Today, of course, Guantanamo Bay is notorious for its U.S. detention camp, but in the early 1970s, it was primarily known as a military base. Learn more about managing a memorial . It . 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,. Lambert had known Trevor Berbick from the day he was born. But in the fall of 1981 rumors of yet another Ali comeback began to stir. Norma "Jean" Sooter passed away on December 20, 2022, at 90 years of age after a short illness. With this running start, Holmes vaulted himself over the bonnets of two cars (a Toyota Supra and an Oldsmobile) and sailed through the air like a Wuxia star and dropkicked Berbick to the pavement. Resend Activation Email. (3) It was just another illustration of how far Ali had declined physically and in terms of his own expectations. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). There are claims he fell foul of the Mafia. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. 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. However, Berbick fled to Montreal before his impending removal. Norma "Jean" Sooter. 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. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. O'Connor Mortuary Arrangement Center - Irvine 4010 Barranca Pkwy, Ste 200 Muhammad Ali vs. Trevor Berbick, billed as "Drama in Bahama", was a ten-round boxing match that took place in Nassau, Bahamas on December 11, 1981. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. GREAT NEWS! However, Berbick's title reign was brief. His blood tests indicate he has the vessels of a young man.. Berbick's body was discovered about 6:30 a.m. in his hometown parish of Portland, constable Beverly Howell 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. Trevor Berbick had much to suggest that he would have had a. Part 5: https://youtu.be/eFE4kjKdG5sPart 1: https://youtu.be/0fXoOz9MIRo-----In this clip, Larry Holmes opens about beating Trevor Berbick, who Larry expl. She was the second . 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 . Berbick was convicted in 1991 of misdemeanour assault for attacking his former business manager, who testified in court that the fighter held a gun to her head and accused her of stealing money from him. Nephew Is Convicted in the Death of Trevor Berbick, https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/22/sports/othersports/22berbick.html. His death, officially from a drugs overdose, in the early 70s remains a contentious subject. You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. When Cassius Marcellus Clay broke into the professional boxing scene following his triumph in the 1960 Rome Olympics, the sport was hurtling toward the abyss. How sad is that: Somebody playing with Alis mind. Berbick's death a homicide: police. Berbick fought from 1976 to . Berbick was there first and he was speaking and nobody wanted to hear what he had to say. That was, to me, the official ending of it all. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Ali, looking bored at times, said nothing as he shadowboxed while Berbick refused to look Ali in the eyes. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. Please enter your email and password to sign in. August 1, 1954 - October 28, 2006 KINGSTON | Age 52 Ex-heavyweight champ Trevor Berbick found dead at 52. His work has appeared in Inside HBO Boxing, Undisputed Champion Network, Remezcla, and Boxing Digest Magazine. Among his losses were those to Buster Douglas, Renaldo Snipes and Larry Holmes. Trevor Berbick holds an interesting place in boxing history. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. While he couldnt duplicate his success in round one, Ali still fought with conviction but it was evident to all that conviction alone wasnt going to be enough. The onetime Ali Circus appeared flat emotionally, for they knew Ali had shown woeful energy throughout the 11-week training cycle. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. Father Time has caught up with me, Ali said. On April 11, 1981, Berbick became the first title challenger to last the distance against Holmes, but that was as much credit as he could wrangle from the loss. How dare he try to play with Alis mind? 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. Also, 65% of his landed punches versus Berbick were jabs, with the CompuBox average being 28%. Berbick was arrested several times and served 15 months for sexually assaulting the family babysitter in 1992. Photo by The Ring/ Getty Images. If Ali gets himself into prime shape, if everything falls into place during the fight and if he stays away from that big left hook he might shock the world one more time.. Sheldon Francis said. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Trevor Berbick (16356139)? Berbick, who claimed that the incident was consensual, was sentenced to five years in prison but served just 15 months. In retrospect, all of it was wishful thinking. Maybe Ali was right about blaming the weight loss and the prescription drugs concealing his true ability in the Holmes fight. Boxing was on TV like crazy and we had the big closed-circuit fights. For a man who had mastered the 15-round distance, 10 rounds now seemed an eternity. Chop wounds to the head gave police a clear indication that this was a homicide and his 20-year-old nephew, Harold Berbick, and 18-year-old Kenton Gordon were picked up the next day. One measure of a fighters worth is whether he left the sport in better shape than it was when he first arrived. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. There is a problem with your email/password. Berbick went on to capture the WBC heavyweight title with a decisive win over American fighter Pinklon Thomas. Already manifesting symptoms of his future affliction (Parkinsonism), Ali was not fit to enter the ring again. 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. He served 15 months in a Florida jail for sexual assault and was later deported from the United States. Berbick, always a rebel at heart, had other things in mind. 