On this day in history, Palomino defeats Stracey

On June 22nd 1976, Carlos Palomino traveled all the way to Wembley to challenge John H. Stracey the man who defeated legendary Jose “Mantequilla” Napoles to become World Boxing Council welterweight champion of the world.

John H. Stracey started boxing well, however the challenger’s body attack took its toll and he was stopped in the 12th round in a duels scheduled 15 rounds.

“If´d had a rest and come in more refreshed, that might have made a big difference. I really should have a break- I mean, three world title fights in six months is ridiculous. Still, he was a very good body attacker and he caught me downstairs” reflected Stracey decades after their fight.

Carlos Palomino from Sonora is considered among the finest welterweights in Mexico’s illustrious boxing tradition he successfully defended the crown seven times.

He lost the championship through a disputed split decision against Puerto Rican Wilfred Benítez on January 14, 1979 in San Juan Puerto Rico.

After that he had one more fight with Panamanian Roberto Durán, which he lost on points on June 22, 1979. Right there and then he made the decision to retire. He would return to fight as pro almost two decades later.