On This Day… January 14th

Saensak Muangsurin vs. Monroe Brooks Chiang Mai

Thailand

WBC Super Lightweight

Title This was a grueling war of attrition fought under the sweltering Thai heat. Brooks proved to be a far more resilient challenger than expected, weathering the champion Muangsurin’s heavy artillery and answering back with effective combinations. The bout entered the championship rounds with both fighters exhausted, but in the 15th and final frame, Muangsurin unleashed a closing offensive that stopped Brooks in his tracks.

Milton McCrory vs. Milton Guest

Detroit, Michigan

WBC Welterweight Title

Milton “Ice Man” McCrory made the first defense of the title he inherited following the retirement of Sugar Ray Leonard, fighting in front of a home crowd at the historic Joe Louis Arena. McCrory utilized his reach advantage and a polished jab to dominate Milton Guest, a game opponent who attempted to apply pressure but was ultimately overwhelmed by the champion’s superior technique. McCrory retained his crown via sixth-round TKO.

Badou Jack vs. James DeGale

Brooklyn, New York

WBC Super Middleweight Title

This encounter is remembered as one of the most dramatic and physical battles of the last decade in the 168-pound division. It was a unification showdown between the WBC champion (Jack) and the IBF champion (DeGale).

DeGale sent Jack to the canvas in the opening round with a powerful left hand. However, Jack clawed his way back round after round, applying relentless pressure on a fading DeGale. In the final round, Jack returned the favor by dropping DeGale, leaving the outcome in the hands of the judges, who ruled the fight a Majority Draw.