On this day in history, Maurice Hope became WBC champion

March 4th, 1979

Britain’s southpaw Maurice Hope, born in Antigua, and managed throughout his distinguished ring career by the brilliant Terry Lawless, became WBC super welterweight Champion, after defeating Rocky Mattioli by TKO in 9 rounds, at the Ariston de San Remo theater in Italy. The Referee was Ray Solis.