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. Berbick continued to fight, with his final bout being a 2000 win over Canadian journeyman Shane Sutcliffe. Despite all of his troubles, Trevor Berbick was seen as a legendary hero in Jamaica. They spoke for themselves, they fought for themselves and the fans who paid to see them, and they fought for the sport that gave them a chance to build new lives. The 52-year-old boxer represented Jamaica at the 1976 Montreal Olympics before settling there for a number of years. Berbick, a 27-year-old Jamaican fighting out of Canada, was rated fourth by the WBA and sported a 19-2-1 record that included 17 knockouts. But in boxing, landed punches are the ultimate currency. Try again later. His body was found at the. 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 . Berbick died on October 28, 2006 at the age of 52 years. Berbick entered the fight as the Canadian and Commonwealth heavyweight champion, as well as the WBA's fourth-ranked heavyweight contender. They didnt anticipate the expenses. From Florida, Berbick was deported to Jamaica, where he moved in with his mother and began menacing his neighbourhood. Boxing Record Featured Opponents Hasim Rahman Larry Holmes He also said Alis slurring was circumstantial rather than innate. Failed to remove flower. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. His midnight-blue suit, gaudy tie, white pocket square kerchief, and sunglasses out of place among the pastel shirts, Zubaz, and tracksuits. But Ali displayed his trademark courage in surviving that round as well as announcing his permanent exit from the sport as an in-ring participant. Inspired by Ali, a plethora of stars spanning dozens of pounds built on the foundation Ali assembled. A final attempt to regain verticality ended with Berbick tottering into the arms of Mills Lane, who promptly halted the massacre. His shock win over Thomas, who had been a 6/1 favorite going into the fight, set Berbick on the path to an astronomical payday. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. 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. With barely a dozen fights as an amateur, Berbick turned pro on September 27, 1976, scoring a TKO in Shediac, New Brunswick, known as The Lobster Capital of the World.. Despite competing in just 11 amateur bouts, he represented Jamaica at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, losing to eventual silver medalist, Mercia Simon. During the final years of Alis career, it had been feared that once he lost the title and faded from the scene that he would take the sport of boxing with him. Trevor Berbick (1 August 1954 - 28 October 2006) was a Jamaican professional boxer who competed from 1976 to 2000. On October 28, 2006, after a night out at a bar, Berbick was on his way back home when he was ambushed by two men in the darkness. But then he got tired and he just couldnt (keep going). Ali absorbed 43% of Berbicks total punches and 45% of his power shots while landing just 24% and 26% respectively. He was born in Norwich, Port Antonio, Jamaica on August 1, 1954. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. Anyone can read what you share. A system error has occurred. If Ali could do this five more times, he would do enough to earn the decision and make a good case for the fight he wanted next a crack at Mike Weavers WBA title. Eventually, Berbick spent 15 months in prison. Learn more about merges. Thats the story everyone knows. (5), For a fight of this magnitude, this tops it all, Eddie Futch, who guided Pete McIntyre to a 10-round decision win over Mike Fisher, told the New York Times George Vescey. - YouTube 0:00 / 14:23 #trevorberbick #boxer #jamaican The REAL " Trevor Berbick" Story- His. If nothing else, Ali could be proud that he earned the privilege of ending this fight on his feet instead of on his stool. After his release, Berbick returned to the ring in the mid-1990s and only a failed CAT Scan in 2000 kept Berbick from continuing his farcical career into his fifties. A jury Thursday found Harold Berbick, 21, guilty of murder and Kenton Gordon, 19, guilty of manslaughter in the death of Berbick, who was 54. Such would also be the case with Ali, and just as it had been with the others, the fears of boxings impending extinction proved unfounded. 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. No excuses this time, but at least I didnt go down. One of the few Lost Generation pugs not associated with Don King, Tate had won the vacant WBA heavyweight title in October 1979, but his championship reign barely lasted six months. They were convicted in December, 2007, and sentenced to life in prison. 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. He knows what to do but he cant do it. Then, ever the hopeful soul, Dunphy added, at least he cant up to now. His right hands, once crisp and stinging, lacked speed and were occasionally delivered with an awkward downward chop. Why Michael Spinks Didnt Want to Leave His Dressing Room to Fight Mike Tyson. Legal Statement. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. The Brooklyn was coming out in me. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. He turned pro that fall and went on to win 18 of his first 20 professional fights (one loss, one draw), earning him a shot at Larry Holmes heavyweight crown in April 1981. Alonzo Butler submitted the kindest card at 97-94 while colleagues Jay Edson and Clyde Gray delivered harsher news by seeing Berbick the 99-94 winner. With seven WBC title defenses since 1978, Holmes was an established champion coming off the first marquee win of his title reign: a pitiful butchering of the feeble Muhammad Ali. CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices. 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. He enjoyed the city so much he decided to move there to continue his training, later moving to Florida. 