27 years ago

Date: 25th November 1997

Title: IBF World Lightweight Title

Promoter: Cedric Kushner Productions

Tv: Fox Sports

Shane Mosley
( 24 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 133½ lbs

Manuel Gomez
( 17 - 8 - 0 )
Weight: 132 lbs

On Tuesday, 25th November 1997, the County Coliseum in El Paso, Texas played host to Shane Mosley's first title defense against Mexico's Manuel Gomez. Promoted by Cedric Kushner Productions and aired on Fox Sports, the event showcased Mosley's first defense of his IBF World Lightweight Title. The fighters entered the ring with Mosley weighing in at 133½ lbs and Gomez at 132 lbs.

Mosley, known for his speed, established his dominance early on by landing precise and powerful punches. Gomez, on the other hand, displayed great resilience and tried to counter Mosley's fast hands, managing to land some solid shots of his own.

As the fight progressed, Mosley's superiority became more apparent. He started to dictate the pace of the fight, systematically breaking down Gomez's defenses. Despite taking significant punishment, Gomez persevered and continued to press forward, looking for an opportunity to turn the tide in his favor.

Gomez's efforts were not enough to overcome the defending champion, and as the fight entered the eleventh round, it was clear that Mosley had a considerable lead on the judges' scorecards. At the time of stoppage, all three judges – Robert Byrd, Shiela Harmon Martin, and Gale Van Hoy – had Mosley ahead with a score of 99-90.

The eleventh round brought the dramatic conclusion to the fight that fans had been waiting for. Mosley landed a devastating right hand. Gomez hit the canvas, and the referee immediately stopped the fight, declaring Mosley the winner by knockout at 1:25 into the round.