28 years ago

Date: 5th February 1996

Title: WBC World Flyweight Title

Yuri Arbachakov
( 21 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 112 lbs

Raul Juarez
( 19 - 1 - 0 )
Weight: 111 1/2 lbs

Yuri Arbachakov holds the distinction of becoming the first Russian to win a professional world boxing title when in 1992 he took the WBC world flyweight crown from Thailand's Muangchai Kittikasem,

In the eighth defence of the title, Arbachakov (21-0-0) faced Mexico's Raul Juarez (19-1-0) at the Osaka-Jo Hall in Osaka, Japan. Apart from the title-winning trip to Thailand, Arbachikov fought all of his fights in Japan having emigrated there to turn professional after a stellar amateur career that saw him win the World and European gold medals for Russia.

The champion was too good for his challenger on this night and gained a unanimous decision win from the judges.

Scores: Harry Croes 117-111 | Henry Elespuru 114-112 | Gus Mercurio 117-110.