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37 years ago

Hilario Zapata vs Fidel Bassa

Hilario Zapata vs Fidel Bassa

Date: 13th February 1987

Venue: Estadio de Tenis del Country Club, Barranquilla, Colombia

Title: WBA World Flyweight Title

Promoter: Cuadrilatero - Billy Chams

Hilario Zapata
( 35 - 5 - 0 )
Weight: 111 1/2 lbs

Fidel Bassa
( 16 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 112 lbs


After five successful defences of the WBA World Flyweight Title he won in a vacant title match against American Alonzo Gonzales, Panama's Hilario Zapata travelled to Barranquilla, Colombia to face the unbeaten Fidel Bassa.

Bassa's record was unimpressive at that point so, Zapata's management must have believed that the champion would be far too experienced for the 25-year-old challenger.

Bassa's career on the world stage took off that night in February 1987. Not only could he compete with a world champion at the top of his game, but he also won convincingly on a unanimous decision to become world champion at the first attempt.

Scores: Julio Roldan 146-142 | Bernie Soto 148-141 | Al Wilensky 146-141.

The pair would meet a second time in Zapata's hometown, Panama City six months later. Bassa had to get up after a 1st round knockdown but came back to retain his title on a split decision draw.


Hilario Zapata vs Fidel Bassa on YouTube




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