But he insists the best of him is still to come, writes Declan Taylor. (1) Not With a Bang, But a Whisper, by William Nack, Sports Illustrated, December 21, 1981, (2) Berbick Defeats Ali on Decision, by George Vescey, New York Times, December 12, 1981, (3) Ali Wants Weaver Title Bout, Associated Press, published in the Wilmington Morning Star, December 9, 1981, p. 1D, (4) Muhammad Ali: His Life and Times, by Thomas Hauser, Simon and Schuster Paperbacks, 1991, p. 429, (5) Berbick Defeats Ali on Decision, by George Vescey, New York Times, December 12, 1981, (7) Berbick Pounds Out Decision Over Ali, by Michael Farber, Montreal Gazette, December 11, 1981, p. 15, (8) Not With a Bang, But a Whisper, by William Nack, Sports Illustrated, December 21, 1981, (9) Ali Wants Weaver Title Bout, Associated Press, published in the Wilmington Morning Star, December 9, 1981, p. 1D, (10) Muhammad Ali: His Life and Times, by Thomas Hauser, Simon and Schuster Paperbacks, 1991, p. 430, (11) The Curtain Closes on a Great Act: Alis Traumas in the Bahamas, by Dave Anderson, THE RING, February 1982, p. 37, GET THE LATEST ISSUE AT Berbick served a combined 15 months for both convictions and was ordered deported back to Jamaica. In 1991, Berbick was convicted of misdemeanor assault for attacking his former business manager, who testified the boxer put a gun to her head and accused her of stealing money from him. HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (AP) _ Trevor Berbick, the former heavyweight champion who beat Muhammad Ali in the boxing great's final fight, faces deportation and was ordered to return to his native Jamaica. or redistributed. You have the wake and then the funeral, but this fight was like the headstone dedication, he said. When we left there that day, you knew it would never be the same because of what he brought to a fight from a writers perspective was unique and was never going to be matched. Photo by The Ring/ Getty Images First, there was the opponent. Failed to delete memorial. As Berbick pounded away, Ali dug into that bag of tricks by widening his eyes and opening his mouth in mock duress. Trying to intimidate Tyson, 20 years old and permanently in search of bad intentions the same way a Buddhist pursues nirvana, was bound to backfire. Unfocused and underprepared, Thomas dropped a grueling decision to Berbick, who forced the fight on the inside and outworked him. Tel: 408-998-2226. Lambert had known Trevor Berbick from the day he was born. Oops, we were unable to send the email. First, Im going to destroy all the devils, I mean the fighters, who stand between me and the unified heavyweight championship of the world, Berbick declaimed after beating Pinklon Thomas for the WBC title in 1986. ). El 22 de marzo de 1986, Trevor Berbick gan el ttulo mundial de los pesados del Consejo Mundial de Boxeo al derrotar al estadounidense Pinklon Thomas por decisin unnime. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. James Cornelius, described in press releases as a Los Angeles-based entrepreneur, was the man charged with finding those mountains that were willing to be moved. In the final 90 seconds Berbick climbed all over Ali and attempted to put him away, but Ali, though imprisoned by age, excess weight and physical deterioration, still had enough savvy and toughness to make it to the final bell. The victory made Tyson, 20,the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history. On November 22, in his first title defense, the fight was stopped in the second round after he was knocked down three times by 20-year-old Mike Tyson. Theyd put a whuppin on you if you couldnt handle yourself. She was the second . Heavyweight Boxing Champion. Berbick's death a homicide: police | CBC Sports Loaded. Photo from The Ring/ Getty Images. Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. On November 22, in his first title defense, the fight was stopped in the second round after he was knocked down three times by 20-year-old Mike Tyson. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. Berbick vaulted to world prominence with a stunning ninth-round KO of former WBA titlist John Tate on the Roberto Duran-Sugar Ray Leonard I Brawl in Montreal card in June 1980, and since then he had gone 4-1 with four early-round knockouts, the most recent of which was a two-rounder against Conroy Nelson in July. According to Sports Illustrated, Ali's purse was $1.1 million and Berbick's was $350,000. In Halifax, Berbick developed a local following and lumbered his way to an 11-0 record before facing Colombian mauler Bernardo Mercado. Berbick wins by unanimous decision. Eight months later,he took on challenger Mike Tyson in Las Vegas. Legal Statement. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. Contact Us. Tyson bombarded Berbick throughout the round, and with only a handful of seconds left, he landed a right hand that sent Berbick lurching. After that, I figured I had a shot at being a pretty good fighter., From Guantanamo Bay, Berbick returned to Port Antonio, and, after one walkover after another, he eventually wound up representing Jamaica in the Montreal Olympics without having thrown a single punch. Im not crazy. Sonny Liston is another former world heavyweight champion to meet an untimely end. