December 20: This Day in Boxing History — Championship Wins and Defining Moments

December 20: This Day in Boxing History — Championship Wins and Defining Moments

December 20 has featured several significant fights in boxing history, spanning title breakthroughs and standout performances across multiple eras. From Sugar Ray Robinson’s first world championship to decisive victories in the 1960s and 1970s, this date has produced moments of lasting impact in the sport.

1946 — Sugar Ray Robinson Wins First World Title

On December 20, 1946, Sugar Ray Robinson captured the vacant world welterweight championship with a 15‑round unanimous decision over Tommy Bell at Madison Square Garden in New York. Robinson, who had been regarded as the “uncrowned” welterweight titleholder for several years due to circumstances outside the ring, had previously beaten Bell in non‑title competition. In the title fight, Robinson was knocked down in the second round but recovered and ultimately controlled the later rounds, securing his first world title in front of a large Madison Square Garden crowd. This victory marked the official launch of Robinson’s long tenure as one of boxing’s premier champions.

1963 — Rubin “Hurricane” Carter Knocks Out Emile Griffith

Middleweight contender Rubin “Hurricane” Carter scored a first‑round knockout over Emile Griffith at the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh. Griffith, a reigning world welterweight champion and accomplished multi‑division titleholder, had entered the bout as a betting favorite. Carter’s early offensive burst floored Griffith multiple times before the referee stopped the fight, handing Griffith one of the few stoppage defeats of his career and elevating Carter’s profile as a rising contender.

1975 — Roberto Duran Retains Lightweight Title

Roberto Duran retained the WBA lightweight championship with a 15th‑round knockout of Leoncio Ortiz at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Duran, already established as one of the era’s most formidable punchers, closed the fight in the final seconds of the scheduled 15 rounds, securing a late stoppage and reinforcing his long reign at lightweight. Ortiz, a respected contender, pushed Duran deep into the championship rounds, underscoring his toughness before the decisive finish.

2008 — Nikolai Valuev Retains Heavyweight Title Against Evander Holyfield
In a notable heavyweight championship bout, Nikolai Valuev retained the WBA heavyweight title via a majority decision against former undisputed champion Evander Holyfield in Zurich, Switzerland. Valuev’s size and jab played a central role in the fight, while Holyfield, at 46 years old, was attempting to make history as the oldest heavyweight champion. The judges scored the bout 115‑114, 116‑112, and 114‑114, resulting in a majority decision in Valuev’s favor. The fight drew commentary from analysts and fans regarding the effectiveness of the champion’s style and the challenge of assessing veteran contenders against younger champions.

December 20

December 20th’s place in boxing history highlights pivotal title wins and career‑defining outcomes across weight classes and generations. Each event on this date reflects not only competitive significance but also broader shifts in the sport’s narrative; from the emergence of all‑time greats to the persistence of veteran fighters meeting elite opposition.

Trivia & Interesting Facts — December 20 in Boxing History

Sugar Ray Robinson vs Tommy Bell (1946)

Before turning professional, Sugar Ray Robinson compiled an exceptional 85‑0 amateur record with 69 knockouts, including 40 first‑round stoppages — an indicator of the elite skill that would carry into his championship career.

Robinson entered his December 20, 1946 title fight with more than 70 professional bouts (a reported 73–1–1) without a title shot, largely due to his refusal to cooperate with organized crime figures who wielded influence over the sport at the time — a factor that delayed his championship opportunity despite clear merit.

Tommy Bell came from an athletically talented and musical family. His nephews became members of the rhythm and blues band Kool & the Gang.

Roberto Duran vs Leoncio Ortiz (1975)

Ortiz nearly went the distance with Duran, only being stopped in the final 12 seconds of the 15th round, a testament to his resilience against one of boxing’s most feared punchers.

Nikolai Valuev vs Evander Holyfield (2008)

Nikolai Valuev’s size advantage was striking: he stood 7 feet tall and weighed around 310 lbs, giving him roughly 10 inches of height and nearly 100 pounds on Evander Holyfield — one of the largest physical disparities in a world heavyweight title bout.

This bout represented his first opportunity at the WBA heavyweight title since 2001 and a chance to become the oldest heavyweight champion in history, a milestone he narrowly missed when the decision went against him.