35 years ago

Date: 13th May 1989

Venue: Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California

Title: WBC World Super-lightweight Title

Promoter: Don King Productions

Tv: HBO World Championship Boxing

Roger Mayweather
( 62 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 140 lbs

Julio Cesar Chavez
( 34 - 5 - 2 )
Weight: 138¾ lbs

The rematch between Roger Mayweather and Julio Cesar Chavez took place on Saturday, 13th May 1989, at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. The fight was for the WBC World Super-lightweight Title, which Mayweather was defending for the fifth time. Chavez, an undefeated fighter with a record of 62-0-0 and Mayweather, holding a record of 34-5-2, weighed in at 135 lbs and 134 lbs, respectively. The event was televised by HBO World Championship Boxing and promoted by Don King Productions.

The fight unfolded in a way that showcased the strategies and skills of both fighters. Mayweather, in a departure from their first bout, sought to maintain his distance from Chavez, peppering him with jabs and the occasional right hand while utilizing lateral movement to prevent Chavez from planting himself. The first round belonged to Mayweather, who successfully controlled the ring and avoided close-quarters combat. Chavez retaliated in the second round with a series of solid left hooks. Towards the end of the fourth round, Mayweather pivoted Chavez into a corner, landing a powerful two-punch combo and a flurry of blows. The fighters ended the round glaring at each other, a testament to their mutual tenacity and determination.

However, as the rounds progressed, the fight began to favor Mayweather. The pace of the fight slowed, and Mayweather cleverly tied up Chavez whenever he ventured too close. Chavez regained control in the closing thirty seconds of the sixth round, landing effective combinations and putting Mayweather on the defensive.

Chavez continued to apply pressure in the seventh round, and it was clear that Mayweather was beginning to tire. The decreased movement from Mayweather and Chavez's relentless onslaught meant most of the action was at close range. Despite this, Mayweather continued to counter effectively and landed solid punches. His fatigued expression by the end of the round, however, was telling of Chavez's dominance.

Round ten saw Mayweather attempting to regain control, moving away from Chavez and attempting to recreate his earlier boxing success. Despite this effort, the fight concluded suddenly after the tenth round when Mayweather, citing stomach cramps, announced to his corner he could not continue.