Salvador Sanchez vs Pat Cowdell

On December 12, 1981, at the Astrodome in Houston, Texas, Salvador Sánchez defended his WBC World Featherweight Title against British challenger Pat Cowdell. Sánchez, with a record of 41-1-1, weighed in at 126 lbs, while Cowdell, standing at 19-2-0, tipped the scales at 125½ lbs.

Despite being the heavy favorite, Sánchez faced unexpected resistance from Cowdell, who delivered a commendable performance throughout the bout. The match was closely contested, with Cowdell's technical skills challenging Sánchez's prowess. In the 15th and final round, Sánchez managed to floor Cowdell, which proved pivotal in the judges' scoring.

The judges' scores reflected the competitiveness of the fight: James Jen Kin scored it 148-137, Dick Cole had it 146-140, both in favor of Sánchez, while Bob McMillon saw it 144-145 for Cowdell. This resulted in a split decision victory for Sánchez, marking his seventh successful title defense.

This bout was among the final defenses for Sánchez, who tragically passed away in a car accident on August 12, 1982. Cowdell's performance elevated his standing in the boxing community, showcasing his resilience and skill against one of the era's premier featherweights.