36 years ago

Date: 8th July 1988

Title: WBC World Super-welterweight Title

Promoter: Top Rank & Roberto Sabbatini

Tv: ESPN

Gianfranco Rosi
( 43 - 2 - 0 )
Weight: 153½ lbs

Donald Curry
( 29 - 2 - 0 )
Weight: 153¼ lbs

On Friday 8th July 1988, American Donald Curry and Italian Gianfranco Rosi met at the prestigious Portosole Sanremo marina in Liguria, Italy. The event was promoted by Top Rank and Roberto Sabbatini, and aired on ESPN. With the WBC World Super Welterweight Title on the line, this fight marked Rosi's second title defense, and attracted a crowd of 2,000 in the outdoor arena.

The fighters entered the ring with impressive records: Donald Curry from Fort Worth, Texas, held a record of 29-2-0, while Gianfranco Rosi from Perugia, Italy, had a record of 43-2-0. Both fighters were well-compensated for their participation, with Rosi's purse totaling $300,000 and Curry's purse amounting to $200,000.

From the outset, it was evident that Curry was the dominant force in the ring. He managed to floor Rosi five times throughout the match: once in the 2nd round, once in the 4th, twice in the 7th, and once more in the 8th round. Rosi showed resilience and determination, but Curry's skill and power were too much for the Italian fighter to handle.

By the end of the 9th round, Rosi was bleeding and battered, unable to continue the fight. Referee Octavio Meyran called for the bell, and Rosi failed to answer, effectively retiring from the match. As a result, Donald Curry was declared the winner, securing the WBC World Super Welterweight Title.