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. The REAL " Trevor Berbick" Story- His Life,Career,Conviction and Murder! A borrowed cowbell was used to start and end each round. The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. (9). Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. Learn more about merges. Only two pairs of gloves were available for the five-fight undercard, forcing each corner to unlace the gloves after each bout so that the next pair of fighters could use them. TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO THIS WEEK, on Nov. 22, 1986, three men began their conspiracy to murder Trevor Berbick, the heavyweight champion of the world: Mike Tyson, Berbick's nephew Harold and me. It was not that sad a time for boxing fans it was sad in one sense because it was the end of Ali but it wasnt that sad in terms of will the sport flourish? The sport was flourishing at that exact point.. based on information from your browser. Name: Trevor Berbick Hometown: Montreal, Quebec, Canada Birthplace: Port Antonio, Jamaica Died: 2006-10-28 (Age:52) Stance: Orthodox Height: 188cm Reach: 198cm Pro Boxer: Record Amateur Boxer: Record Trainers: Sam Solomon, Eddie Futch, Angelo Dundee Trevor Berbick Gallery Contents 1 Career Review 2 Personal Life 3 Legal Troubles & Death You have chosen this person to be their own family member. We all grow old. (10). To use this feature, use a newer browser. Two fights later, he beat Muhammad Ali in Ali's last fight. Berbick's career was marred by personal problems, although he will probably be remembered as the last man to fight, and beat, beat Muhammad Ali. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Unlike his Lost Generation stablemates, however, Berbick rarely entered the ring out of condition. He had watched him grow up, leave the island, become a world-famous boxer and return, only to die in a pool of blood, a $100 bill lying . He eventually moved back to the U.S., but was deported a second time. I came out all right for an old man. Trevor Berbick had much to suggest that he would have had a. Holmes, returning to the ring after an absence of four years, had just won his first fight since 1985, stopping hapless Tim Doc Anderson in one round at the Diplomat Hotel in Hollywood, Florida. TREVOR BERBICK, who reigned briefly as the WBC heavyweight champion in 1986, left behind one of the strangest legacies in boxing history: for being the last man Muhammad Ali faced in the ring,. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. O'Connor Mortuary 25301 Alicia Pkwy Laguna Hills, CA 92653 | FD 1293. Standing 6-foot-2 and scaling a solid 218 pounds, the Canadian and Commonwealth heavyweight titlist used his broad shoulders to burrow inside and clubbing blows that crushed inferior opponents and wore down the better ones. Ali was the master of that game and here was Berbick talking to Ali. Berbicks dominance was such that he occasionally barked at the old champion. Yes, his punches were slow and lacked snap and his legs shuffled rather than danced, but he began most of the skirmishes and connected more often. Instead, they got an old Ali. Among his losses were those to Buster Douglas, Renaldo Snipes and Larry Holmes. Obituaries Funeral Homes Newspapers Send Flowers News & Advice Memorials. Why Michael Spinks Didnt Want to Leave His Dressing Room to Fight Mike Tyson. Cornelius persisted, and eventually he found a place willing to stage an Ali fight. Legal Statement. After serving 15 months in prison, Berbick was deported from the United States. Berbick further separated himself in the ninth as he upped his work rate to 70 punches to Alis 41 and out-landed him 23-11 overall, including 20-0 in power shots. A somber Ali, scaling a pudgy 236 1/4, trudged toward the ring and once there, he and his corner awaited Berbicks arrival. As the bell sounded for round eight Ali broke out the old butterfly float and a facsimile of the bee-like sting. If ever a fighter personified the concept of a world champion, it was Muhammad Ali. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. Trevor Berbick with his lawyer Heron Dale in 2003 Trevor Berbick with his lawyer Heron Dale in 2003 Read Chapel of Flowers obituaries, find service information, send sympathy gifts, or plan and price a funeral in San Jose, CA. A brain clot forced him to retire from boxing in 2000 (he finished his career with a 50-11-1 record with 33 knockouts) and he returned to Florida to begin training young boxers. GREAT NEWS! However, Berbick fled to Montreal before his impending removal. In that round Berbick out-threw Ali 89-28 overall (including 72-9 power) and out-landed him 41-8 overall and 39-1 power. He tried convincing U.S. commissions that Ali was still fit to fight, but none gave their consent. Ali seemed fine with it and I didnt remember feeling sad for him. Referee Zach Clayton, who counted Foreman out the night Ali regained the title, delivered the final instructions. But while Hunsaker couldnt touch the whippet-quick teen-age gold medalist, Berbick feasted on the geriatric shell that remained. In September 1991, Berbick was placed on probation for assaulting his former business manager. Ive just got to win six rounds on the