On This Day… November 24th

Sot Chitalada vs. Jungkoo Chang (11/24/1990)

The bout between the Thai fighter Sot Chitalada and the legendary Korean Jungkoo Chang was the third and final time these two great rivals faced off for the WBC Flyweight World Title. The fight took place in Seoul, South Korea, Chang’s home territory, which added immense pressure on Chitalada.

This clash was the culmination of an epic trilogy. Chang had won the first encounter, and Chitalada had evened the series in the rematch. In this third battle, Chitalada demonstrated technical superiority and control of the pace despite Chang’s aggression and constant frontal attack. The Thai used his reach and mobility to neutralize the local idol. After 12 rounds, Chitalada was declared the winner by decision, ending one of the great flyweight boxing rivalries and retaining his WBC belt. For Chang, it was the final fight of his brilliant career.

Julian Jackson vs. Herol Graham (11/24/1990)

This fight, held in Marbella, Spain, is remembered as one of the clearest examples of the devastating power of the champion, Julian “The Hawk” Jackson. Jackson was defending his WBC Middleweight World Title against the British fighter Herol Graham, a southpaw stylist known for his elusiveness and unorthodox movements.

During the opening rounds, Graham displayed his defensive mastery, frustrating Jackson and leading on points by avoiding most of his powerful shots. The fight seemed headed for an upset or at least an uncomfortable decision for the champion. However, in the fourth round, Jackson, with the patience of a predator, found the perfect angle. He connected with a short, fast, and brutal right hand that landed directly on Graham’s chin. The blow was so impactful that Graham fell stiffly to the canvas, suffering a dramatic knockout that instantly became a timeless highlight. The KO victory in the fourth round cemented Jackson’s reputation as the most feared puncher of his era.

Edgar Sosa vs. Roberto Leyva (11/24/2007)

Mexican idol Edgar Sosa defended his WBC Light Flyweight World Title at home in Veracruz, Mexico, against his compatriot Roberto Leyva. Sosa was at his peak, consolidating a reign that established him as one of the most active and solid champions in the lower weight classes.

The fight was a rapid display of Sosa’s superiority. From the opening bell, Sosa imposed a frantic pace and constant pressure on Leyva. The difference in level quickly became apparent. Sosa relentlessly punished his opponent’s body and head, showing clinical precision. The end came in the fourth round, when the punishment became unsustainable and the referee stopped the action, granting the technical knockout victory to Edgar Sosa, who successfully defended his world crown.

Xiong Zhao Zhong vs. Javier Martínez (11/24/2012)

This historic contest marked a milestone for Chinese boxing. Xiong Zhao Zhong faced the Mexican Javier Martínez for the vacant WBC Strawweight World Title in Kunming, China, Xiong’s hometown.

The fight was a duel of styles and determination. Xiong, fueled by the support of his audience, showed great tenacity, pressing forward and throwing fast combinations. Martínez, for his part, tried to use his experience to counter. After 12 highly competitive rounds, the judges awarded the victory by unanimous decision to Xiong Zhao Zhong. With this win, Xiong became the first Chinese boxer in history to win a world boxing title from one of the four major organizations, a monumental achievement for the sport in his country.

Robert Guerrero vs. Andre Berto (11/24/2012)

In an exciting and anticipated bout, American Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero faced Andre Berto for the WBC Interim Welterweight World Title in Ontario, California. The fight was intense and action-packed from the very first minute.

Guerrero adopted an aggressive strategy, seeking close quarters and imposing his physicality. Surprisingly, he knocked down Berto in the first round and again in the second. Despite the early knockdowns, Berto showed great heart and recovered, making the second half of the fight a bloody exchange of punches and emotions. Guerrero suffered a cut, and Berto remained competitive, but the initial damage and Guerrero’s constant pressure were enough for the judges to grant him the victory by unanimous decision. It was a brave performance by both contenders, with Guerrero solidifying his position in the welterweight division.

Wanheng Menayothin vs. Young Gil Bae (11/24/2015)

The Thai fighter Wanheng Menayothin, known for his impressive undefeated streak, defended his WBC Strawweight World Title against Korean challenger Young Gil Bae in Chonburi, Thailand.

Menayothin, a methodical and highly efficient boxer, dominated the bout with his consistent jab and relentless pressure. Although the Korean tried to stay in the fight, the Thai champion gradually wore down his resistance round after round. In the ninth round, Menayothin intensified his attack, landing a combination that put Young Gil Bae in serious trouble. The punishment forced the referee to step in and stop the fight, giving Wanheng Menayothin the technical knockout victory in the ninth round, as he continued his historic undefeated run.