26 years ago

Date: 13th February 1998

Venue: University Arena, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Title: WBA World Super-wealterweight Title

Promoter: Don King Productions

Tv: Showtime Championship Boxing, Canal+

Laurent Boudouani
( 36 - 2 - 0 )
Weight: 153 3/4 lbs

Guillermo Jones
( 22 - 1 - 0 )
Weight: 153 lbs

This was the first of back-to-back WBA World Super-welterweight Title defences for Boudouani against Panama's Guillermo Jones. Both fights took place in the USA.

The Frenchman had won the title from long-reigning champion Julio Cesar Vasquez of Argentina and the way in which Boudouani knocked out the champion shocked many experts. A title defence against quality American Carl Daniels followed in Las Vegas (W UD) before meeting Jones, the WBA No 1 contender, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The 6ft 4 Inch Jones, taking part in his first world title fight, boxed from the outside and gave Boudouni real problems throughout but, it was such a close fight that there were real doubts over who would get the decision. And so, the judges found it impossible to find a clear winner, two of them scoring 114-114.

Scores: Jesus Cova 114-114 | Neffie Quintana 114-114 | Bernie Soto 114-115.