40 years ago

Date: 13th September 1984

Title: vacant WBC World Super-featherweight Title

Promoter: Don King Productions

Tv: ABC Sports

Julio Cesar Chavez
( 43 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 130 lbs

Mario Martinez
( 33 - 1 - 2 )
Weight: 129¾ lbs

Chavez vs Martinez was promoted by Don King Productions and televised by ABC Sports, bringing together two prominent Mexican fighters with impressive records. Chavez, a native of Culiacan, Sinaloa, entered the match with an unbeaten record of 43 wins, while Martinez, from Guadalajara, Jalisco, had one loss and two draws in his record of 36 bouts. Both fighters weighed in under the super-featherweight limit, with Chavez at 130 pounds and Martinez slightly lighter at 129¾ pounds.

Julio Cesar Chavez, known for his relentless pressure and devastating body shots, effectively utilized these strengths from the opening bell. His superior skill, speed, and precision kept Martinez on the defensive for most of the fight. Martinez, however, showed great resilience, absorbing Chavez's punishing blows and attempting to counter with his own attacks.

The fifth round saw Chavez turn the tide decisively in his favor. He unleashed a series of punishing combinations, systematically breaking down Martinez's defenses. A hard right hand sent Martinez reeling, but the gritty fighter managed to stay on his feet and survive the round.

As the fight progressed, Chavez was dominating, showcasing his superior boxing skills and power. By the eighth round, Martinez, battered and bloodied, was clearly in trouble. Despite his best efforts, he could not match Chavez's relentless attack. The end came when Chavez landed a crushing left hook just as the round ended and referee John Thomas immediately stepped in to halt the fight, awarding the victory and the vacant WBC World Super-featherweight title to Julio Cesar Chavez.