In 1994, he landed a title shot against Evander Holyfield for the IBF and WBA Heavyweight crowns.  On April 22,1994, before a Pay Per View audience, Moorer overcame a second round knockdown and went on to win a majority decision over Holyfield.  In his first defense in 1994, Moorer ahead on all three judges' scorecards, was knocked out by George Foreman in round 10 - losing the world championship. He also lost his undefeated record that night.  However, Moorer regrouped, and in 1996 regained the IBF Heavyweight title by beating Axel Schultz in Berlin.  He retained the belt until November of 1997 where he lost a re-match against Evander Holyfield.  He retired for three years before returning to the ring.  For the next few years he continued to fight, albeit less frequently.  Then in December 2004, he staged a big time rally from an early deficit to defeat former Cruiserweight Champion Vassily Jirov - handing Vassily his first ever knockout loss.

That victory revitalized Michael's career and placed him back amongst the ranks of contention for the world title.  He is serious about some "UNFINISHED BUSINESS" and is seeking bouts against the likes of Evander Holyfield (a once-and-for-all re-match) and any of the current Champions.  As of October 2007, his professional ring record stands at 50 wins, 4 losses and 1 draw, with 39 wins by way of knockout.