27 years ago

Date: 13th February 1994

Venue: Ballys Park Place Hotel Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA

Title: IBF World Super-lightweight Title

Tv: ESPN

Charles Murray
( 31 - 1 - 0 )
Weight: 140 lbs

Jake Rodriguez
( 23 - 2 - 2 )
Weight: 140 lbs

Charles 'The Natural' Murray made the third defence of his IBF World Super-lightweight Title against tough contender Jake 'The Snake' Rodriguez at Ballys Park Place Hotel Casino in Atlantic City and the general consensus was that the slick champion would have too many skills for tough guy Jake.

Rodriguez had lost to fellow countryman Felix Trinidad in December 1991 but the fight went the full 10 rounds at a time when the young Trinidad was blowing away opponents with ease.

Rodriguez was on a run of seven straight wins since the Trinidad loss and he entered the ring in a confident mood.

The fight wasn't easy to score but the judges felt that Rodriguez had outhustled Murray and awarded him the victory by way of a majority decision.

Scores: Joseph Pasquale 115-113 | John Poturaj 114-114 | Steve Weisfeld 116-112.