Chavez Boxing II – This game, released on June 1, 1994, came a month after Chavez regained the WBC light welterweight title he lost six months earlier to Frankie Randall. The loss was the first of Chavez’s 13-year professional career to that point. Chavez lost his title to Oscar De La Hoya in 1996 and never regained another title. His career officially ended in 2006 and he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in December 2010. His son, Julio Jr. (42-0-1), may get his shot at the WBC middleweight title in May.
Evander Holyfield’s “Real Deal” Boxing – The Real Deal had been the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world for two years prior to losing to Riddick Bowe a month before this game was released on Dec. 31, 1992. In the rematch a year later, Holyfield defeated Bowe to regain the WBA and IBF heavyweight titles. Holyfield, now 48 years old, continues to fight, most recently going three rounds with Sherman Williams before a cut over Holyfield’s eye caused a no contest. His story inspired this whole article.
George Foreman’s KO Boxing – The former heavyweight champ had lost in his recent title shot — against Holyfield — when this game was released on Feb. 7, 1992. In a nice bit of symmetry, Foreman regained the heavyweight title in November 1994 — a title he had lost almost exactly 20 years earlier to Muhammed Ali — with a win over Michael Moorer, who had taken the title from Holyfield seven months earlier. Foreman retired in 1999, but has continued as a successful spokesperson, most notably for The George Foreman Grill.
James Buster Douglas Knockout Boxing – This game was released on June 1, 1990, five months after Douglas beat heavyweight champ Mike Tyson. Five months later, Douglas would lose his title to Holyfield — who was supposed to be Tyson’s next fight after a tuneup with Douglas. The loss to Holyfield, coupled with his mother’s death, sent Douglas into depression and he gained nearly 200 pounds. He spent three days in a diabetic coma before getting back in shape and returning to boxing. Douglas’ career ended unceremoniously in 1999.
