31 years ago

Date: 20th February 1993

Venue: Estadio Azteca, Coyoacan, Mexico City

Title: WBC World Super-lightweight Title

Promoter: Don King Productions

Tv: KingVision Pay-per-view

Julio Cesar Chavez
( 84 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 139¼ lbs

Greg Haugen
( 32 - 4 - 0 )
Weight: 140 lbs

On the historic night of Saturday, 20th February 1993, Mexican boxing fans converged on the Estadio Azteca to witness an electrifying WBC World Super-lightweight Title match. The event, staged by Don King Productions and broadcasted on KingVision Pay-per-view, saw Julio Cesar Chavez, boasting an undefeated record of 84-0-0, pitted against the stalwart Greg Haugen, who came in with a respectable record of 32-4-0. Chavez, a native of Culiacan, Mexico, weighed in at 139¼ lbs, while Haugen, hailing from Seattle, Washington, tipped the scale at the limit of 140 lbs.

A remark made by Haugen prior to the fight had added a heated edge to this title defense. In criticizing the quality of Chavez's previous opponents, Haugen famously quipped, "All he's fought are Tijuana taxi drivers." Chavez's reply was stern and succinct, promising, “I will have no compassion. I will meet you in the ring and cut your head off, get ready.”

The intense atmosphere was palpable as a record crowd of 132,247 spectators awaited the opening bell. Right from the outset, Chavez asserted his dominance, knocking Haugen down within the opening seconds of the first round. The rest of the fight proved to be a relentless display of Chavez's skill and power, as he continued to pound on Haugen round after round.

The fifth round was the decider. Haugen, who had bravely withstood the storm until then, was once again knocked down by Mexico's living legend. Despite the valiant effort to rise and continue, Haugen could not resist the onslaught of Chavez's attack.

Referee Joe Cortez made the call at 2:02 into the fifth round, handing Chavez the victory by TKO. It was a clear and undeniable display of the champion's ring mastery, securing his 10th successful title defense.