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.
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