On This Day in Boxing… March 4th

1968: Nino Benvenuti vs. Emile Griffith III

Before an electric crowd in New York City, Italy’s Nino Benvenuti reclaimed the WBC World Middleweight crown by defeating the legend Emile Griffith via unanimous decision. This was the third and final chapter of a classic trilogy. Benvenuti, showcasing polished technique and great endurance, managed to overcome Griffith’s aggressive style in a tactical battle remembered as one of the greatest boxing exhibitions ever held at the “Mecca of Boxing.”

1972: Carlos Monzón vs. Dennis Moyer

The great Argentine champion Carlos Monzón made the fourth defense of his WBC World Middleweight title in Rome, Italy. Facing the seasoned American Dennis Moyer, Monzón proved why he is considered one of the all-time greats. With absolute command of distance and relentless punishment, “Escopeta” stopped Moyer in the fifth round, reaffirming his status as the undisputed 160-pound monarch.

1979: Maurice Hope vs. Rocky Mattioli

In a high-intensity duel in Italy, Britain’s Maurice Hope successfully defended his WBC Super Welterweight title against local idol Rocky Mattioli. Hope utilized his southpaw stance and surgical precision to wear down the defending champion, forcing the end of the fight in the ninth round. It was a victory that consolidated Hope as an elite champion in a highly competitive division.

1994: Gerald McClellan vs. Gilbert Baptist

At the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the fearsome knockout artist Gerald McClellan once again demonstrated why he was the most feared man in the middleweight division. In an exhibition of pure power, McClellan needed only one round to finish Gilbert Baptist. With this lightning-fast victory, he defended his WBC crown and made it clear that his punch was, at that time, the most devastating in world boxing.

2016: Shinsuke Yamanaka vs. Liborio Solís

“God’s Left,” Shinsuke Yamanaka, defended his WBC Bantamweight title in a dramatic fight where both men visited the canvas. Yamanaka showed the heart of a true champion to recover and earn a unanimous decision against the dangerous Venezuelan, Solís.

2016: Ganigan López vs. Yu Kimura

On the same card, Mexico’s Ganigan “Maravilla” López traveled to Japan to dethrone Yu Kimura. With a courageous performance and a perfect strategy, López took the decision and captured the WBC Light Flyweight title, bringing a new Green and Gold belt home to Mexico.

2017: Juan Hernández vs. Nawaphon Sor Rungvisai

In a rare feat for visiting boxers in Thailand, Mexico’s Juan “Churritos” Hernández silenced Bangkok by knocking out the undefeated Nawaphon Sor Rungvisai in just three rounds. With this masterful victory, Hernández captured the WBC World Flyweight title, showcasing astonishing power and precision.

2017: Keith Thurman vs. Danny García

In one of the most anticipated fights of the year at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Keith “One Time” Thurman captured the WBC Welterweight title by defeating Danny “Swift” García via split decision. In a clash of unbeatens, Thurman used his mobility and punch volume to overcome García’s danger, unifying crowns and establishing himself as the best welterweight on the planet at that time.