58 years ago

Date: 12th February 1966

Title: WBC & WBA World Featherweight Titles

Vicente Saldivar
( 29 - 1 - 0 )
Weight: 123 1/2 lbs

Floyd Robertson
( 33 - 11 - 5 )
Weight: 124 1/4 lbs

Vicente Saldivar, the reigning WBC & WBA World Featherweight Champion put his titles on the line for the fourth time against Ghanian challenger Floyd Robinson in Mexico City. Robinson had lost to Sugar Ramos for the same titles in September 1964 by a split decision shortly before Saldivar relieved the Cuban, Ramos, of the titles.

In Saldivar's previous defence, the Mexican had retained the titles in London, England against Howard Winstone in the first leg of their trilogy. Robinson had also been the distance with the Welshman so it looked as if the champion was in for a hard-fought encounter.

Robinson fought on even terms with the champion in the 1st round but when he was caught in ring centre by a straight left from Saldivar's southpaw stance in the 2nd he was rocked badly. Two knockdowns followed with referee Roman Berumen counting out the Ghanian at 2:29 of the round.

Saldivar made eight title defences before retiring in October 1967 after his third encounter with Winstone (W Tko 12). He returned after only 21 months and won the WBC version of the Featherweight titles against Australian Johnny Famecho in May 1970.