On This Day in Boxing… July 9
1970: Carmelo Bossi Reaches World Glory in Monza
Monza, Italy – In a highly strategic bout in front of a completely captivated crowd, Italy’s Carmelo Bossi dethroned American Freddie Little by winning a unanimous decision in a hard-fought 15-round contest. With this triumph, Bossi captured both the WBC and WBA World Super Welterweight championships, becoming the absolute king of the 154-pound division on an unforgettable night for European pugilism.
1988: Gilberto Román Rules with Authority in the Land of the Rising Sun
Kawagoe, Japan – The virtuous Mexican stylist Gilberto Román, one of the most brilliant champions in bantamweight and super flyweight history, proved why he was a master of the ring. Román successfully defended his WBC World Super Flyweight crown by delivering a thunderous fifth-round knockout over the fierce Japanese challenger Yoshiyuki Uchida, silencing the arena and painting another masterful work of art on foreign soil.
2011: Jhonny González Unleashes His Lethal Power in Atlantic City
Atlantic City, New Jersey – Fearsome Mexican knockout artist Jhonny González gave a masterclass in power and precision inside the ring at the Boardwalk Hall. González authoritatively defended his WBC World Featherweight championship by stopping brave American challenger Tomás Villa via technical knockout in just four rounds, reaffirming his status as one of the most respected punchers on the planet.
2021: Joseph “JoJo” Díaz Crowns Himself in a Los Angeles Civil War
Los Angeles, California – In a toe-to-toe clash that produced pure fireworks, Mexican-American Joseph “JoJo” Díaz captured the WBC Interim World Lightweight championship. Díaz put on a display of immense courage and excellent inside-fighting to defeat the always dangerous and elusive Dominican southpaw Javier “El Abejón” Fortuna via unanimous decision, keeping fans on the edge of their seats throughout the battle.
2022: Rey Vargas Becomes a Two-Division World Champion on a Magical Night in Texas
San Antonio, Texas – The lanky and undefeated Mexican boxer Rey Vargas engraved his name among the elite by capturing his second world crown in a different weight class. Vargas proclaimed himself the new WBC World Featherweight champion by dethroning dangerous Filipino warrior Mark Magsayo via a thrilling split decision. Despite visiting the canvas in the ninth round, the Mexican dug deep, took the punishment, and put on a long-range boxing clinic to dress himself in glory at the Alamodome.
