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From the archive · April 29, 1978

Alexis Arguello vs Rey Tam

WBC World Super-featherweight Title · Forum, Inglewood, California

Alexis Arguello

Record 54-4-0 · 129½ lb

Rey Tam

Record 22-0-1 · 129¾ lb

Alexis Arguello vs Rey Tam, Saturday, April 29, 1978

The fight

On Saturday, April 29, 1978, Alexis Arguello, hailing from Managua, Nicaragua, successfully defended his WBC World Super Featherweight Title against challenger Rey Tam at the Forum in Inglewood, California. The event was promoted by Don Fraser and Don King Productions, with Rudy Jordan serving as the referee. Arguello entered the ring with a record of 54-4-0, while Tam, from Baguio City, Philippines, boasted an undefeated record of 22-0-1.

Both fighters weighed in just below the 130 lb limit, with Arguello at 129½ lbs and Tam at 129¾ lbs. Tam, a southpaw, faced a formidable opponent in Arguello, who had already held the WBA World Featherweight title. This was Arguello's first defense of his WBC World Super Featherweight Title.

Throughout the fight, Arguello demonstrated his dominance, winning every round. The Nicaraguan champion's skill and experience were evident as he controlled the pace and action in the ring. Despite Tam's best efforts, he struggled to find a way to counter Arguello's offense.

The fight came to an abrupt end in the fifth round when Arguello landed a devastating left-right combination, prompting Tam to throw up his hands in surrender. The referee, Rudy Jordan, stepped in to stop the fight at 1:54 in the round, awarding Arguello a TKO victory.

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