34 years ago

Date: 16th December 1989

Title: WBC World Super-lightweight Title

Promoter: Promo Mundo

Tv: Televisa

Julio Cesar Chavez
( 67 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 140 lbs

Alberto Cortes
( 44 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 139¾ lbs

Julio Cesar Chavez and Argentine challenger Alberto Cortes faced off on the 16th of December 1989 at the Palacio de los Deportes, Mexico City, Chavez came out on top, successfully defending his WBC World Super-lightweight Title for the second time. Promoted by Promo Mundo and broadcasted on Televisa, this match saw an attendance of 10,000 eager fans, all waiting to see who would emerge as the victor.

Alberto Cortes, hailing from Cordoba, Argentina, entered the ring with an impressive undefeated record. Despite not having faced any big-name opponents prior to this bout, he had shown his mettle against a string of worthy contenders since his professional debut in 1983. Weighing in at 139¾ lbs, he was just a fraction lighter than his Mexican adversary, Chavez, who tipped the scale at 140 lbs.

The first round saw Cortes putting up a spirited fight, landing jab after jab on Chavez. However, Chavez, who calls Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico his home, showed his defensive prowess, countering with hooks to the body. Despite the Argentinian's activity, Chavez managed to maintain control, making it clear he was not an easy target.

Both fighters landed solid punches in the second round, with Chavez unleashing a powerful right and Cortes responding with a cross. Chavez, however, continued to demonstrate his dominance, especially when Cortes was cornered. The Mexican's right crosses were particularly effective, repeatedly knocking Cortes's head back.

The third round brought with it a change in the tide. Chavez and Cortes began trading punches from the get-go, but it was clear that only Chavez's right cross was causing significant damage. Despite Cortes's valiant efforts, most of his punches failed to land, and the few that did make contact had little effect on Chavez. Chavez's patient approach paid off, as he delivered an uppercut followed by a straight right, sending Cortes against the ropes.

Chavez finally sealed his victory with a left hook to Cortes's head, causing Cortes to crumple to his knees. Despite Cortes's attempt to regain his footing, referee Arthur Mercante called the fight off at 1:56 of the third round, awarding a TKO to Chavez when Cortes appeared unsteady on his feet.