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Detroit was the historical battle site for Thomas Hearns and José “Pipino” Cuevas 30 years ago and where Hearns became the welterweight world champion of the World Boxing Association.
The fan expectation was all over Hearns, who had the power to finish his opponent very fast. The Mexican was facing his 12th defense after four years of reign.
Hearns needed less than six minutes to seize the black and gold belt, pleasing his fans.
There was a lot to talk about after the result and many said that Cuevas and his team had denigrated the young boxer. On the other hand, Hearns said to the press that he wanted to give Detroit a special gift, “but I went too far” referring to the strength of his punches.
Up to now, that knockout is regarded as one of the most spectacular KO’s in history, according to boxing specialists and fans. Many dare say that Hearns ended Cuevas’ career that night.
It was 33 years ago when the rising star Aaron Pryor shocked the world and knocked out the great Antonio Cervantes in three rounds, in Cincinnati, to take over the WBA super lightweight championship belt.
It was a great battle, on August 2, 1980, Pryor who was an undefeated in 24 fights, had defeated almost all the challengers in his division and won the right to challenge the champion.
Cervantes, “Kid Pambelé”, had great credentials to keep his title, and began the fight sending American challenger to the canvas.
However, Pryor recovered and seemed enraged and managed to reverse the situation. Pryor was all over the champion punishing him at will, becoming a real punching machine, he did not give Cervantes any chance to react and knocked him down in four rounds.
The champion did not have any chance to respond. Pryor cornered Cervantes, and with a right hook to the face made the Colombian’s legs bend. When Pryor saw the champion’s knee on the ground, he jumped very excited.
The referee gave the protection count, but Cervantes did not get up. Pryor’s team celebrated by jumping on the ring. At 25 years of age, Aaron Pryor dethroned Antonio Cervantes and became champion.
53 Years ago, Wilfredo Vázquez was born in Puerto Rico, a boxer, who became the World Boxing Association triple world champion in the bantam, super bantam and featherweight categories,.
His passing through professional boxing was of great importance for his country and the Latin American region, he left a record of 56-9-2, 41 KO´s and one No Contest.
He won his first WBA belt on October 4, 1987 in Seoul defeating Chan Yong Park in ten rounds. He lost the title to Khaokor Galaxy in Bangkok. He waited until 1992 when he defeated Raúl “Jibaro” Pérez in Mexico to win his second belt which he kept for three years.
It was his moment of splendor and was known as “The Pride of Puerto Rico”. He made nine successful defenses before facing the Venezuelan Antonio Cermeño, who defeated him.
In 1996, he defeated Eloy Rojas in Las Vegas, to win his third title, this time in featherweight division which he defended four times and lost in 1998.
Vázquez retired in 2002 and ever since he has been sharing his knowledge and experience with young boxers.
His legacy in Puerto Rican Boxing and Latin America is undeniable. His country honors him with the Wilfredo Vázquez Marathon celebrated every year in his beloved Bayamón.
We send our fraternal congratulation to a great exponent of the ideals of the WBA, who has always shined for his fighting spirit. Congratulations Champ.