cards of the three officials; so Ill have to fight for six rounds, Ali told the Associated Press the day before the fight. God raised me up for a purpose! Try again later. Jurors deliberated for just two hours before finding the former champion guilty of raping a 26-year-old woman that worked as a babysitter for the Berbick family. The former champ was also deported from the U.S. on two separate occasions and his life came to a tragic end in 2006 when he was brutally murdered in his home country of Jamaica by his very own nephew. Sheldon Francis said. It wasnt to be. He also said Alis slurring was circumstantial rather than innate. THE RING SHOP (CLICK HERE). For his part, Berbick out-landed Ali 22-16 overall and landed 19 of his 38 power shots (50%) to Alis 5 of 13 (39%). There was a problem getting your location. Just as he had against Weaver a few months earlier, Tate opened a wide lead before imploding late. Failed to remove flower. At the time involved in a land dispute with his nephew, Berbicks body was found in a church courtyard. Just as he had in the Thrilla in Manila and before the final rounds against Norton (twice) and Shavers, Ali sought out his emergency energy supply, broke the glass and waited for the adrenaline rush to kick in. In no time, Larry Holmes returned to the lobby and pummelled Berbick through the doors of the Diplomat and into the parking lot, where, for the moment, at least, the commotion was over. He briefly held the World Boxing Council heavyweight title before losing it to Mike Tyson in 1986. Let the New Era begin. Even as a rising contender he had been considered eccentric, and it was clear that the outcome of his performances hinged on his psychological outlook before the opening bell rang. Or, visit our funeral home in person at your convenience. (2) While the exotic locale stacked up well with other Ali fight sites, everything else connected with the venture was anything but paradise. Hes one of just two boxers to fight both Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson, the other being Larry Holmes, and was a big part of an often-overlooked era in the sport in the early 1980s. The crowd that had sat through Alis mid-rounds crisis suddenly perked up as their hero tried to turn back the clock. Father Time has caught up with me, Ali said. In a closely contested fight, Berbick was able to narrowly earn the victory by unanimous decision to capture his first major heavyweight title. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? Inactive for nearly a year after winning the WBC title, Thomas decided that he would not only be a manager and a trainer but also an R&B singer. Berbick's body was found on Saturday in a church courtyard with wounds to the back of his head. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. The connection was deep, heartfelt and beyond debate. Also, 65% of his landed punches versus Berbick were jabs, with the CompuBox average being 28%. But I learned a little martial arts from the Special Forces and handled him pretty well. However, Berbick's title reign was brief. Berbick's death a homicide: police. Berbick continued to fight, with his final bout being a 2000 win over Canadian journeyman Shane Sutcliffe. The ploy had convinced the likes of Frazier, Shavers and Spinks to throttle down their attacks but Berbick did what they should have done: Hit Ali even more. Berbick (left) stood up to Larry Holmes rocket left jab for 15 rounds. Now, as the nearly 40-year-old Ali announced his departure from The Sweet Science, it was evident he had set the stage for another Golden Era whose star power wasnt isolated to only the heavyweights. That was, to me, the official ending of it all. Alis reflexes are gone, Dunphy declared as round two began its final minute. KINGSTON, Jamaica Former heavyweight champion Trevor Berbick was found dead in a church courtyard Saturday with chop wounds to his head in a suspected homicide. 0 cemeteries found in Norwich, Portland, Jamaica. At one point I heard Berbick say, cmon old man, show me your speed. I was lividlivid! Hobson remembered. After Holmes left to conduct a TV interview, Berbick (who'd lost to Holmes by unanimous decision in a WBC title fight 10 years prior), claimed to the media that the boxer had been involved in the break-up of his marriage. San Jose, CA 95112. He had a gaping wound to his head. Resend Activation Email. Berbick (left) stood up to Larry Holmes rocket left jab for 15 rounds. But in the fall of 1981 rumors of yet another Ali comeback began to stir. As one of the few heavyweights not given to waddling around the ring, Thomas had a chance to improve the lowly reputation of his division. Youve got to understand this, he told the Miami News. Photo by The Ring/ Getty Images. It was here that Ali, who arrived 30 minutes late, finally admitted the obvious his boxing career had come to an end. Ali wasnt punching and Berbick was taunting him. Those interested in ordering a copy of the book can do so by clicking here and purchasing from Amazon. