Heavyweight unification series Heavyweight unification series The heavyweight unification series, also known as the Heavyweight World Series, was a sequence of professional boxing matches held in 1986 and 1987 to crown an undisputed champion of the heavyweight class. The series was produced by HBO Sports and promoted by Don King. It ended with Mike Tyson as undisputed champion, holding the championship belts of the International Boxing Federation, World Boxing Association, and World Boxing Council. Prior to the series, the last undisputed heavyweight champion had been Leon Spinks, who won the championship in his 1978 victory over Muhammad Ali. Spinks had been stripped of
Ring 8 and New York State Boxing Hall of Fame Ring 8 and New York State Boxing Hall of Fame Ring 8 and New York State Boxing Hall of Fame refers to Ring 8, a nonprofit organization located in New York City founded in 1954 by ex prize-fighter Jack Grebelsky to help former professional boxers in need of financial assistance, including housing, medical care, and funeral related expenses. Ring 8 is composed of current and ex professional, amateur, and collegiate boxers, referees, trainers, promoters and others involved in the fight game. Ring 8's current president is boxing promoter Bob Duffy, a former New York State Boxing Commissioner. The group holds