21 years ago
Travis Simms vs Alejandro Garcia Hernandez
Date: 13th December 2003
Venue: Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey
Title: WBA World Super-welterweight Title
Promoter: Don King Productions
Referee: Samuel Viruet
Tv: HBO PPV
Travis Simms
(
22
-
0
-
0
)
Weight: 154 lbs
Alejandro Garcia Hernandez
(
22
-
0
-
0
)
Weight: 154 lbs
On December 13, 2003, the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, hosted Don King's ambitious eight-world-title extravaganza. One of those world title fights featured Travis Simms, an undefeated American boxer from Connecticut, facing off against Alejandro García Hernández, a similarly undefeated Mexican fighter. Both fighters entered the bout with a perfect record of 22 wins and no losses, each weighing in at 154 pounds for the WBA World Super-welterweight Title.
The event was broadcast on HBO Pay-Per-View, drawing significant attention due to the undefeated status of both competitors and the high stakes involved. Refereed by Samuel Viruet, the bout was expected to be closely contested, given the impressive resumes of both fighters. However, Travis Simms emerged victorious, securing a knockout in the fifth round. The stoppage came at 1:41 into the round, marking a decisive victory for Simms and handing García his first professional loss. This win earned Simms the WBA title and cemented his position as a player in the super welterweight division.
García had previously won the WBA title by defeating Santiago Samaniego earlier in 2003 and had successfully defended it against Rhoshii Wells. However, Simms' performance demonstrated his ability to adapt and capitalize on opportunities, which ultimately led to García's downfall. Following this win, Simms would go on to face challenges in unifying the title, including a dispute with the WBA over a potential bout against Shane Mosley, who held the super champion status at the time.