47 years ago

Date: 15th October 1976

Title: WBA World Lightweight Title

Promoter: Don King

Tv:

Roberto Duran
( 57 - 1 - 0 )
Weight: 134¼ lbs

Alvaro Rojas
( 21 - 10 - 0 )
Weight: 135 lbs

Panamanian Roberto Duran successfully defended his WBA World Lightweight Title for the 9th time at the Hollywood Sportatorium in Pembroke Pines, Florida. The fight was promoted by Don King and refereed by Carlos Berrocal. Duran's record before the fight was 57-1-0, and his opponent Alvaro Rojas had a record of 21-10-0. Duran weighed in at 134¼ lbs, while Rojas weighed in at 135 lbs.

The fight was short-lived as Duran came out aggressively, landing numerous power shots to Rojas's body and head. Rojas attempted to move and box, but he was unable to keep Duran at bay. Duran backed Rojas into the ropes multiple times, and Rojas was forced to hold on to avoid further punishment. In the first round, Duran dropped Rojas with a right to the head, and Rojas was counted out at 2:17 of the round. Rojas fell to the canvas face first and remained there for several minutes before doctors attended to him.

Duran's purse for the fight was $150,000, and tickets were sold at prices of $10, $20, $30, and $50. Roberto Duran hailed from Panama City, Panama, while his opponent Alvaro Rojas was from San Jose, Costa Rica.