33 years ago

Date: 8th December 1990

Title: WBC & IBF World Super-lightweight Titles

Promoter: Don King Productions

Tv: HBO World Championship Boxing

Julio Cesar Chavez
( 72 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 139 lbs

Kyung Duk Ahn
( 29 - 1 - 0 )
Weight: 139 lbs

Julio Cesar Chavez successfully defended his WBC and IBF World Super-lightweight Titles for the 4th and 1st time respectively, on the evening of December 8, 1990, at the Convention Center, Atlantic City. Chavez met Kyung Duk Ahn, in a bout promoted by Don King Productions and televised under HBO World Championship Boxing. Before the match, Chavez held an impressive record of 72-0-0, while Ahn held a record of 29-1-0, both fighters weighed in at 139 lbs.

The match started tentatively, with both fighters testing each other in the first round. Ahn, a Seoul native, attempted to strike with combinations but Chavez, hailing from Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, blocked the majority of Ahn's jabs. The round ended with no definitive edge to either side.

Round two witnessed a significant escalation, with Chavez landing a solid straight right just 26 seconds in, causing Ahn to hit the canvas. Though not badly hurt, Ahn recovered after a six-count, only to be knocked down again by Chavez one minute and ten seconds into the round. Ahn displayed tenacity, however, and despite the continuous onslaught from Chavez, managed to survive the round.

The third round began with both fighters throwing hooks in close quarters. Ahn, already on shaky grounds, went down thirty seconds into the round while in the corner. Chavez, momentarily confused by Ahn's position, halted his assault, allowing Ahn to recompose himself and move away. Despite Ahn's efforts to maintain distance, Chavez managed to land a decisive left and straight right on Ahn who had his back to the ropes. Ahn got up at a count of four but signalled to referee Tony Perez that he was unable to continue, leading to a TKO victory for Chavez at 2:14 in the third round.

Ahn, who was the WBC mandatory challenger, proved to be a formidable opponent for Chavez, but the latter's unyielding offensive ultimately overwhelmed him. HBO PunchStats for the fight reported that Chavez landed 75 of his 151 punches thrown (50%), while Ahn managed to land 39 out of 137 (29%).

Following this resounding defeat, Ahn chose to retire permanently from boxing, ending a career that had seen him clinch both the Korean and OPBF light welterweight titles.