Great fights commemorating the Independence of Mexico

Now well into September, the flags of Mexico are fluttering In their green, white and red splendor, heralding celebrations adorned and toasted with tostadas, tacos, tamales, and of course, traditional tequila.

Boxing has long adopted dates close to Mexico’s Independence (September 16), as well as May 5, to celebrate the most important fights of the year, when the greatest exponents of world boxing and television stations land awesome  spectaculars.

It was on September 13 when the great Mexican champion, Julio César Chávez, was crowned champ for the first time by overwhelming the then hot favorite, Mario Azabache Martínez. Chávez dominated the scene and landscape for many years on these national days, highlighting that historic victory against his eternal rival, Héctor Macho Camacho and the rematch against Meldrick Taylor.

Oscar de la Hoya took over the stage and participated for several years in the important performances during this weekend. Oscar defeated Chávez precisely on September 18, in what was the last great performance of Chavez. He also faced Tito Trinidad, Fernando Vargas and Shane Mosley.

Erik Terrible Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Márquez followed the tradition, plus Floyd Mayweather.

Floyd defeated Mexicans Saúl Canelo Álvarez and Juan Manuel Márquez. He also defeated Víctor Ortiz, Marcos Maidana and Andre Berto.

Canelo most recently took over the baton, with a grace of  bouts with Gennady Golovkin and Liam Smith.

Others who fought on this date were greats Vicente Saldívar, Carlos Zárate, Mantequilla Napoles and Salvador Sánchez, as well as a large number of fighters and former champions from various decades.