42 years ago

Date: 13th February 1982

Title: vacant WBA World Cruiserweight Title

Promoter: Queensberry Promotions (South Africa)

Ossie Ocasio
( 15 - 3 - 1 )
Weight: 188 3/4 lbs

Robbie Williams
( 13 - 5 - 1 )
Weight: 186 3/4 lbs

This bout was for the inaugural WBA World Cruiserweight Title. Both combatants had fought in the heavyweight division until this opportunity presented itself.

Occasio had already fought many of the worlds top heavyweights and challenged Larry Holmes for the WBC belt on 23rd March 1979 in Las Vegas, losing by 7th round technical knockout. Back-to-back wins over Jimmy Young had lead to the then-unbeaten Puerto Rican getting his chance against Holmes.

Williams, from Durban, South Africa, had a sketchy record going into the fight but on the night, and at the new weight, he more than proved his worth, taking the far more experienced Ocasio to a split decision.

Scores: 144-148 | Ryoji Kashiwagi 146-144 | Medardo Villalobos 147-143.

Ocasio went on to make three successful defences of the title before returning to South Africa to face Piet Crous (21-0-1) and losing by a unanimous decision.