28 years ago

Date: 31st August 1996

Title: WBO World Featherweight Title

Promoter: Sports Network

Tv: Sky Sports

Naseem Hamed
( 22 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 126 lbs

Manuel Medina
( 52 - 7 - 0 )
Weight: 125½ lbs

On Saturday 31st August 1996, an intense battle between Naseem Hamed and Manuel Medina took place at The Point in Dublin, Ireland. The event, promoted by Queensberry Promotions, featured the WBO World Featherweight Title match with Hamed making his third title defense. Both fighters had impressive records going into the bout, with Hamed at 22-0-0 and Medina at 52-7-0. Weighing in at 126 lbs and 125.5 lbs respectively, Hamed from Sheffield, England, and Medina from Tecuala, Nayarit, Mexico, were prepared for a war.

The fight began with Medina presenting an unexpectedly tough challenge to Hamed, countering the champion's attempts at showmanship with swift and accurate counterpunches. Despite this, Hamed managed to drop Medina in the second round with a powerful right hand, prompting a six-second count before Medina regained his footing. The following round saw Medina fight back, landing clean shots on Hamed, who appeared momentarily dazed and perhaps distracted by the crowd's support for his opponent.

The fourth and fifth rounds were marked by Hamed's fading grin and taunting as Medina's stinging hooks began to take their toll. The fighters continued to trade blows in the subsequent rounds, but Hamed eventually managed to land a massive uppercut that left Medina badly cut. This appeared to reinvigorate the champion, as his grin returned and he began to deal more damage to Medina with each strike.

As the fight progressed, Hamed's power began to overwhelm Medina, who was knocked down twice more before referee Genaro Rodriguez stepped in to call a halt to the contest in the 11th round. Despite the brutal battle, Hamed emerged victorious by TKO at 3:00 in round 11. Medina's performance, however, showcased his resilience and skill as a world-class operator.