At the time, March 1987, the former heavyweight champion had not fought in 10 years, and the ring rust looked irreversible.

Legally blind in his left eye, the former junior-welterweight champion has not fought since December 1988.

When we determine who the No. 1 contender is, the champion must fight him once every nine months.

The champion had not fought overseas since he was an amateur.

But now, Dankwart, we have an expert watching, one who has seen real battles and seen great champions fight.

Many cruiserweight champions and contenders may eventually fight in the heavyweight division.

While time stopped and the very land held its breath, the two champions fought in that place.

But at least the former heavyweight champion has been fighting.

So many of our people are enslaved that I let the champions fight for whom they please.

Under the rules of the major sanctioning bodies, a champion must fight the No. 1 contender once a year or forfeit his belt.