On This Day in Boxing… March 26th

1927.- The draw at the Chicago Coliseum against Charles “Bud” Taylor was not a failure, but a baptism of fire for one of the most technical and courageous boxers in history. Although he could not claim the bantamweight crown that night, Canzoneri showed astonishing precocity by fighting for a world title at just 18 years old. The title was vacant following the retirement of the legendary Charley Phil Rosenberg. The fight was an exhibition of styles: Canzoneri’s hand speed against Taylor’s physical strength. Taylor prevailed months later, but Canzoneri did not stop. Eventually, he became the second man in history to win titles in three different divisions, facing the best of the “Golden Era,” including Barney Ross and Jimmy McLarnin. He is remembered for his elegant style and his ability to absorb punishment without losing his composure.

1983.- Jung-Koo Chang’s victory over the Panamanian Hilario Zapata marked a changing of the guard in the light flyweight division and the beginning of one of the most impressive hegemonies in Asian boxing. Zapata arrived in Korea as a consolidated champion and a high-level southpaw stylist. However, Chang imposed a frenetic fighting pace and incessant pressure that overwhelmed the Panamanian. In the third round, an explosive combination from Chang sent Zapata to the canvas, stopping the clock and sparking madness in Daejeon. With this triumph, Chang began a reign of 15 successful defenses of his WBC crown, a mark that places him as one of the best small weights of all time. For his part, Zapata would demonstrate his resilience years later by crowning himself again in the flyweight division, confirming that that night in Korea he lost to an extraordinary phenomenon.