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. "I have no age.". He fought in the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, and stayed there to turn professional, winning his first 11 fights (10 by knockout) before losing for the first time to Bernardo Mercado in 1979. Berbick might have believed his words, but when he got the chance to dominate inside the ring he took it with both hands. If you couldnt beat Trevor Berbick there was really no point in going on. Fittingly, for Berbick, at least, the HBO card was billed Judgment Day. Without the mobility of a James Tillis or Mitch Green, the only men to have gone the distance with Tyson in 27 starts, Berbick would be more than just the 3/1 underdog looking for the upset: he would be the sporting equivalent of a ritual sacrifice. For Berbick, the loss was humiliating. After all, Berbick would steer himself back home to peruse his dog-eared bible after training sessions, break out into impromptu hymns, and spend most of his Sundays at church, where he would often preach, energetically, at the pulpit. Thanks to the gold medalists savant-like skills in terms of self-marketing he revived his sport in a way few others had and the results spoke for themselves. Obituaries Funeral Homes Newspapers Send Flowers News & Advice Memorials. 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. 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. One time 50 ships were in the harbour and a lot of the guys were all there for liberty. 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. Read Chapel of Flowers obituaries, find service information, send sympathy gifts, or plan and price a funeral in San Jose, CA. The more energetic Berbick bounded into the squared circle four minutes later and as he danced around the ring a stony Ali ignored him instead of launching into his usual pre-fight antics. Photo by Focus on Sport/ Getty Images. This was about Ali. 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. These extracurricular pursuits distracted him right up to the day of the fight, when he could be found in the lobby of the Riviera Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, hawking cassette tapes of a song he had recorded in hopes of landing a major label contract. Please try again later. cemeteries found in Norwich, Portland, Jamaica will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Im from your part of the world. Then, to punctuate his point, he fired a hook toward Alis head and blasted more rights to the ribs as Ali clinched. Thanks for signing up! Even when Holmes, from the dais, insulted him, Berbick remained motionless. (2) While the exotic locale stacked up well with other Ali fight sites, everything else connected with the venture was anything but paradise. Steve Farhood, elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2017, was also in the room, a room that stirred feelings of unworthiness. More in News . Photo by Focus on Sport/ Getty Images. But when Holmes wrapped up the press conference and returned to his suite, Berbick gave a surreal, disjointed speech to the media that included accusations Holmes had consorted with a prostitute and had conspired with her to destroy not only his marriage but his career, as well. But Ali was such a charismatic and financial force that some were still willing to move mountains for him. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. He also was convicted in 1992 of second-degree grand theft for forging his ex-wife's signature to get a mortgage on a home. On November 26, 1986, Berbick squared off against Tyson at the Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Police have arrested a man and. The Berbick fight was Alis first loss in 16 appearances outside the United States. 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.. KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) A nephew of the former heavyweight champion Trevor Berbick was convicted along with another man of killing Berbick. In December, he was arrested in an alleged plot to commit mortgage fraud. 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. All rights reserved. Berbicks body blasts and hurtful hooks broke the spell that had ensnared so many others. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. Ive got to face the facts. But there was also a dark side to Trevor Berbick. To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Sure, Ali could never dethrone Holmes, but he might have a chance against Weaver, who was out-boxed by Tate for nearly the entire fight before a miraculous hook flattened Tate with 45 seconds left in the final round, they might have said to themselves. Quite literally. That fight was like watching a mugging. Former world lightheavyweight champ Freddie Mills died of gunshot wounds to the head in 1965. The former fighter, believed to be 52, was pronounced dead by a doctor in the church courtyard. 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. He later reentered the US and worked as a trainer and coach. Berbick made his professional boxing debut at the age of 22 on September 27, 1976. Berbick's career soured following the loss to Tyson and he began to run into legal trouble. When his immigration status in Canada lapsed, Berbick snuck back into the U.S. illegally. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. San Jose, CA 95112. He told me to come on down and join them boxing. In September 1991, Berbick was placed on probation for assaulting his former business manager. Make sure that the file is a photo. The following year, he was convicted in Florida of raping a family baby sitter and was sentenced to four years in prison. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. 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. Berbick continued to fight, with his final bout being a 2000 win over Canadian journeyman Shane Sutcliffe. As the bell sounded for round eight Ali broke out the old butterfly float and a facsimile of the bee-like sting. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. As the crowd chanted Alis name, Berbick gestured with his gloves as if to say why are you cheering him? His breakdown began in the autumn of 1990 when he was arrested for assaulting a man he believed had been courting his wife, Nadine.