40 years ago

Date: 13th February 1982

Venue: Civic Center, Beaumont, Texas, USA

Title: WBC World Lightweight Title

Promoter: Top Rank

Tv: NBC Sports

Alexis Arguello
( 69 - 5 - 0 )
Weight: 135 lbs

James Busceme
( 27 - 3 - 0 )
Weight: 134 1/2 lbs

Already a three-weight world champion, Alexis Arguello made the third defence of his WBC World Lightweight Title in his challenger's hometown, Beaumont, Texas. James 'Bubba' Buscemi was a decorated amateur who boxed with the same style as a professional as he did in the amateur code.

Busceme, a fast and clever southpaw gave Arguello problems with his constant movement and counter-punching style in the early rounds but the champion knew that if he just kept the pressure on his challenger he would wear him down and make him vulnerable to his heavier punches later in the fight.

By the end of the 5th round, Arguello had started to land some damaging blows and it was just a matter of time until he closed the show and that happened at 2:35 of the 6th round.

Scores at the time of the stoppage: Arlen Bynum 48-47 | Mike Jacobs 48-47 | Jose Mayorga 49-48.

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