 David "Bomber" Pearce while still in his prime was due to fight Buster Douglas in Columbus, Ohio, USA, but the bout was cancelled on 3 hrs notice by the BBBoC whilst Pearce was warming up in the changing room.Donnie Long, replaced Pearce, Buster Douglas had fought for the
IBF World heavyweight title in his previous bout.Pearce was seen as the first real Cruiserweight from Great Britain, but due to the British Boxing Board of Control reluctance to recognise the division, he was unable to fight for the WBA Cruiserweight title in 1983 after signing the contracts with promoter Morgans Palle.