Salvador Sanchez: Boxing
Salvador Sánchez Narváez (January 26, 1959 – August 12, 1982) is considered by many boxing historians as one of the greatest featherweights to ever set foot on the boxing ring. Many believed that if it was not for his premature death, he would become the greatest featherweight boxer of all time. He started his professional boxing career at the age of 16 and his only loss was a 10-round decision to Antonio Becerra for the vacant Mexican bantamweight championship on September 9, 1977.
Greatest Sporting Achievements
Salvador Sanchez, in 46 bouts, won 44 fights, lost and drew only once and 32 by knockout. He knocked out Danny Lopez in the 13th round on February 1980 and successfully held the WBC title for four more times during that year. In 1981, he faced Wilfredo Gomez who was the WBC junior featherweight that time. He knocked him out during the first round and dominated the entire match. It was one of his most memorable fights. In 1991, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Why Was He So Good?
Although Salvador Sanchez was tall and thin, he packed considerable power. His punching power wasn’t only the skill he bought to the ring but also he was an astounding counterpuncher, breaking his rivals with precise and fast counterpunches.
What You May Not Know
- Sanchez’ cause of death was due to a fatal automobile accident after his eight successful title defense, a 15th-round knockout of Ghana boxer Azumah Nelson on July 21, 1982.
- The fight was stopped in the 8th round when he fought Gomez and maintained a consistent attack.
- During the time of his death, many great matchups waited for him including Alexis Arguello, Julio Cesar Chavez and Eusebio Pedroza.
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Related Pages
- More Boxer Profiles
- About Boxing
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