On This Day in Boxing… March 17th

1969.- In a display of technical endurance in Las Vegas, Nevada, Freddie Little successfully defended his WBC Super Welterweight crown by outpointing Stanley Hayward in a grueling 15-round unanimous decision. Little, known for his textbook boxing, managed to impose his style against a relentless challenger, cementing his place as one of the first great monarchs of the 154-pound division.

1973.- Mexican power resonated in Los Angeles, California, as Rodolfo “Gato” González retained his WBC Lightweight championship by knocking out American Ruben Navarro in the ninth round. “Gato” unleashed a systematic body attack that eventually broke Navarro’s resistance, much to the delight of the Mexican fans at the Inglewood Forum.

1977.- At the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico, local idol Alfredo “Salsero” Escalera delivered a masterclass in aggression, knocking out Ronnie McGarvey in just six rounds. With this victory, “Salsero” completed one of the most memorable defenses of his WBC Super Featherweight title, reaffirming his status as one of the island’s most spectacular fighters.

1984.- The destructive power of Edwin “Chapo” Rosario was on full display in San Juan, Puerto Rico. “Chapo” needed less than three minutes to dispatch Roberto Elizondo with a blistering first-round knockout. With this win, Rosario defended his WBC Lightweight strap, proving he possessed one of the most feared punches of the 1980s.

1990.- In one of the most dramatic and debated fights in history, Julio César Chávez knocked out Meldrick Taylor with only two seconds remaining in the twelfth round in Las Vegas. Taylor was leading on the scorecards, but the heart and persistence of the “Great Mexican Champion” paid off at the final gasp, unifying the WBC Super Lightweight title in what was named “Fight of the Year.”

1995.- The fearsome puncher from the Virgin Islands, Julian “The Hawk” Jackson, reclaimed world glory by capturing the WBC Middleweight title. Jackson needed only two rounds to starch Italy’s Agostino Cardamone in Worcester, Massachusetts, reminding the world that his power remained the most lethal in professional boxing.

2000.- In Denver, Colorado, American stylist Stevie Johnston showcased his technical superiority by knocking out Mexico’s Julio Álvarez in the second round. With a swift and convincing performance, Johnston defended his WBC Lightweight crown, remaining one of the division’s most solid champions at the turn of the millennium.

2007.- In a tension-filled rematch in Levallois, France, Jean-Marc Mormeck regained his pride and the WBC Cruiserweight title by defeating Jamaica’s O’Neil Bell via unanimous decision. It was a battle of attrition where Mormeck’s strategy was key to avenging his previous loss and reclaiming the Green and Gold belt.

2007.- In an epic clash between two of Mexico’s greatest warriors in Las Vegas, Juan Manuel Márquez defeated Marco Antonio Barrera by unanimous decision. Márquez captured the WBC Super Featherweight title in a bout that was a true physical chess match, further elevating the prestige of Mexican boxing on the world stage.

2018.- California’s pride, José Carlos Ramírez, fulfilled his childhood dream by capturing the WBC Super Lightweight title. Ramírez defeated the tough Amir Imam via unanimous decision at New York’s legendary Madison Square Garden, beginning a reign marked by social activism and an unyielding fighting spirit.