On This Day… December 17th

1965: The Italian Derby — Benvenuti vs. Mazzinghi II

In one of the most intense rivalries in European boxing, Nino Benvenuti successfully defended his world titles against compatriot Sandro Mazzinghi in Rome. It was a 15-round technical and physical battle in which Benvenuti reaffirmed his dominance after having snatched the title months earlier, solidifying his status as a national idol in Italy.

1966: Ki Soo Kim Shines in Seoul

The first Korean world champion, Ki Soo Kim, defended his Super Welterweight belt against American Stan Harrington. In a closely contested fight in Seoul, Kim utilized his strength to secure a 15-round decision victory, sustaining the boxing euphoria in his home country.

1975: “Lumumba” Estaba Conquers Japan

Venezuelan Luis “Lumumba” Estaba traveled to Naha, Japan, to defend his WBC Light Flyweight title against local favorite Takenobu Shimabukuro. Estaba demonstrated his elite status by stopping the challenger in the tenth round via TKO, reaffirming himself as one of the most dangerous small-weight fighters of the 1970s.

1990: Raúl “Jíbaro” Pérez Delivers in Tijuana

Fighting in his hometown of Tijuana, the lanky champion Raúl “Jíbaro” Pérez defended his WBC World Bantamweight crown against Candelario Carmona. Pérez made the most of his reach and power advantage to dispatch Carmona with a precise KO in the eighth round, delighting his local fans.

1999: “El Lince” Castillejo Roars in Madrid

Spain’s Francisco Javier Castillejo defended his WBC Super Welterweight title in Madrid against Denmark’s Mikael Rask. Castillejo, in peak form, dominated the action until the referee halted the bout in the seventh round (TKO), cementing one of the most glorious eras for Spanish boxing.

2006: Injin Chi Reclaims the Crown

In a highly anticipated rematch in Seoul, South Korea’s Injin Chi regained the WBC World Featherweight title by defeating Mexico’s Rodolfo “Rudy” López. After 12 action-packed rounds, Chi secured a unanimous decision victory, bringing an end to the short-lived reign of the fighter from Quintana Roo.

2011: Andre Ward Crowned “Super Six” Champion

In the final of the prestigious Super Six World Boxing Classic tournament, Andre Ward unified the WBA and WBC Super Middleweight titles by defeating Britain’s Carl Froch. Ward delivered a masterclass in defensive boxing and counterpunching in Atlantic City, winning by unanimous decision and establishing himself as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.

2021: Beterbiev’s Devastating Power

In an exhibition of resilience and brutality, Artur Beterbiev retained his WBC and IBF Light Heavyweight titles in Montreal. Despite suffering a deep gash on his forehead due to an accidental headbutt, Beterbiev systematically wore down mandatory challenger Marcus Browne before knocking him out in the ninth round, maintaining his 100% knockout ratio.