40 years ago
Donald Curry vs Colin Jones
Date: 19th January 1985
Venue: National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, UKTitle: WBA & IBF World Welterweight Titles
Promoter: Frank Warren
Referee: Ismael Wiso Fernandez
Tv: ITV Sport
Donald Curry
(
20
-
0
-
0
)
Weight: 147 lbs
Colin Jones
(
26
-
2
-
1
)
Weight: 146 lbs
On Saturday, 19th January 1985, a historic boxing event took place at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, UK. Promoted by Frank Warren, this was the first world title bout in Birmingham and the first million pound gate in British boxing history. The much-anticipated fight featured American Donald Curry and Welshman Colin Jones, who faced off for the WBA and IBF welterweight titles. Broadcast on ABC Wide World of Sports in the United States and ITV in the UK, the fight had an attendance of 11,500 spectators, making it a sellout event.
Entering the bout as the reigning WBA and IBF welterweight champion, Donald Curry held an impressive record of 20-0-0. Curry was making his fifth defense of the WBA title and fourth defense of the IBF title. Colin Jones, on the other hand, held a respectable record of 26-2-1. The oddsmakers had Curry as a 3 to 1 favorite to win the fight, highlighting his dominance in the welterweight division.
Both fighters were well-compensated for their efforts, with Curry earning a purse of $375,000 and Jones receiving $115,000. The fighters put on a display of skill and determination, showcasing their abilities to the packed crowd and millions of viewers watching around the world.
The action was intense from the start, with both fighters trading blows and vying for the upper hand. Curry's experience and skill were evident, as he utilized his boxing prowess to keep Jones at bay. However, Jones displayed grit and determination, refusing to back down from the challenge.
In the fourth round, Curry's power and precision began to take a toll on Jones. A devastating blow from Curry resulted in a severe cut on the bridge of Jones' nose, prompting referee Ismael Wiso Fernandez to halt the fight. With the fight stopped due to the injury, Curry was declared the winner by TKO.
Donald Curry vs Colin Jones on YouTube
