44 years ago

Date: 20th January 1980

Title: WBC World Super-featherweight Title

Promoter: Don King Productions

Tv: ABC Wide World Of Sport

Alexis Arguello
( 60 - 5 - 0 )
Weight: 130 lbs

Ruben Castillo
( 43 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 129¾ lbs

On January 20, 1980, at the Community Center in Tucson, Arizona, Alexis Arguello faced Ruben Castillo in a highly anticipated match for the WBC World Super Featherweight Title. With Don King Productions as the promoter and Octavio Meyran as the referee, the fight showcased Arguello's seventh defense of his title. Arguello, hailing from Managua, Nicaragua, entered the ring with a record of 60-5-0, while the undefeated Castillo from Bakersfield, California, boasted a record of 43-0-0. Both fighters weighed in close to the 130 lbs limit, with Arguello at exactly 130 lbs and Castillo slightly lighter at 129¾ lbs.

The fight aired on ABC Wide World Of Sport and attracted significant attention from boxing fans. The early rounds saw Arguello and Castillo trading punches almost evenly, with neither fighter able to establish a clear advantage. After the 9th round, Castillo led on the scorecards of all three judges.

However, the tide began to turn in the 10th round. Arguello, drawing upon his championship experience, felt himself gaining strength while Castillo appeared to weaken. Arguello took the 10th round, setting the stage for a decisive 11th round.

As the 11th round began, Arguello's intentions were clear - he aimed to corner Castillo and finish the fight. True to his plan, Arguello managed to work Castillo into a neutral corner, where he unleashed a barrage of punches to the challenger's face and body. After 15 seconds of relentless assault, Castillo went down.

The referee, Octavio Meyran, stopped the fight at 2:03 of the 11th round, declaring Arguello the winner by TKO.