On January 14, 1979, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Wilfred Benitez defeated Carlos Palomino by 15-round split decision to capture the WBC welterweight title. Benitez, just 20 years old and already a former junior welterweight champion, faced a seasoned and respected titleholder who was making his eighth successful defense. From the opening bell, Benitez asserted himself at center ring, showcasing the defensive brilliance and ring IQ that would define his career.
Palomino attempted to increase the pace in the middle rounds, landing some of his best shots in the fifth, but he found his energy slipping sooner than expected. Benitez gradually took control, snapping Palomino’s head back with sharp jabs and short combinations while remaining remarkably composed. As the fight wore on, Benitez grew increasingly confident, even inviting exchanges late once he sensed Palomino no longer had the power to hurt him.
Judges Jay Edson and Harry Gibbs scored the fight 147-143 and 146-143 for Benitez, while Zach Clayton had it 145-142 for Palomino. The victory improved Benitez’s record to 37-0-1 and made him a two-division world champion at just 20 years old, cementing his reputation as one of boxing’s most naturally gifted technicians. He later defended the title by avenging his lone blemish, a draw with Harold Weston, via unanimous decision.
Five years later, on January 14, 1984, Ray Mancini retained his WBA lightweight title with a third-round TKO of Bobby Chacon at Lawlor Events Center in Reno, Nevada. From the outset, Mancini’s pressure dictated the fight, as he backed Chacon to the ropes and unleashed sustained combinations with little respite.
By the second round, Mancini’s pace had become overwhelming. Chacon absorbed punishment bravely, but cuts opened around his eyes and blood flowed freely as Mancini continued to hammer away. Early in the third round, referee Richard Steele briefly hesitated before ultimately stepping in to stop the contest at 1:17.
On January 14, 1995, at the Atlantic City Convention Center, Vinny Pazienza earned a 12-round unanimous decision over Roberto Duran in a super middleweight bout. It was the second meeting between the two in six months, and once again Pazienza proved too relentless for the aging legend.
Duran started quickly, attempting to assert himself early, but as the rounds progressed Pazienza’s work rate and durability took over. From the middle rounds onward, Pazienza landed repeated left hooks and right uppercuts, steadily wearing Duran down while taunting him in the clinches. By the championship rounds, the difference in stamina was unmistakable.
Eventually, the judges scored the fight 116-112, 117-111, and 118-110. Though long removed from his prime, Duran showed flashes of pride and defiance, while Pazienza solidified one of the most unlikely late-career runs in boxing history.
Watch the full fight of Vinny Pazienza and Roberto Duran here.
Image Credit: WBC