March 3 - John Ruiz defeats Evander Holyfield in their second fight by a decision in 12 rounds, winning the WBA's world Heavyweight championship, becoming the first Hispanic to win the world Heavyweight title.
September 29 - In a gala event dedicated to the victims and rescuers of 9/11, Bernard Hopkins[?] defeats Felix Trinidad by a knockout in round 12 to unify the world's Middleweight championships.
... actor (+ 1976)
May 21 - Fats Waller, pianist (+ 1943)
May 21 - Robert Montgomery, actor (+ 1981)
June 2 - Johnny Weissmuller, American swimmer and actor
July ...