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Then Im coming home. Ali landed just 51 power punches in his losses to Berbick and Holmes. There was a brief pause after Tyson connected and then Berbick plummeted, seemingly in slow motion, and crashed onto his back. Trevor Berbick was the last fighter to face Muhammad Ali in the ring. On November 26, 1986, Berbick squared off against Tyson at the Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. Though no longer able to contribute, Ali surely must have surveyed the scene, took it all in and exhaled in satisfaction. It was awkward because this guy just won the fight and he might as well have been a kid filling the soda machine. And Tyson, conqueror of Berbick, is a convicted rapist and deep in debt. Most other boxers, even those at their zenith, wouldnt have survived those nine minutes but while Alis physical abilities were long gone his competitive drive, his resourcefulness and his toughness remained in prime form. (7). Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. That fight was like watching a mugging. Today marks the 40th anniversary of the final fight of Muhammad Alis professional career, his 10-round decision defeat against Trevor Berbick in what was incongruously called The Drama in the Bahamas. Although the event was enveloped by sadness and dreariness, the impact of Alis legacy remained unaffected, for not only did his entry into the sport come at a most fortuitous time, he laid the groundwork for the glorious era that was already in progress by the time he entered the ring against Berbick: The era of The Four Kings.. TREVOR BERBICK, who reigned briefly as the WBC heavyweight champion in 1986, left behind one of the strangest legacies in boxing history: for being the last man Muhammad Ali faced in the ring, in a shambolic promotion exiled to the Bahamas; for being the first title-fight victim of Mike Tyson (in which Berbick suffered such a spectacular kayo loss that he became a permanent Youtube loadstone, like Baby Shark or Gangnam Style); for a bonkers parking lot melee with comebacking ex-champion Larry Holmes seen coast-coast on every sports newscast in America; for his savage murder in Jamaica, after years of scandalous headlines had made him a laughing stock across the globe. The following is an excerpt from Muhammad Ali: By the Numbers co-written by CompuBox founder and president Bob Canobbio and punch-counter/historian Lee Groves. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. Berbick continued to fight, with his final bout being a 2000 win over Canadian journeyman Shane Sutcliffe. Heavyweight hope Jared Anderson does not want to be famous but realises that is a necessity if hes to realise his dreams for both himself and his brother, Kevin Lerena explains to Thomas Gerbasi how a call from Frank Warren convinced him to pack his bags, Dillian Whyte is coming off the most convincing defeat of his career and tragedy in his personal life. I dont know that we necessarily knew at that point, as Ali was retiring, that it was going to be as great a period as it was, but in fact, the era was in very good hands and didnt need Ali at that point. He won the WBC heavyweight title in 1986 by defeating Pinklon Thomas, then lost it in his first defense in the same year to Mike Tyson. This was during the Vietnam War and a lot of guys there were going wacko; some guys were waiting to be shipped off to war, others were coming back all busted up, legs gone, nerves shot. Please enter your email and password to sign in. Berbick drove Ali toward the ropes with a series of heavy body shots, then maintained the pressure as Ali desperately tried to fend him off with clinches and the Rope-a-Dope. The crowd tried to spark Ali with Ali, bomaye chants but even the ghosts of Kinshasa couldnt regenerate the Ali of old. A crowd of more than 10,000 horrified fans gathered at the Halifax Metro Centre on April 3, 1979, to see Berbick plunge to the canvas, unconscious, after absorbing a booming overhand to the jaw in the first round. (4), The main event almost didnt happen because Berbick had received only $100,000 of his $350,000 guarantee and said he wouldnt fight until he was paid the full amount. Maybe Ali was right about blaming the weight loss and the prescription drugs concealing his true ability in the Holmes fight. For Berbick, the loss was humiliating. A 2-inch-thick metal pipe found at the scene is believed to be the murder weapon, police said. To combat those concerns, Ali underwent a battery of tests at New York University in October 1981 with pathologist Dr. Harry Demopoulos heading the 30-doctor team that was involved in the studies. Berbick's reign was short, however, as a 20-year-old Tyson knocked Berbick out in the second round on Nov. 22, 1986, to become the youngest heavyweight champion. His first instinct was to scramble to his feet, but his equilibrium was haywire, and he staggered across the ring, tumbling into the ropes, where an errant forearm knocked a ringside photographer out of position. They were convicted in December, 2007, and sentenced to life in prison. In spanning the Ali and Tyson eras, Berbick beat such fighters as Iran Barkley, Greg Page and John Tate. Thanks to the extraordinary access he had granted them, they not only knew Ali as a legendary athlete but also as a human being who experienced the full range of emotions and shared most of them with them. 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