50 years ago

Date: 16th February 1974

Venue: Gimnasio Nuevo Panama, Panama City

Title: WBA World Featherweight Title

Promoter: Promociones Tony

Tv: N/A

Ernesto Marcel
( 39 - 4 - 2 )
Weight: 125¾ lbs

Alexis Arguello
( 31 - 3 - 0 )
Weight: 122¼ lbs

On Saturday, 16th February 1974, boxing fans enjoyed an exhilarating WBA World Featherweight Title fight between defending champion Ernesto Marcel and challenger Alexis Arguello at Gimnasio Nuevo Panama in Panama City. Promoted by Promociones Tony and officiated by referee Servio Tulio Lay, the bout had all the makings of a classic showdown. With Marcel's record standing at 39-4-2 and Arguello's at 31-3-0, both fighters came to win.

The match saw Alexis Arguello, hailing from Managua, Nicaragua, relying on his longer reach to land powerful shots. Marcel, a native of Panama City, demonstrated his boxing prowess by countering Arguello's attacks with left and right hooks that visibly affected the Nicaraguan fighter. The intensity of the fight peaked in the 7th round when Arguello took so many hard punches that referee Lay asked him whether he wished to continue during the break between rounds seven and eight.

Despite the setback, Arguello showed great resolve and pushed through the remaining rounds. However, it was Ernesto Marcel who emerged victorious by unanimous decision. The judges' scorecards read: Servio Tulio Lay 140-146, Harmodio Cedeno 142-146, Juan Carlos Tapia 140-146. With this win, Marcel successfully defended his WBA World Featherweight Title for the fourth time.

 Marcel announced his retirement from boxing immediately after the bout, fulfilling a promise he had made before the fight. The champion never stepped into the ring again, ending his career on a high note with a memorable victory against a worthy adversary.

Marcel showed respect and admiration for his opponent during the post-fight interview, stating, "Arguello has a strong punch and is a good boxer. Someday he will be champion."