40th Death Anniversary of Mexican Legend Salvador Sanchez
By Gabriel F. Cordero
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 12 Aug 2022
Salvador Sanchez.
This August 12th commemorates 40 years since the last goodbye of Salvador Sanchez, the legendary Mexican WBC world featherweight champion and one of the greatest fighters in the history of world boxing.
He debuted at the age of 16 in professional boxing on May 4, 1975 and went undefeated with 18 fights won by knockout until his first and only loss to experienced compatriot Antonio Becerra in a controversial decision.
It was on February 2, 1980 when a practically unknown number nine challenger named Salvador Sánchez Narváez won the WBC featherweight world title convincingly in 13 rounds against a true knockout artist of the time: Danny "Coloradito" López, today a member of the Canastota Hall of Fame.
He made 9 defenses against: Rubén Castillo, Danny López, Patrick Ford, Juan Laporte, Roberto Castañon, Wilfredo Gómez, Pat Cowdell, Jorge García and Azumah Nelson. If we analyze his nine world title defenses objectively, then they are the basis of Sánchez's greatness since all his challengers were first class.
His victory on August 21, 1981 against world boxing legend Puerto Rican Wilfredo Gómez is considered the most important victory of a Mexican boxer. The Gomez-Sanchez fight was one of the greatest fights of all time called at that time as War of Titans.
On August 12, 1982, Sánchez sadly surprised the boxing world when it learned of his death as a result of a car accident.
Salvador Sánchez entered the 'International Boxing Hall of Fame' in 1991. Sanchez was a warrior in the ring, a great counter puncher, he loved to fight cold and calculating.
Those who knew Sal Sánchez say that he was a boy with a big heart, too humble and strong personal convictions.
This August 12, family, friends and legends of Mexican boxing will be in the municipal pantheon along with thousands of fans.
The World Boxing Council will be present and has invited world champions Adonis Stevenson and Roman "Chocolate" Gonzalez to accompany them to the event commemorating this date.
Sánchez gave a lot in boxing, he was the typical poor boy of our Latin American country that God kept a star for him to shine and he knew how to defend it in a great way until he became what he is today 40 years later: A Legend, one of the best of all time,
Thank you Salvador Sánchez Narváez for your great contribution to boxing and world sport.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Gabriel F. Cordero.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
What If Pacquiao Defeats Barrios?
By Ralph Rimpell, Wed, 02 Jul 2025Team USA Earns Three Wins on Day Two of World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
Wed, 02 Jul 2025Women's Boxing Champion Signs with Combate Global, Still Aims For WBC Absolute Gold
Wed, 02 Jul 2025Sanman Boxing Presents Hard-Hitting Prospect Abubakar Yanon Set to Challenge for Philippine Boxing Federation Flyweight Title in Malungon, Sarangani Province
Wed, 02 Jul 2025Boxing Returns to Tropicana Atlantic City, July 25
Wed, 02 Jul 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 30 June 2025: Zurdo Outpoints Dorticos, Keeps WBA/WBO Cruiser Titles; Mbilli Stops Sulecki in 1; Wins by Kuroki, Wilder and Jake Paul
By Eric Armit, Tue, 01 Jul 2025IIEE Titans secured Finals in BPBL, IIEE Chessmasters retain on top level in Bundesliga
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 01 Jul 2025MARIO BARRIOS LAS VEGAS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES
Tue, 01 Jul 2025CATTERALL AND EUBANK LAY THEIR 'CARDS ON THE TABLE' AHEAD OF MANCHESTER SHOWDOWN
Tue, 01 Jul 2025Dumadag holds chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 01 Jul 2025Manny Pacquiao's Case for the Greatest of All Time
By Ace Freeman, Mon, 30 Jun 2025DavNor Adventure Race 2025 set July 2
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 30 Jun 2025Gumila rules Antipolo rapid chess tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 30 Jun 2025FULL CIRCLE AT WILD CARD: Jhay Otamias’ Tribute to a Fighter and a Fanbase
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Mon, 30 Jun 2025Vince Paras Wins by 4th Round KO Over Sarawut Thawornkham to Capture the IBF Pan Pacific Super Flyweight Title
Mon, 30 Jun 2025