35 years ago

Date: 11th February 1989

Title: WBA World Super-featherweight Title

Promoter: Roberto Sabatini

Brian Mitchell
( 36 - 1 - 2 )
Weight: 129 1/2 lbs

Salvatore Bottiglieri
( 26 - 3 - 1 )
Weight: 128 3/4 lbs

After winning the WBA World Super-featherweight Title from Panamanian Alfredo Layne in Sun City, South Africa in September 1986, Brian Mitchell travelled the world to defend his title due to the WBA's stance on South Africa's apartheid policy.

In his 7th title defence, Mitchell travelled to Italy to face the WBC International Featherweight Champion Salvatore Bottiglieri.

By now, Mitchell was at the peak of his powers and the Italian challenger struggled with the South African's skills. The champion drove his challenger to frustration by rarely allowing him to land anything in the way of scoring punches or power shots.

In the 8th round, Mitchell dropped Bottiglieri and when the tired-looking Italian rose he was battered until referee Julio Cesar Alvarado stepped in and called the fight off at 1:55 of the round.

Scores at the time of the stoppage: Ove Ovesen 70-63 | Antonio Requena 69-65 | Al Wilensky 70-64.