On This Day in Boxing… April 9

1984.- Mexico’s Gabriel Bernal captured the WBC World Flyweight Championship with a spectacular second-round knockout of Japan’s Koji Kobayashi at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo. Bernal showcased overwhelming power to crown himself in enemy territory.

1988.- American Evander Holyfield became the first undisputed cruiserweight champion in history by knocking out Puerto Rico’s Carlos “Azúcar” De León in 8 rounds, seizing his WBC title. This historic unification bout took place at the Caesars Palace Sports Pavilion in Las Vegas.

1994.- At the Reno Hilton Goldwyn Ballroom in Reno, Nevada, American Tracy Harris Patterson retained his WBC World Super Bantamweight crown by defeating Richard Duran via unanimous decision. Patterson’s superior technique dictated the pace throughout the 12-round contest.

1994.- The legendary Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker successfully defended his WBC World Welterweight title by defeating Puerto Rico’s Santos Cardona by decision. The bout, which showcased Whitaker’s masterclass defense, was held at the Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia.

2005.- Mexican idol Marco Antonio Barrera defended his WBC World Super Featherweight championship with a lightning-fast second-round knockout of South Africa’s Mzonke Fana. This display of power by the “Baby-Faced Assassin” took place at the Don Haskins Convention Center in El Paso, Texas.