42 years ago

Date: 24th July 1982

Title: WBA World Lightweight Title

Promoter: Top Rank

Tv: CBS Sports

Ray Mancini
( 23 - 1 - 0 )
Weight: 135 lbs

Ernesto Espana
( 35 - 4 - 0 )
Weight: 133¾ lbs

On Saturday, July 24th, 1982, Ray Mancini defended his WBA World Lightweight Title against Ernesto Espana at the Mollenkopf Stadium in Warren, Ohio. In front of a crowd of 20,000 fans, Mancini, with a record of 23-1-0, defeated España, with a record of 35-4-0, by a TKO at 2:59 in round 6.

Mancini had planned to counter Espana's jab, and through the execution of this strategy, he effectively controlled the fight. Throughout the early rounds, Mancini's counter-jabbing and hooks landed at a ratio of two to one. By the third round, Mancini was staggered by a chopping right from Espana, but he quickly retaliated and continued to dominate.

Mancini's rigorous training regimen, designed by Murphy Griffith, allowed him to maintain high-volume punching throughout the bout. Mancini earned an estimated $200,000 from the fight, with the potential to gross as much as $400,000 from the live gate and overseas TV rights. Espana, in contrast, earned $250,000 – the biggest payday of his career.

In the sixth round, Mancini began his final assault on Espana with an over-the-top right. Espana's legs buckled, and Mancini's relentless attack continued until referee Stanley Christodoulou stepped in to stop the fight. Christodoulou later explained that Espana's neck muscles had relaxed, and his glazed eyes indicated he was virtually defenceless.

Following the fight, Espana announced his retirement from boxing. Mancini, with a record of 24-1 and 19 KOs, continued to be a leading figure in American boxing.