In an era often criticized for main events carrying an entire pay-per-view, boxing fans frequently lament the scarcity of truly “stacked” fight cards. Yet, a look back at the 1990s reveals a time when promoters, most notably the inimitable Don King, routinely delivered events where the undercard alone could have headlined its own show. These were not mere curtain-raisers; they were robust, multi-title extravaganzas that offered unprecedented value and unforgettable drama. This article delves into King`s unique approach to fight promotion, revisiting some of the most remarkable stacked cards that cemented his legacy, for better or worse, in boxing history.
The Architect of Ambition: Don King`s Master Strategy
Don King, a figure as polarizing as he was visionary, held a stable of champions and top contenders vast enough to populate an entire boxing league. His challenge wasn`t just finding opponents for his stars, but finding *stages* for them. The solution? Create fight nights so dense with talent that missing a single bout felt like a missed opportunity. This wasn`t merely benevolent fan service; it was a pragmatic approach to keeping a large roster active, maximizing exposure, and, of course, selling tickets and pay-per-views by offering an undeniable spectacle.
A Glimpse into the Glory Days: “Revenge: The Rematches” (May 1994)
One of King`s most audacious undertakings was the “Revenge: The Rematches” card held at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, in May 1994. The event, an ambitious lineup of four world-title sequels (plus a fifth championship bout), promised redemption and fireworks. While the main event—Julio Cesar Chavez attempting to regain his WBC super-lightweight title from Frankie Randall—ended controversially with a technical decision due to a cut, the undercard more than delivered on its promise of high-stakes drama.
- Simon Brown vs. Terry Norris II: Jamaican-born Brown had stunned Norris in their first encounter. The rematch saw a tactical Norris, having learned his lesson, outpoint the dangerous Brown, reclaiming his WBC super-welter title.
- Gerald McClellan vs. Julian Jackson II: This middleweight clash of devastating punchers was as short-lived as it was sensational. McClellan, in a terrifying display of power, dispatched Jackson in a mere 83 seconds, knocking him down twice. The victory solidified McClellan`s fearsome reputation, though tragically, few could have imagined the life-altering injury he would suffer just nine months later.
- Azumah Nelson vs. Jesse James Leija II: Following a draw in their first meeting, Leija delivered the fight of his life, dropping Nelson and dominating the rematch to win the WBC super-featherweight title via unanimous decision.
- Ricardo “Finito” Lopez vs. Kermin Guardia: The undefeated `Finito` Lopez defended his WBC minimumweight title against the also-unbeaten Guardia, showcasing the depth of talent King had on offer.
Beyond these championship bouts, the card featured names like Meldrick Taylor, Calvin Grove, Giovanni Parisi, and a women`s boxing pioneer, Christy Martin, battling Laura Serrano to a hard-fought draw. It was a marathon, a testament to King`s belief that more was, indeed, more.
The Unsung Hero Card: Rescuing a Main Event (August 1997)
Sometimes, King`s stacked undercards weren`t just a bonus; they were a necessity. A prime example occurred in August 1997 at Madison Square Garden. What was slated to be a Fight of the Year contender between Felix `Tito` Trinidad and Terry Norris fell apart due to legal disputes and an injury to Norris`s replacement. Trinidad ended up in a mismatch against a third-choice opponent, finishing the fight in the first round.
Yet, the undercard unfurled with compelling narratives and genuine upsets:
- Julio Cesar Green vs. William Joppy: Dominican slugger Green pulled off a significant upset, winning a unanimous decision over the defending WBA middleweight champion Joppy in a thrilling contest.
- Wilfredo Vazquez vs. Roque Cassiani: Puerto Rico`s Vazquez retained his WBA featherweight title, famously expressing his belief that Naseem Hamed was “ducking” him – a fight he would eventually get, albeit with a different outcome.
- Ricardo “Finito” Lopez vs. Alex Sanchez: `Finito` once again graced the card, delivering a knockout victory in a clash of 105lbs champions.
- Christy Martin vs. Isra Girgrah: In what was dubbed the “undercard show-stealer,” Martin and `Raging Beauty` Girgrah engaged in a brutal, crowd-pleasing war, with Martin emerging victorious by unanimous decision.
This card stands as a testament to King`s resilience and the sheer depth of his roster. When the main event crumbled, the supporting cast rose to the occasion, proving that true value lay beyond a single headliner.
Another Night of Riches: Chavez-Taylor II Undercard (September 1994)
Just months after “Revenge,” King delivered another colossal event in September 1994, featuring the highly anticipated rematch between Julio Cesar Chavez and Meldrick Taylor. Underneath this marquee bout were four more world title fights:
- Felix Trinidad vs. Yory Boy Campas: Trinidad, a future legend, climbed off the canvas to stop Campas in the fourth round of a welterweight title shootout.
- Gabriel Ruelas vs. Jesse James Leija: In what many considered the fight of the night, Ruelas, fighting “with furious intent,” defeated Leija to win the WBC super-featherweight title in a punishing, back-and-forth affair that saw both men hit the canvas.
- Frankie Randall vs. Juan Martin Coggi: Randall, fresh from his main event with Chavez, defeated Coggi for a super-lightweight title.
- Ricardo “Finito” Lopez vs. Hapless Thai Opponent: `Finito` Lopez made another swift, clinical defense of his minimumweight title.
Even seasoned boxing figures like ringside regular Mickey Duff were engaged, placing bets on preliminary title fights, adding another layer of intrigue to these marathon events. From Olympic gold medalists like Michael Carruth making their way in the pros, to hard-hitting journeymen, every corner of King`s empire seemed to find a place on these cards.
The King`s Enduring Legacy: Value and Vision
Don King`s controversial career is often punctuated by legal battles and disputes, yet his contribution to the spectacle of boxing in the 1990s cannot be overstated. He curated fight cards that were, quite simply, unparalleled in their depth and entertainment value. He understood that while a singular main event might draw eyes, an entire evening of competitive, high-stakes boxing would capture hearts and minds, leaving fans with an indelible experience.
These stacked cards were a unique product of his expansive stable of fighters and his audacious promotional style. They delivered not just one reason, but many, for a fan to be glued to their seat from the very first bell. In an era where boxing promoters often struggle to put together even a few compelling bouts on a single card, King`s 90s offerings stand as a towering testament to a time when abundance was the standard, and fight night truly meant a feast for the eyes.
While the economics and promotional landscape of modern boxing have shifted dramatically, the allure of a truly stacked card remains as strong as ever. Perhaps one day, the boxing world will again witness such consistent, multi-layered spectacles. Until then, we can only look back with a blend of nostalgia and admiration at the unique era orchestrated by Don King, when undercards often stole the show, and boxing fans were always treated to more than they expected.
Felix Harwood