This Day in Boxing History: Great Fights of December 7th

This Day in Boxing History: Great Fights of December 7th

Across decades and weight divisions, December 7 has repeatedly delivered historic fights, world-title upheavals, and defining performances from some of boxing’s most celebrated champions.

1963 — Joey Giardello Finally Claims the Middleweight Crown

Veteran contender Joey Giardello achieved the pinnacle of his long career by defeating the formidable Dick Tiger via a 15-round unanimous decision. Giardello and Tiger met twice before in 1959, with Tiger winning a 10 round decision and then Giardello returning the favor. This night, Giardello produced one of the finest performances of his 15-year campaign. Sharp counterpunching and a steady output earned him the undisputed world middleweight championship.

1970 — Erbito Salavarria Captures the WBC Flyweight Title

In Bangkok, Filipino puncher Erbito Salavarria stunned local hero Chartchai Chionoi, flooring him three times en route to a second-round stoppage. The victory earned Salavarria the WBC and lineal flyweight titles, making him the first Filipino fighter to achieve WBC-recognized flyweight supremacy. The upset remains a landmark achievement in Philippine boxing history.

1974 — Rodolfo Martínez Wins the WBC Bantamweight Championship

In Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico, Rodolfo Martínez claimed the vacant WBC bantamweight title by knocking out compatriot Rafael Herrera in the fourth round. This bout was a key moment in Mexico’s rich bantamweight legacy.

1992 — Humberto “Chiquita” González Defends His WBC Light-Flyweight Title

Mexican great Humberto González successfully defended his WBC light-flyweight title against Melchor Cob Castro. He won the decision that night in Inglewood, California. González’s precise, disciplined style was on full display as he cemented his position as one of the premier light-flyweights of his era.

1996 — Ricardo “Finito” López Scores Explosive First-Round KO

Undefeated Mexican legend Ricardo “Finito” López demolished Korean challenger Myungsup Park via first-round knockout to retain his WBC minimumweight championship. As one of the most technically flawless fighters in boxing history, López added yet another emphatic highlight to his pristine career.

2002 — Floyd Mayweather Jr. Edges José Luis Castillo in Their High-Stakes Rematch

Floyd Mayweather Jr. defended his WBC and The Ring lightweight titles in a tactical rematch with Mexico’s José Luis Castillo. After their controversial first meeting, the rematch was a highly anticipated showdown. Mayweather adjusted effectively, boxing on the move and countering sharply to secure a unanimous decision (116–113, 115–113, 115–113). The victory became a pivotal building block in Mayweather’s rise from elite technician to future all-time great.

2019 — Jermall Charlo Stops Dennis Hogan to Retain WBC Middleweight Title

Undefeated champion Jermall Charlo faced Ireland’s Dennis Hogan in Brooklyn, New York. Charlo retained his WBC middleweight title by stopping Hogan in the seventh round. Charlo dropped Hogan twice, first with a crushing uppercut in the fourth round, then with a clean left hook early in the seventh; prompting the referee to halt the contest. The win reinforced Charlo’s reputation as one of the hardest punchers in the division.

A Date Defined by Champions

December 7th proved to be a consistent showcase of elite boxing talent. Across more than five decades, the date has featured historic championship breakthroughs, stunning upsets, technical masterclasses, high-profile rematches, and modern-era title defenses.

Interesting Facts:

Joey Giardello vs Dick Tiger (Dec 7, 1963)

The title fight was witnessed by an estimated 12,000 fans at Atlantic City’s Convention Hall; a large crowd for a middleweight title bout at the time.

Giardello had been a pro for 15 years by then and had amassed 122 professional fights before finally earning his shot and winning the world middleweight title. His underdog victory came after two previous losses to Tiger; this third meeting made him the undisputed WBA, WBC and The Ring middleweight champion.

Outside the ring, Giardello had a colorful background: born Carmine Tilelli in Brooklyn, he adopted the name “Joey Giardello” when joining the Army soon after World War II. He began his pro career without any amateur fights.

Erbito Salavarria vs Chartchai Chionoi (Dec 7, 1970)

The 1970 bout marked Salavarria’s dramatic ascension: he flattened Chartchai Chionoi in the second round, clinching both the WBC and the lineal flyweight titles. In doing so, he became the first Filipino to win the WBC-recognized flyweight crown.

Salavarria eventually had a long career beyond that night: after losing the WBC title under controversial circumstances, he went on to capture the WBA flyweight title in 1975, showing resilience and longevity beyond the big upset. Decades later, Salavarria’s legacy endures: his gym is reportedly still managed by his family, and he’s regarded as a foundational figure in Philippine boxing history.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs José Luis Castillo II (Dec 7, 2002)

The rematch was held at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino (Las Vegas), and drew a live audience of around 6,000 spectators, according to contemporary reports. The disclosed purses highlight boxing’s financial evolution: Mayweather earned US$2.4 million, while Castillo was reportedly paid US$150,000.

Despite Castillo throwing many punches, Mayweather’s defense-first strategy paid off: statistics from the fight showed Mayweather landed 162 of 399 punches (about 41 %), outlanding Castillo significantly and underlining his future reputation for tactical brilliance over raw aggression.

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