Chavez knocked out Cortés (44-0-0, 21 KOs) at 1:56 into the third to retain his WBC Junior Welterweight title.
UNDERCARD – Genaro Leon defended his WBC Continental Americas welterweight title with a first round TKO over Sulio Sanchez. Luis “Tyson” Vazquez scored a sixth round TKO over Moises Mendez. Marco Antonio Barrera knocked out Federico Lara in three. Bantamweight Joel Luna Zarate scored a third round TKO win over Juan Manuel Chavez. Featherweight Fernando Beltran lost a ten round decision to Oscar Burgos.
THE OPPONENT – The southpaw Alberto de las Mercedes Cortés of Argentina began his pro career in 1983. Though he had not fought any name opponents when he met Chavez, he had fought a number of good opponents, remaining undefeated and collecting a few minor titles. In 1992, he would knock down Trinidad twice in their fight but lost by a third round TKO. In ‘94, Cortés earned a shot against WBA welterweight titlist Ike Quartey but lost by a fifth round TKO. He won a decision over Silvio Walter Rojas in 1997 and then won a minor title but was knocked out by Antonio Diaz in a subsequent fight for the IBA light welterweight title. Cortés retired in 2000 with a record of 71-12-1 (31).
ROUND ONE – Coming out of the corner, Cortés was more active than his opponent but had some trouble getting past Chavez’s defense. He mainly just landed the jab, as Chavez got in a few hooks to the body.
ROUND TWO – Both fighters came out strong this round. Chávez landed a good right, and Cortés matched it with a cross of his own. Chávez got in a few more shots while Cortés was in the corner but did not seriously hurt him and allowed a few punches to land on himself. Cortés continuted to land occasional punches, but Chávez’s right crosses were knocking his head back whenever they landed.
ROUND THREE – They came out trading, but it was still only Chavez’s right cross that was doing any real damage. Cortés fought valiantly, more concerned with trying to batter Chavez than with defending himself, but most of his punches weren’t landing, and those that were landing didn’t have any effect. Chavez, knowing now how to hurt his opponent, spent most of the round waiting patiently for his opportunity. Finally, he found it with an uppercut, followed by a straight right that sent Cortés back against the ropes. Chavez landed one last left hook to Cortés’ head as he fell to his knees. Referee Arthur Mercante stopped the fight when Cortés wasn’t steady on his feet at ten, giving Chavez his sixty-ninth consecutive win and his second successful defense of the WBC light welterweight title.
Location: Mexico City, Mexico
Venue: Palacio de los Deportes
Scheduled: 12 Rounds
Title: WBC Junior Welterweight
Referee: Arthur Mercante
Judge: Rudy Ortega 20-18
Judge: Arlen Bynum 20-18
Judge: Carol Castellano 20-18 (the first woman to judge a major bout in Mexico City)
Result: KO3 1:56
Promoter: Don King
Broadcast: Televisa
Announcer: Carlos Salinas
Attendance: 10,000