Barry Jones vs Wilson Palacio

On December 19, 1997, the London Arena hosted a tactical clash for the vacant WBO World Super Featherweight title between undefeated Barry Jones and Colombian Wilson Palacio. The matchup presented clear stylistic contrasts - Jones, known for finesse but carrying only one knockout in his 16 wins, against Palacio, who had stopped 26 opponents in his 41 victories.

Making his first appearance outside Colombia, Palacio (127¾ lbs) pursued Jones (128 lbs) throughout the contest but struggled to land effectively against the Welshman's superior mobility and speed. Jones nullified Palacio's power with disciplined movement and precise timing.

The judges' scorecards reflected Jones's technical dominance. Frank Cairo and Tom Miller scored it decisively at 118-110, while Bill Lerch saw it slightly closer at 116-112. Under referee Roy Francis's supervision, the Frank Warren-promoted Sky Sports broadcast demonstrated Jones's ability to control distance and pace against a dangerous but limited opponent.

This victory marked Jones's first and only world title triumph. His reign would end just four months later when a routine brain scan led to the British Boxing Board of Control suspending his license and the WBO subsequently stripping him of the championship.