On This Day in Boxing History… April 13th

1980.- Chan Hee Park vs. Alberto “Costeñito” Morales

In a grueling battle of endurance at the Taegu Gymnasium in South Korea, local idol Chan Hee Park successfully defended his WBC World Flyweight title. The Mexican challenger, Alberto “Costeñito” Morales, displayed exceptional heart throughout the 15-round contest, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the superior technique and punch volume of the South Korean champion. Park secured a unanimous decision victory, solidifying his dominance in the division before his home crowd. The referee for the bout was Takeshi Shimakawa, with Anselmo Escobedo and Kyu Soon Kang serving as judges.

1982.- Tadashi Tomori vs. Amado Urzua

Tokyo’s iconic Korakuen Hall, the “Mecca of Japanese Boxing,” set the stage for Tadashi Tomori’s triumph over Mexico’s Amado “El Panterita” Urzua. In this rematch, Tomori successfully avenged the loss he suffered to Urzua just months prior when he first dropped the belt. Utilizing a smarter game plan and the home-ring advantage, the Japanese fighter reclaimed and defended his WBC World Light Flyweight title, outpointing the gritty Mexican warrior in a high-speed display of technical precision.

1986.- Jung-Koo Chang vs. Germán Torres

In Seoul, South Korea, the legendary Jung-Koo Chang, famously known as “The Korean Hawk,” provided another masterclass on why he is considered one of the greatest lower-weight fighters of all time. Chang defeated Mexican challenger Germán Torres via decision to mark another successful defense of his WBC Light Flyweight title. Torres, a highly technical fighter who was always a threat on Asian soil, was unable to solve Chang’s relentless pace. With this win, Chang continued one of the most storied and longest title defense streaks of the era.

1997.- Saman Sorjaturong vs. Julio Coronel

Thai power was on full display at Chaiyaphum Stadium as champion Saman Sorjaturong made quick work of Colombian challenger Julio Coronel. Sorjaturong, renowned for his devastating punching power, ended the bout via 5th-round knockout to retain his WBC Light Flyweight championship. While Coronel attempted to establish his rhythm in the opening frames, he eventually succumbed to the pressure and heavy hands of the local monarch, who was then at the absolute peak of his professional career.