:15:39And we are giving him an opportunity on September 17th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

01:15:45But that ain't all, Ferdy.

01:15:46We got something else, too.

01:15:47Felix Trinidad.

01:15:48We call him Tito from Puerto Rico.

01:15:50He's 21 years old, 23-0, taking on Uri Boyd Campus, 55-0.

01:15:56This young man, both of them are undefeated.

01:15:58They're going to meet each other on the same card with Julio Cesar Chavez and Meldrick Taylor.

01:16:03You would think that would be enough.

01:16:04But not for SCT King Vision.

01:16:06We guarantee customer satisfaction.

01:16:08We also have Jesse James Lehigh.

01:16:10Jesse James won a brilliant performance and taking the crown from Azuma Nelson,

01:16:14the mighty warrior.

01:16:15And now he's taking on the mandatory challenger, Gabriel Ruelas from Los Angeles.

01:16:20And this is going to be another great thriller for all the boxing fans.

01:16:23So you're going to see a show that is going to be that's just made in boxing heaven.

01:16:28But you can only see it on SCT King Vision because we have the best boxers and the best boxers fight each other.

01:16:34We put contests into the sport and we make certain that you have competition when they're fighting.

01:16:39But we still ain't through, Ferdy.

01:16:41We got Ricardo Lopez that will be taking on one win from Fallon.

01:16:45So you're going to have an evening of boxing.

01:16:46That's going to be something you can sit back, relax, get you a six pack of your popcorn

01:16:50and enjoy boxing at his best on King Vision SCT at the MGM Grand Unfinished Fitness.

01:16:56Wait a minute.

01:16:57Wait a minute.

01:16:58Wait a minute.

01:16:59But what a little explosion here.

01:17:00What's this rumor about Ray Jones you've taken?

01:17:01You bought the Roy Jones.

01:17:03You bought the Roy Jones title fight.

01:17:05Tell me about that.

01:17:06Yes I did.

01:17:07I took a, I took a, I made a first bid for Roy Jones who was one of the hottest fighters in the world.

01:17:11I think Roy Jones is a guy that has been underpaid, under promoted.

01:17:14And I think it's now time that he should come to the best with Showtime and Don King to get promoted.

01:17:19As you know he was cheated in Seoul Korea and he come right back and got cheated again in his pro fight career

01:17:24by not having the right type of promotion and not the recognition and the steam.

01:17:28So we won the thing for him.

01:17:29But the biggest shock of all is I got Carbohal.

01:17:32Michael Carbohal, that dynamic little fighter that won the silver medal in, in, uh, in Seoul

01:17:38Korea came back and has been the highest paid little fighter in the world.

01:17:42He signed with me while I was under indictment.

01:17:45That's a statement.

01:17:46The presumption of innocence and to proven guilty.

01:17:48That's what makes America so great.

01:17:50And Michael Carbohal, Danny Carbohal, I love you.

01:17:53I think it's so fabulous.

01:17:54And you're going to fight on Showtime, championship boxing.

01:17:57It's raining fighters here in the ring.

01:17:59Is there any more up there?

01:18:01Anyway, back to Steve Albert where no fighters are going to hit him on the head.

01:18:04Back to Steve Albert at ringside.

01:18:06Thank you, Ferdy.

01:18:07Where else but on Showtime can you see a longer post-fight interview than the fights themselves?

01:18:12Thank you, Ferdy.

01:18:13The moment has arrived for the Fight of the Night Award.

01:18:15A regular installment at the conclusion of each edition of Showtime Championship Boxing.

01:18:20A special panel of judges comprised of boxing media from around the country covering tonight's action.

01:18:25Voting on the Fight of the Night, Michael Holley of the Akron Beacon Journal.

01:18:29Tom Kwame of the Williston Herald.

01:18:31And Robert Seltzer of Philadelphia Inquirer.

01:18:34And our panel judges have selected who else, right?

01:18:38Virgil Hill, but in a split decision.

01:18:40Robert Seltzer going for Mike McCallum.

01:18:42So congratulations to Virgil Hill for being chosen as the Fighter of the Night.

01:18:45A $5,000 donation will be made in the name of Virgil Hill to each of these organizations.

01:18:50The United Negro College Fund.

01:18:52The National Hispanic Scholarship Fund.

01:18:54And the University of Mary here in Bismarck by Showtime Networks and Don King Productions.

01:19:00So another night of boxing in the books.

01:19:02This evening we saw the light heavyweights on parade.

01:19:04A launching pad, if you will, to unify the title.

01:19:07And once again, Virgil Hill fighting a big fight in the friendly confines of Bismarck.

01:19:12And that old expression, there's no place like home, really having its credence here tonight.

01:19:18Also, 37-year-old Mike McCallum came here to snatch the body of Aussie Jeff Harding.

01:19:22Not only did he snatch Harding's body, but he snatched away the light heavyweight title as well.

01:19:27Well, before we start off, we want to give you the final recap of tonight's results in our co-feature.

01:19:33It was Jeff Harding against Mike McCallum for the WBC light heavyweight championship.

01:19:37And McCallum defeating Harding to dethrone Harding by unanimous decision.

01:19:41Although it was a lot closer than we thought.

01:19:43And in our main event, Virgil Hill and Frank Tate for the WBA light heavyweight title you just saw.

01:19:48It was a unanimous decision.

01:19:50No question about it for Virgil Hill.

01:19:52All three judges had round six.

01:19:54Incidentally, a 10-8 round for Hill. That was the only 10-8 round of the fight.

01:19:59So Virgil Hill, in front of his hometown crowd, retains his title for the 16th time.

01:20:04On September the 17th, Showtime presents another world championship bout.

01:20:08IBF junior middleweight champion Gianfranco Rossi will rematch with Vincent Petway.

01:20:13Earlier this year, their first bout had to be stopped after Rossi sustained a cut from an accidental butt.

01:20:18The result, a technical draw.

01:20:19Now, they'll have an opportunity to finish the fight they started.

01:20:23And please note that this edition of Showtime championship boxing will be seen at a special time.

01:20:28Live at 7 p.m. in the Eastern time zone.

01:20:30And delayed one hour until 5 p.m. for the Western time zone.

01:20:33And later that same night, Showtime event television and King Vision will present yet another pay-per-view boxing event.

01:20:39The main event features the rematch between Julio Cesar Chavez and Meldrick Taylor for the WBC super lightweight title.

01:20:45The championship undercard will feature undefeated IBF welterweight champion Felix Trinidad against undefeated knockout artist Uri Boy Campus.

01:20:54And newly crowned WBC super featherweight champion Jesse James Leha will take on Gabrielle Ruelas.

01:21:00This championship triple hitter will be broadcast live on pay-per-view Saturday, September 17th at 9 p.m. Eastern time.

01:21:10So that'll do it for another edition of Showtime championship boxing.

01:21:13Hope you enjoyed it for the fight.

01:21:14Dr. Ferdi for check or entire crew Steve Albert saying so long from Bismarck, North Dakota.

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Virgil Hill vs Frank Tate II - Showtime 7-23-94

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