This Day in Boxing History: Fight Nights, Comebacks & Carnage

November 23 is a day in history when underdogs roared, legends returned, and unexpected violence surfaced. Following are some of the more compelling moments in boxing that have occurred on this date.

Alexis Argüello Claims the Featherweight Crown (1974)

On November 23, 1974, Nicaraguan Alexis Argüello delivered a defining moment in his rise: at The Forum in Inglewood, California, he knocked out Mexican icon and two-time bantamweight champion Rubén “El Púas”  Olivares in the 13th round to win the WBA world featherweight title. Olivares was ahead on the cards through the 12^th round, but Argüello had patiently worked his way into position and then, with pinpoint timing, he landed a short left uppercut and followed with a furious finish. For many fans, this was the moment Argüello truly announced himself as a force in the sport.

Holyfield vs. Cooper: Grit in the Big Leagues (1991)

Fast forward to November 23, 1991, when Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield defended his heavyweight titles (WBA & IBF) in Atlanta against the rugged Bert Cooper, in a match billed as “The Homecoming.” Cooper, a late replacement, came in swinging from the opening bell and stunned the champ in the third round. Referee Mills Lane ruled that the ropes had kept Holyfield from going down fully and called it a knock down.  But Holyfield, known for his heart and warrior spirit, weathered the storm and came back strong, eventually stopping Cooper via TKO in the 7th round. That fight remains one of Holyfield’s most visceral title defenses, highlighting his heart and grit and proving he was a gladiator.

Cintrón Holds On (2007)

On November 23, 2007, in a showdown at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Kermit “The Killer” Cintrón successfully defended his IBF welterweight title against Jesse Feliciano. Cintrón, fighting through a broken right hand (he later said he heard a “crack” with his very first punch), still managed to grind out a 10th-round TKO. This was a defining moment for Cintrón as it was both a title defense and a fight that showcased his toughness.

Mayorga and Vargas Brawl in L.A. (2007)

Also on November 23, 2007, Ricardo “El Matador” Mayorga and “Ferocious” Fernando Vargas squared off in what was billed simply as The Brawl. In a gritty super middleweight match, Mayorga scored two knockdowns — one in the first round, another in the 11th — and won a majority decision. Their fight was less about style and more about raw intensity: a slugfest in the old-school tradition that reminded fans just how dirty and personal boxing can get.

Froch vs. Groves, Round 1 of a Classic Trilogy (2013)

On November 23, 2013, British boxing fans were treated to a showdown that would become part of a legendary trilogy: Carl Froch defended his unified IBF and WBA super-middleweight titles against George Groves at Manchester Arena. Groves shocked Froch early with a left hook that dropped him in the first round — but Froch rallied, ground down his challenger, and won by TKO in the 9th. It was a telling moment for the future Hall of Famer Froch, who was hurt early and proved again that he had the heart and skills of a champion.

What Nov. 23 Means in Boxing

Taken together, the events of November 23 show a recurring theme of resilience. Whether it’s a younger star knocking out a former champ (Argüello), a heavyweight weathering a storm (Holyfield), a warrior defending with injury (Cintrón), a wild brawl between personalities (Mayorga vs. Vargas), or a heavyweight titlist bouncing back from early trouble (Froch), this date has seen moments defined more by grit than glamor.

Fun Facts:

Alexis Argüello vs. Rubén Olivares (Nov 23, 1974)

The fight took place in front of over 14,000 fans; it was a big stage for what was effectively Argüello’s first major world title win.

Argüello went on to have a long, decorated career: by the time he retired in 1995, his record was 77–8 with 62 KOs. He is widely remembered as one of the most technically gifted and fearless fighters in boxing history. He later won world titles in three different weight classes.

Rubén Olivares, although stopped by Argüello, was known for his toughness and carrying power in both hands. Known as “Rockabye Ruben” in boxing publications throughout North America, Olivares didn’t suffer his first loss until his 62^nd professional fight and he later retired with a record of 89-13-3, with 79 wins by knockout.

Evander Holyfield vs. Bert Cooper (Nov 23, 1991)

This fight was billed as “The Homecoming”, since it took place in Holyfield’s hometown of Atlanta.

The knockdown call in the third round was excellent refereeing by Mills Lane and it may very well have saved Holyfield’s title.

In the fifth round, Holyfield’s right glove split open, forcing a ~2-minute delay while the glove was replaced.

Despite being seen as a journeyman early on, Smokin’ Bert Cooper (trained by Joe Frazier) earned respect for his durability. Some boxing fans and historians believe he absorbed more clean power than many top-tier heavyweights, thanks to his granite-like chin.

The fight purse was huge for its time: Holyfield reportedly made $7,000,000, while Cooper took home $750,000.

Holyfield, like Arguello and Oliveras, is one of the short list all time great fighters with deep resumes.

Carl Froch vs. George Groves I (Nov 23, 2013)

The stoppage came in round 9, but it was controversial — many fans and pundits thought Groves was still able to defend intelligently when the referee stepped in. The controversy and intensity of the fight quickly sparked demand for a rematch, which indeed happened (Groves vs. Froch II).