Evander Holyfield vs. Michael Moorer II In an effort to unify the three titles, the WBA and IBF organizations announced a unification bout between Holyfield and Moorer set for November 8, 1997. The two men had previously fought each other on April 22, 1994 for Holyfield's WBA, IBF and "Lineal" Heavyweight championships. In a close fight, Moorer earned an upset victory over Holyfield to become the first southpaw to win a major Heavyweight title. However, his reign would not last long as he was defeated by 45-year-old George Foreman via 10th-round knockout in his first defense of the titles. Foreman, however, would eventually be stripped of
Michael Moorer vs. George Foreman match with Riddick Bowe, and relinquished his IBF title on June 28, 1995. Foreman would continue to be recognized as the "Lineal" Heavyweight champion until losing to Shannon Briggs on November 22, 1997. After Foreman was stripped of the IBF title, Schulz met Francois Botha for the now-vacant title. Botha would win the match, but tested positive for steroids after the fight and was stripped of the title. As such, Michael Moorer was given another chance at the title and would face Schulz for the once again vacant title. In a close match, Moorer was able to recapture the IBF