From the archive · January 17, 1981
Marvin Hagler vs Fulgencio Obelmejias
WBC & WBA World Middleweight Titles · Boston Garden, Boston, USA
Record 50-2-2 · 159½ lb
Record 30-0-0 · 159½ lb
The fight
On January 17, 1981, at Boston Garden, Marvin Hagler defended his WBA and WBC World Middleweight Titles against Fulgencio Obelmejias. Both fighters weighed in at 159½ pounds. Hagler, with a record of 50 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, faced the undefeated Obelmejias, who boasted 30 wins, 28 by knockout.
Hagler controlled the bout from the outset, utilizing his southpaw stance to effectively counter the orthodox Obelmejias. In the sixth round, Hagler's relentless pressure resulted in a knockdown. Obelmejias managed to continue but was unable to mount a significant offence. By the eighth round, with Obelmejias absorbing continuous punishment, referee Octavio Meyran intervened 20 seconds into the round to halt the contest, awarding Hagler a technical knockout victory.
At the time of the stoppage, the official scorecards unanimously favoured Hagler:
- Referee Octavio Meyran: 70-62
- Judge Mike Jacobs: 70-62
- Judge Guy Jutras: 70-63
This successful defence reinforced Hagler's dominance in the middleweight division, while Obelmejias suffered his first professional defeat.
The fight was broadcast on HBO Sports, with Bob Arum serving as the promoter.