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From the archive · May 8, 1982

Salvador Sanchez vs Jorge Rocky Garcia

WBC World Featherweight Title · Reunion Arena, Dallas, Texas

Salvador Sanchez

Record 42-1-1 · 126 lb

Jorge Rocky Garcia

Record 23-2-0 · 125¾ lb

Salvador Sanchez vs Jorge Rocky Garcia, Saturday, May 8, 1982

The fight

On May 8, 1982, at Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas, Salvador Sánchez defended his WBC World Featherweight Title against Jorge "Rocky" Garcia. Sánchez, with a record of 42-1-1, and Garcia, standing at 23-2-0, both weighed in at 126 lbs.

From the outset, Sánchez faced unexpected resistance from Garcia. The Associated Press noted that Garcia stood toe-to-toe with Sánchez, particularly in the final rounds, earning the crowd's admiration.

In the 11th round, Sánchez inflicted a cut under Garcia's left eye. However, Garcia responded with two sharp rights that snapped the champion's head back. Both fighters exchanged blows in the concluding rounds, with Sánchez gaining the upper hand.

The judges awarded Sánchez a unanimous decision: Arlen Bynum scored it 147-138, Jorge L. Velasco 147-141, and Moises Del Razo 146-141. Notably, Sánchez was penalized a point in the 7th round for a low blow. Purses for the fight were reported as $100,000 for Sánchez and $35,000 for Garcia.

This bout marked Sánchez's eighth successful title defense, further cementing his status in the featherweight division. Garcia's performance, despite the loss, showcased his resilience and determination against a dominant champion.

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