Renaldo Snipes, known as "Mister" Snipes, carved out a notable career in professional boxing, highlighted by his challenge for the world heavyweight championship against Larry Holmes in 1981. Born Reenaold Snipes on August 15, 1956, this American retired professional boxer left his mark by not only facing some of the sport's biggest names but also by achieving significant victories and delivering a memorable moment against one of the era's dominant
champions. His journey from a successful amateur to a world-class professional contender showcases a fighter with skill and determination.
Early Career and Rise to Contention
Snipes began his professional career with a first-round knockout of Carl Halliburton, a fight that took place on the same card as future heavyweight contender James Tillis's debut. This successful start was a sign of things to come, as Snipes amassed 21 more wins without a loss, building an impressive undefeated record. His path to a title shot was paved with significant victories, including a split decision win over then-WBA light heavyweight champion Eddie Mustafa Muhammad on May 17, 1981. Just a few months later, on August 9, 1981, he secured another split decision victory against heavyweight contender Gerrie Coetzee. These consecutive wins propelled him into the top ranks of the WBC heavyweight division, moving from 11th to 8th by the time of his championship bout.
Before turning professional, Snipes also had a distinguished amateur career, becoming a two-time Chicago Golden Gloves Champion in 1977 and 1978. Although he experienced a first-round stoppage loss to future heavyweight contender Eddie Gregg in the 1978 Intercity match-ups between Chicago and New York Golden Glove winners, his amateur success laid a strong foundation for his professional aspirations.
The Holmes Fight and Its Aftermath
On November 6, 1981, Renaldo Snipes challenged Larry Holmes for the WBC and The Ring heavyweight titles in Pittsburgh. Despite Holmes being the undefeated champion, Snipes delivered a shocking moment in the seventh round by knocking Holmes down. This was a rare occurrence for Holmes, and it demonstrated Snipes's power and ability to compete at the highest level. Although Holmes rose at the count of four and eventually stopped Snipes in the eleventh round, the knockdown remained a significant highlight of Snipes's career. Snipes later suggested Holmes benefited from a long count, though film evidence indicated Holmes recovered quickly enough.
Following the Holmes bout, Snipes continued to face a string of world-class fighters, often engaging in entertaining brawls. His career record ultimately stood at 39 wins (22 by knockout), 8 losses, and 1 draw. He fought notable boxers such as Trevor Berbick, Gerrie Coetzee, Tim Witherspoon, Greg Page, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, and Johnny du Plooy. In 1990, Snipes was in line for a major fight against Mike Tyson, but a broken right hand sustained in a fight against Jamie Howe cost him that opportunity. After a two-year rehabilitation, he returned to the ring in 1992, winning a split decision against Garing Lane despite an eighth-round knockdown. His career concluded with a valiant effort against the undefeated Jorge Luis Gonzalez in 1993, where he was stopped in the tenth round due to cuts.
