39 years ago

Date: 7th July 1985

Title: WBC World Super-featherweight Title

Promoter: Don King Productions

Tv: HBO World Championship Boxing

Julio Cesar Chavez
( 46 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 129¾ lbs

Roger Mayweather
( 21 - 2 - 0 )
Weight: 130 lbs

On Sunday, July 7th, 1985, the Riviera Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas hosted the first meeting of Julio Cesar Chavez and Roger Mayweather. Chavez, an undefeated fighter from Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, was defending his WBC World Super-featherweight Title against Mayweather, the former WBA champion at the weight, from Las Vegas by way of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The match was part of HBO World Championship Boxing's coverage, marking Chavez's first appearance on national US television despite his impressive 46-0 record.

Chavez had already begun to make waves in the boxing world, his record attesting to his prowess in the ring. Prior to this match, he had won the vacant title with a TKO in the 8th round against Mario Martinez and successfully defended it with a 6th-round TKO over Ruben Castillo. Mayweather, despite a less stellar record at 21-2-0, was considered a formidable opponent, bringing a unique skill set to the bout. Both fighters weighed in close to the super featherweight limit, with Chavez at 129¾ lbs and Mayweather at 130 lbs.

The match began with Mayweather having some success, moving well and leveraging his jab effectively. He managed to land a few right hands while Chavez focused on body shots and tried to establish the distance between them. Despite Mayweather's efforts, he lost the opening round on all three scorecards.

The second round saw a dramatic shift in the tide of the fight. Mayweather managed to land his signature right hand on Chavez early in the round. This appeared to spur Chavez to retaliate, quickly closing the gap and launching a double-right hand assault on Mayweather. Despite two knockdowns being counted, Mayweather was off his feet four times in this round.

This round was also marked by a controversial moment when referee Richard Steele ruled a slip instead of a knockdown after Chavez's double-right hand attack. This ruling didn't deter Chavez, who spurred on, continued his relentless assault on Mayweather.

Finally, Mayweather, clearly affected by the onslaught, became an open target for Chavez's accurate punches. A flush right sent Mayweather to the canvas once again. With Mayweather's legs evidently failing him, Steele stepped in, halting the bout at 2:30 of the second round, thus awarding the victory to Chavez via technical knockout.