Michael is a native of Monessen, Pennsylvania. 1986 United States Amateur Light Middleweight (156 pound) champion. Turn pro at 19 years of age under the tutelage of hall of fame trainer Emanuel Steward in Detroit. He was a member of the Steward's Kronk Gym Team.Michael won the WBO Light Heavyweight Championship on December 2, 1988 by knocking out Ramzi Hassan in the fifth round.He won the WBO Heavyweight Championship on May 15 1992, at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, with a fifth round TKO.Aprill 22, 1994, Michael won the WBA and IBF Heavyweight Championship at Ceasar's Palace in Las Vegas, with a 12 round decision over Evander Holyfield.June 22, 1196, he regained the IBF Heavyweight Championship with a 12 decision over Axel Schultz, in Dortmund Germany.Michael is the first southpaw in the history of boxing to ever capture the Heavyweight Title.He won his first 28 professional fights by knockout. His professional record is 49 wins (38 by knockout), 4 losses and 1 draw. Show less «