66 years ago
Joe Brown vs Johnny Busso
Date: 11th February 1959
Venue: Sam Houston Coliseum, Houston, Texas
Title: World Lightweight Title
Promoter: Texas Boxing Enterprises Inc
Referee: Jimmy Webb
Joe Brown
(
89
-
20
-
11
)
Weight: 134 lbs
Johnny Busso
(
35
-
7
-
1
)
Weight: 135 lbs
The World Lightweight Title bout between Joe Brown and Johnny Busso on February 11, 1959, at the Sam Houston Coliseum in Houston, Texas, was a highly anticipated rematch following their non-title encounter four months prior. In that earlier fight, Busso had unexpectedly outpointed Brown in a 10-round unanimous decision in Miami Beach, Florida, setting the stage for this championship showdown. Brown, known as "Old Bones," was determined to prove his superiority with the title on the line.
Brown, who had held the title since defeating Wallace "Bud" Smith in August 1956, showcased his defensive prowess and sharp counter-punching skills throughout the 15-round contest. He effectively countered Busso's aggressive style, which often saw Busso crowding Brown. The fight's only knockdown came in the ninth round when Brown landed a precise right to Busso's chin as Busso missed a right-hand punch. Although Busso quickly regained his footing, the knockdown just added to Busso's problems. Despite Busso's stubborn resistance, Brown's superior technique and ring generalship ultimately secured him a unanimous decision victory.
The judges' scores reflected Brown's dominance: Bill Cornelius scored it 149-140, Ernie Taylor had it 147-138, and referee Jimmy Webb scored it 148-141. This victory marked Brown's sixth successful title defence, and he would go on to make five more before losing the title to Carlos Ortiz in April 1962. The fight drew an attendance 11,033, with a gate of $61,155 plus an additional $40,000 from television revenue. Brown earned approximately $40,000 from the bout, while Busso received about $20,000.
The event's financial success was notable, with Brown's purse reflecting his status as a popular, reigning champion. The bout also highlighted the growing importance of television in boxing, as the additional revenue from broadcasting helped increase the fighters' earnings.
In the broader context of Brown's career, this fight was part of a remarkable reign as lightweight champion. His ability to adapt and outmanoeuvre opponents like Busso was a hallmark of his success. Brown's later rematch with Britain's Dave Charnley in 1961 would be named "Fight of the Year" by Ring Magazine.
