58 years ago

Date: 3rd January 1967

Title: WBC & WBA World Bantamweight Titles

Referee: Masao Kato

Fighting Harada
( 45 - 3 - 0 )
Weight: 117¾ lbs

Jose Medel
( 36 - 20 - 6 )
Weight: 117¼ lbs

On January 3, 1967, at the Aichi Prefectural Gym in Nagoya, Japan, Fighting Harada defended his WBA and WBC Bantamweight titles against Jose Medel in a rematch that carried significant weight for both fighters. Their first meeting in September 1963 had seen Medel hand Harada one of the rare losses of his career, stopping him in the sixth round. With Harada holding both major world bantamweight titles, the stakes had been raised considerably.

Fighting Harada came into the bout with 45 wins and 3 losses, having solidified his reputation as one of the sport's most relentless champions. Known for his non-stop pressure, relentless pace, and remarkable stamina, Harada was a fighter who overwhelmed his opponents with volume and energy. His victories over the likes of Eder Jofre had cemented his place as one of the greatest bantamweights of his era. In contrast, with a professional record of 36 wins, 20 losses, and 6 draws, Jose Medel entered the fight as the underdog. Despite his patchy record, Medel was a seasoned veteran with power in both hands and a sharp counter-punching ability, making him dangerous at any moment.

From the opening bell, Harada took control of the centre of the ring, immediately applying his trademark forward pressure. He fired combinations to the head and body, refusing to let Medel settle into any rhythm. Medel, staying calm under fire, attempted to time Harada with sharp counters, occasionally landing clean left hooks and uppercuts. Yet, Harada's head movement and relentless pace kept him largely out of danger, and his punches consistently found their target.

Harada's relentless volume began to tell as the fight moved into the middle rounds. While still dangerous, Medel found himself increasingly on the defensive, forced to cover up as Harada dug hooks into his ribs and unleashed flurries upstairs. The Japanese champion's footwork allowed him to close the distance and smother Medel's attempts at retaliation, keeping the challenger off balance and limiting his opportunities to counter effectively.

In the ninth and tenth rounds, Medel mounted a brief resurgence, catching Harada with a few sharp counters as the champion lunged forward. The momentum seemed to shift for a moment, with Medel landing crisp shots that forced Harada to reset. However, the surge was short-lived. Harada absorbed the punches and pressed forward with renewed vigour, showing the resilience and sheer willpower that had become his trademarks. His relentless attack continued to wear down the Mexican challenger.

By the championship rounds, Harada was firmly in control. His energy levels showed little sign of fading, while Medel appeared increasingly drained. Harada's body punches had taken their toll, and his uppercuts on the inside repeatedly snapped Medel's head back. The challenger fought back bravely, refusing to wilt entirely, but the disparity in output and control was apparent.

As the final bell rang, it was evident to everyone in attendance that Harada had done more than enough to secure the victory. The scorecards confirmed it: referee Masao Kato scored the fight 74-67, Judge Haruo Ishiwatarido had it 72-67, and Judge Ryoji Kashiwagi turned in a card of 73-67—all in favour of Fighting Harada, who retained his WBA and WBC Bantamweight titles via unanimous decision.

For Harada, the victory represented more than just another title defence. It was redemption for his earlier loss to Medel and a demonstration of his dominance as a champion. His ability to control the fight from start to finish, maintain an unrelenting pace, and nullify Medel's counter-punching threat reaffirmed his place as one of the most formidable fighters in the bantamweight division.

For Jose Medel, the defeat marked the end of his time as a top-tier contender. While his courage and resilience in the face of Harada's pressure earned him respect, the loss underscored the gap between the challenger and the reigning champion. Medel's career continued, but he would never again reach the heights of world title contention.

This fight encapsulated everything that defined Fighting Harada's reign—boundless energy, relentless pressure, and a refusal to take a backward step. It also highlighted the skill and durability of Jose Medel, a fighter who pushed Harada but ultimately could not match his pace and precision. The bout remains a significant chapter in the history of the bantamweight division, showcasing two warriors whose contrasting styles created an unforgettable contest in Nagoya.