On This Day… January 13th

Wilfredo Benítez vs. Carlos Palomino

San Juan, Puerto Rico

WBC Welterweight Title

This bout is remembered as a masterclass in defensive boxing. At just 20 years old, Wilfredo “El Radar” Benítez sought his second world title in a different weight class against the rock-solid Mexican-American champion, Carlos Palomino.

Benítez delivered a display of near-superhuman reflexes. Palomino, a disciplined and powerful fighter, applied relentless pressure throughout the 15 rounds, yet he found himself chasing a “ghost” who evaded punches by mere millimeters. Benítez did more than just avoid punishment; he countered with surgical precision. With this victory, Benítez became the youngest boxer in history to become a two-division world champion.

Fabrice Tiozzo vs. Éric Lucas

Saint-Étienne, France

WBC Light Heavyweight Title

In his first title defense, Frenchman Fabrice Tiozzo faced Canadian challenger Éric Lucas in a high-intensity battle of technical skill and physical endurance.

Fighting before a home crowd, Tiozzo utilized his jab and raw power to control the tempo. However, Lucas showcased the trademark toughness that would define his career (eventually becoming a world champion himself years later). Lucas put up a fierce resistance, forcing the champion to dig deep in the final rounds. It was a pivotal fight that solidified Tiozzo’s status as one of the era’s premier light heavyweights and established Lucas as an elite-level contender.

Sirimongkol Singmanassuk vs. Yong-Soo Choi

Tokyo, Japan

WBC Super Featherweight Title

A high-stakes all-Asian showdown for the vacant world title. Thailand’s Singmanassuk traveled to Japan to face the seasoned South Korean veteran, Yong-Soo Choi.

Singmanassuk entered the ring following a career of highs and lows, yet possessing undeniable natural talent. The fight was a tactical and grueling affair; Choi attempted to impose his strength in the pocket, but the Thai fighter made better use of his footwork and long-range combinations to consistently outscore him. Singmanassuk secured a unanimous decision victory, reclaiming his status as a world champion and proving his elite caliber.