After a delay of more than an hour, the electronic beat of "Funkytown" filled Joe Louis Arena for the second time tonight as Leon Spinks made his way to the ring for the main event.
Moments later, WBC heavyweight titlist Larry Holmes, who also earned the lineal title recognized by The Ring magazine by beating Muhammad Ali last October, finally appeared and made his ring walk to accompaniment of
"Stomp" by The Brothers Johnson. His grim expression offered no hint as to what caused the delay, or how it was resolved.
The crowd, driven into a frenzy by the bass solo, rose in tribute to the former champions who joined Holmes and Spinks in the ring during a ceremony honoring Joe Louis.
Jersey Joe Walcott and Jack Sharkey, both Louis knockout victims, were applauded warmly. Ali got a louder ovation, with the crowd reaching full roar when Max Schmeling, Louis's fierce rival in the 1930s but a close friend in recent years, stepped through the ropes.
The Temptations joined the parade of former champions and delivered a slightly funkified version of
"Joe Louis was a Fighting Man," a hit of the 1940s (NOTE: the video is particularly worth checking out for the slide show of old Louis photos that runs with The Dixieaires' harmonies.)
After Detroit native Aretha Franklin delivered a version of "Amazing Grace" that, quite frankly,
seemed to never end, followed by a less-drawn out
"Star Spangled Banner," during which she accompanied herself on organ, referee Richard Steele brought Holmes and Spinks to the center of the ring for their pre-fight instructions. The fighters returned to their corners, and the opening bell rang ...