June 28 belongs to boxing and international football, headlined by one of the most infamous moments in combat sports history and a pair of iconic European Championship and World Cup performances.
Featured Events
The Bite Fight: Tyson Disqualified Against Holyfield (1997)
Mike Tyson was disqualified in the third round of his WBA Heavyweight Championship rematch against Evander Holyfield at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas after biting off a piece of Holyfield’s right ear. Tyson bit Holyfield a second time moments later before referee Mills Lane stopped the fight. The bout remains one of the most shocking moments in sports history. Tyson was fined $3 million and had his boxing license revoked by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, keeping him out of the ring for over a year.
Balotelli’s Brace Sends Italy Past Germany at Euro 2012
Mario Balotelli delivered the performance of his career, scoring twice in the first half as Italy stunned Germany 2-1 in the Euro 2012 semi-final in Warsaw. Balotelli headed home in the 20th minute and unleashed a powerful strike in the 36th to put Italy in complete control. His shirtless celebration, flexing his muscles, became one of football’s most iconic images. Mesut Ozil pulled one back from the penalty spot in stoppage time, but it was far too late. Italy advanced to the final against Spain.
James Rodriguez Scores Goal of the Tournament as Colombia Tops Uruguay (2014)
James Rodriguez announced himself on the world stage with a stunning volley in Colombia’s 2-0 victory over Uruguay in the World Cup Round of 16 at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro. Rodriguez controlled a long ball on his chest and turned to hit a left-footed volley from 25 yards that dipped over the goalkeeper and into the top corner. The strike was later voted FIFA’s Goal of the Year. Rodriguez finished as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals.
Joe Louis Survives Knockdown to Stop Tony Galento (1939)
Heavyweight champion Joe Louis overcame a third-round knockdown to stop “Two Ton” Tony Galento in the fourth round at Yankee Stadium. The 233-pound Galento, a New Jersey barkeep famous for his pre-fight boast that he would “moider da bum,” caught Louis with a left hook that sent the champion to the canvas. Louis recovered quickly and battered Galento to the canvas three times in the fourth before referee Arthur Donovan stopped the fight. It was one of just three times Louis was knocked down during his reign.
Additional Notable Events
- 2012: Lukas Rosol stuns two-time champion and No. 2 seed Rafael Nadal in a five-set second-round upset at Wimbledon.
- 2014: Brazil survives a penalty shootout against Chile in the World Cup Round of 16 after a 1-1 draw.
- 2007: Frank Thomas hits his 500th career home run as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays, becoming the 21st player in MLB history to reach the milestone.
- 1971: The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously overturns Muhammad Ali’s draft evasion conviction in Clay v. United States.
- 2010: Brazil defeats Chile 3-0 in the World Cup Round of 16 in Johannesburg.
