On This Day in Boxing… March 20

1970.- Bangkok, Thailand – In a 15-round battle that kept the Thai fans on the edge of their seats, local hero Chartchai Chionoi regained the WBC World Flyweight Championship by defeating the gritty Mexican Efrén “El Alacrán” Torres via unanimous decision. This marked the third and final installment of a historic trilogy for the lower weight divisions.

1970.- Berlin, Germany – American Freddie Little retained his WBC World Super Welterweight crown by outpointing local challenger Gerhard Piaskowy over 15 rounds. Little showcased his technical mastery on European soil, marking one of the most solid defenses of his championship reign.

1976.- London, England – British idol John H. Stracey successfully defended his WBC Welterweight Championship in front of his home crowd at the Empire Pool, Wembley. Stracey stopped dangerous American challenger Hedgemon Lewis via TKO in the 10th round, cementing his status as one of the elite 147-pounders of the era.

1982.- Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico – In a stunning display of explosive power, Colombian Prudencio Cardona shocked the world by knocking out Mexico’s Antonio Avelar in just one round. With this victory, Cardona captured the WBC World Flyweight title on foreign soil.

1987.- Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico – The master technician Gilberto Román successfully defended his WBC Super Flyweight Championship against the Filipino Frank Cedeño. Román delivered a boxing masterclass over 12 rounds to secure a clear unanimous decision before the Mexican border fans.

1992.- Calais, France – In a high-stakes tactical duel, France’s Thierry Jacob dethroned the legendary “Official of Victory,” Mexico’s Daniel Zaragoza, by unanimous decision. Jacob capitalized on his home-turf advantage to seize the WBC Super Bantamweight belt from the veteran Aztec warrior.

1993.- Bangkok, Thailand – Russian stylist Yuri Arbachakov reaffirmed his dominance in the WBC Flyweight division by traveling to Thailand and knocking out local favorite Muangchai Kittikasem in the ninth round. It was an exhibition of precision and power that silenced the Thai arena.

2021.- Moscow, Russia – The fearsome puncher Artur Beterbiev returned to his homeland to defend his WBC Light Heavyweight crown. In a grueling fight of attrition, Beterbiev eventually stopped Germany’s Adam Deines in the 10th round, maintaining his perfect knockout ratio.