Nino Benvenuti vs Carlos Monzon

On November 7, 1970, at Rome's PalaEur, the boxing world witnessed a changing of the guard as Carlos Monzon (67-3-9) dismantled champion Nino Benvenuti (82-4-1) to claim the unified middleweight crown. The bout, later called Ring Magazine's Fight of the Year, ended at 1:57 of the twelfth round when Monzon's calculated right hook found its mark.

The event's financial structure reflected the established champion-challenger dynamic: Benvenuti earned $100,000, while Monzon received just $15,000. The gate generated $160,000, with European and Argentine television rights adding another $70,000.

From the opening bell, Monzon, who entered the ring undefeated in his previous 60 fights, demonstrated why he had earned his reputation as a devastating puncher. Four years older than his challenger, Benvenuti appeared sluggish compared to his previous title defences. The champion was in serious trouble during the early rounds, with challenging moments in the seventh and eleventh.

The end came in the twelfth round through a precise sequence of violence. Monzon landed three consecutive blows to Benvenuti's face, forcing the champion to retreat to the ropes. With clinical precision, Monzon delivered the fight-ending right hook, making him the first man to defeat Benvenuti on Italian soil.

The outcome confounded Benvenuti's camp, with manager Bruno Amaduzzi noting the champion's excellent physical condition and calm demeanour before the fight. Monzon, who had chillingly declared before the bout, "Tonight, I'm going to kill you," proved more measured in victory, acknowledging Benvenuti as "a very good champion" while savouring his fulfilled prediction of taking the crown to Argentina.

Referee Rudolf Drust officiated the contest, with Georges Gondre and Aime Leschot serving as judges, though their services were optional given the decisive nature of the finish. Both fighters comfortably reached the 160-pound weight limit at 159¾ pounds.