Boxing Only


47 years ago

Alfredo Escalera vs Alexis Arguello

Date: 28th January 1978

Venue: Estadio Juan Ramon Loubriel, Bayamon, Puerto Rico

Title: WBC World Super Featherweight Title

Promoter: Don King Productions

Tv: ABC Sports

Alfredo Escalera
( 40 - 7 - 2 )
Weight: 130 lbs

Alexis Arguello
( 52 - 4 - 0 )
Weight: 129½ lbs


On Saturday, 28th January 1978, Alexis Arguello and Alfredo Escalera faced off in a highly anticipated matchup at the Estadio Juan Ramon Loubriel in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. The fight, promoted by Don King, was for the WBC World Super Featherweight Title, with Escalera making his 11th defense. Arguello, hailing from Managua, Nicaragua, entered the ring with a record of 52-4-0, while Escalera, a native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, held a record of 40-7-2. The fighters weighed in at 129½ lbs for Arguello and 130 lbs for Escalera.

Arguello started off strong, dropping Escalera in the second round. However, the champion recovered and began answering Arguello's onslaught with his own combinations. Fearing a potential points decision in Escalera's favor due to the fight taking place in his home country, Arguello opted for an aggressive strategy. Unbeknownst to him, he was accumulating a points lead on the three judges' scorecards.

Escalera remained confident in his ability to win the fight, despite Arguello's powerful punches taking their toll. He continued to press on, landing hard punches to Arguello's body. By the eighth round, Escalera had sustained various injuries, including a broken nose, a closed eye, and a cut on his tongue.

Entering the tenth round, the crowd's energy seemed to suggest Escalera's chances of victory were waning. However, he managed to rebound in the following three rounds, nearly knocking Arguello out in the twelfth round as the crowd roared in support.

In the thirteenth round, Arguello launched a big attack, landing on Escalera with a series of hard punches. Escalera's injuries led to profuse bleeding, prompting referee Arthur Mercante to stop the fight. Arguello emerged victorious, claiming the WBC World Jr. Lightweight title with a thirteenth-round knockout.


Alfredo Escalera vs Alexis Arguello on YouTube




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