On This Day in Boxing History… May 18
1963.- Eder Jofre Lays Down the Law in Manila
The legendary Brazilian Eder Jofre, universally regarded as one of the greatest bantamweights of all time, traveled to the Philippines to stop local challenger Johnny Jamito in the twelfth round, authoritatively retaining his WBC World Bantamweight crown.
1980.- Shoji Oguma Silences Seoul
In an absolute Asian thriller at the Jangchung Gymnasium in Seoul, South Korea, Japan’s Shoji Oguma pulled off a massive upset by knocking out local idol Chan-Hee Park in the ninth round, capturing the WBC World Flyweight championship.
2002.- Kostya Tszyu Dominates Las Vegas
The relentless Russian-Australian Konstantin “Kostya” Tszyu put on a masterclass at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Tszyu successfully defended his WBC World Super Light-Welterweight title by defeating the durable Ghanaian Ben Tackie via a lopsided unanimous decision.
2013.- Lucas Matthysse’s Most Devastating Night
At the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, fearsome Argentine puncher Lucas Matthysse showcased his devastating power by destroying American champion Lamont Peterson in just three rounds, marking a historic night for South American boxing.
2019.- Gary Russell Jr. Halts Kiko Martínez’s Momentum
Putting his extraordinary hand speed on full display in Brooklyn, New York, America’s Gary Russell Jr. retained his WBC World Featherweight crown by securing a fifth-round technical knockout over the warrior and former Spanish champion, Kiko Martínez.
2019.- Deontay Wilder’s Thunderous Impact at the Barclays
On that very same card at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the “Bronze Bomber,” Deontay Wilder, shocked the world by defending his WBC World Heavyweight title with a spectacular and brutal first-round knockout over fellow countryman Dominic Breazeale.
