On this Day… February 8^th

1924.- Pancho Villa, a Philippine fighter considered as one of the best flyweight Champions, defended his crown by defeating American challenger, George Marks. The event was staged at the 2nd Madison Square Garden in New York.

1980.- Panamanian Hilario Zapata knocked out American Joe Olivo in 14 rounds, at Nuevo Panama Gym, defending his WBC light flyweight crown.

1986.- Colombian Miguel “Happy” Lora, defended his WBC bantamweight title defeating Puerto Rican Wilfredo Vazquez by decision, in a great fight held in Miami, Florida.

1997.- British Robin Reid knocked out South African Giovanni Pretorius in 7 rounds, at the London Arena. With this win, Reid retained his WBC super middleweight title.

2014.- Mexican Adrian Hernandez knocked out Puerto Rican Janiel Rivera in the third round, defending his WBC light flyweight title, in Huixquilucan, Estado de Mexico.

2020.- American Gary Russell Jr., defended his WBC featherweight title, dominating Thai Tugstsogt Nyambayar in 12 rounds. The bout took place in Allentown, Pennsylvania.