26 years ago

Date: 18th September 1998

Venue: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada

Title: WBC World Welterweight Title

Promoter: Top Rank

Tv: HBO World Championship Boxing

Oscar De La Hoya
( 28 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 146½ lbs

Julio Cesar Chavez
( 100 - 2 - 0 )
Weight: 144½ lbs

On Friday, September 18th, 1998, boxing fans gathered at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada to witness the highly anticipated rematch between Oscar De La Hoya and Julio Cesar Chavez. Promoted by Top Rank and aired on HBO World Championship Boxing, the fight featured De La Hoya's WBC World Welterweight Title, with him defending the title for the fifth time. With both fighters determined to claim victory, the stage was set for a thrilling contest.

The fight began with both De La Hoya and Chavez showcasing their exceptional skills and prowess in the ring. Weighing in at 146½ lbs and 144½ lbs, respectively, the two fighters were closely matched in terms of size and power. As the rounds progressed, it became evident that De La Hoya was gaining a clear advantage, consistently outperforming Chavez.

By the time of the stoppage, one judge had De La Hoya leading with a score of 79-73 (seven rounds to one), while the other two judges scored the fight 78-75 (five rounds to two, one even). Despite the scoring discrepancy, it was clear that De La Hoya was dominating the bout, leaving Chavez struggling to keep up.

The eighth and final round proved to be an action-packed spectacle, with both fighters demonstrating their grit and determination. They threw a combined 173 punches, with De La Hoya landing 45 and Chavez connecting with 38. The relentless back-and-forth kept spectators on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the outcome.

Ultimately, the fight came to an end when Chavez, battered and bruised, was unable to continue. Just as in their first encounter, the punishing blows he received throughout the contest proved too much for him to bear. Chavez was forced to quit on his stool, conceding defeat to De La Hoya.

With the referee, Richard Steele, officially calling the fight at 1:56 in round 3, De La Hoya emerged victorious, defending his WBC World Welterweight Title by TKO.