Salvador Sanchez vs Juan Laporte

On December 13, 1980, at the County Coliseum in El Paso, Texas, Salvador Sánchez defended his WBC featherweight title for the fourth time against Juan Laporte. Sánchez, with a record of 37-1-1 (29 KOs), weighed in at 126 pounds, while Laporte, standing at 15-1-0 (8 KOs), came in at 124½ pounds.

The bout was broadcast live on ABC Sports, with Howard Cossel calling the action and referee Davey Pearl overseeing matters. Laporte, the mandatory challenger, initiated an aggressive pace early on, engaging Sánchez in numerous exchanges. Despite Laporte's determination, Sánchez's superior experience became evident as the fight progressed. He effectively countered Laporte's attacks, delivering precise headshots that showcased his tactical prowess. The judges awarded Sánchez a unanimous decision victory, scoring 148-142, 147-140, and 146-139.

This defence further solidified Sánchez's status as a dominant force in the featherweight division. Notably, Sánchez and Laporte developed a mutual respect following the bout, leading to a friendship that lasted until Sánchez's untimely death in 1982.