On this day… January 17

1942.- Cassius Clay was born in Louisville, in Kentucky, United States, one of the most brilliant boxers that have ever existed and perhaps the most complete in boxing history. Over the years he converted to Islam and was renamed “Muhammad Ali” making history.

1974.- Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera, world champion in three different divisions, was born. He is known for his epic trilogy against Erik Morales, his two fights against Manny Pacquiao, his rivalry with Naseem Hamed and Juan Manuel Márquez. In 2017 he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

1987.- Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, world champion in two divisions, cruiserweight, and heavyweight, was born. He became the first cruiserweight to hold all four world titles. He is undoubtedly recognized as one of the best Ukrainian boxers of all time.

1988.- Mexican Yazmin Rivas, better known as the “Rusita”, was born. She was bantamweight and super bantamweight world champion. In her career she won multiple awards for her talent and career.

1981.- Marvin Hagler defended his WBC middle title, by knocking out Venezuelan Fulgencio Obelmejias in eight rounds, in Massachusetts, United States.

2009.- Andre Berto defended his WBC welterweight title by defeating Luis Collazo by unanimous decision, in an entertaining fight held in Biloxi, Mississippi, United States.

2015.- Deontay Wilder was crowned WBC heavyweight champion, defeating Haitian Canadian Bermane Stiverne by decision, at Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.

2015.- In Las Vegas, Nevada, Leo Santa Cruz knocked out Jesus Ruiz in the eighth round, to defend his WBC super bantamweight crown.