41 years ago

Date: 30th October 1982

Title: WBC & WBA World Middleweight Titles

Promoter: Bob Arum

Tv: HBO Sports

Marvin Hagler
( 54 - 2 - 2 )
Weight: 158 1/2 lbs

Fulgencio Obelmejias
( 38 - 1 - 0 )
Weight: 159 1/2 lbs

After Marvin Hagler stopped Fulgencio Obelmejias in 8 rounds in January 1981 at The Boston Garden,  Obelmejias said "I'd like another opportunity to show you what I am.'" Fast forward to October 1982 and Hagler gives the 6ft 1 inch Venezuelan challenger a second chance at glory but this time the fight takes place in Italy.

Marvin Hagler's 5th defence of the undisputed world middleweight title he took from Alan Minter in September 1980 showed what a versatile boxer the Brockton, Massachusetts native had become. A fast start from Obelmejias left the champion at least a couple of rounds behind for probably the first time since he won the titles.

Obelmejias was showing what he was truly capable of as he met Hagler in the centre ring and landed the more telling blows. The champion responded at the end of the 2nd and looked as though he had worked out his challengers aggressive, attacking style.

The 3rd round was all Hagler as he pushed Obelmejias back and apart from some flurries from the challenger Marvin won his first round of the fight.

Round 4 was more of the same as the champion pushed Obelmejias back and subjected him to heavy punishment that although he appeared to be able to take, was wearing down his reserves, fast.

In the 5th, Hagler was taking over and it was a sharp right hook that dropped Obelmejias flat on his back. As referee Ernesto Magana started his count, Obelmejias tried to get to his feet but toppled back to the canvas where he was counted out at 2:35 of the round.   

Obelmejias went on to win the WBA World Super-middleweight title from South Korean Chong Pal Park in May 1988.