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Barry McGuigan transcended the sport back in the mid-1980s and was a hero to millions. Then still only 25, he was greeted in Las Vegas with the kind of fanfare that was rare for overseas fighters in America.
The WBA featherweight champion was originally scheduled to take on Fernando Sosa in 1986 until two detached retinas were discovered. In came Steve Cruz, simply to make up the numbers.
What followed – in the outdoor desert heat of 110 degrees – was both thrilling and gruelling in the extreme.
McGuigan started well but faded late as Cruz dropped Barry in the 10th and secured victory in the last, when he scored a further two knockdowns to edge the cards 143-142, 142-141 and 143-139.
Incidentally, Cruz supplemented his ring earnings by working as a plumber’s helper for $6.50 per hour.
The WBA featherweight champion was originally scheduled to take on Fernando Sosa in 1986 until two detached retinas were discovered. In came Steve Cruz, simply to make up the numbers.
What followed – in the outdoor desert heat of 110 degrees – was both thrilling and gruelling in the extreme.
McGuigan started well but faded late as Cruz dropped Barry in the 10th and secured victory in the last, when he scored a further two knockdowns to edge the cards 143-142, 142-141 and 143-139.
Incidentally, Cruz supplemented his ring earnings by working as a plumber’s helper for $6.50 per hour.
Ivich
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