WBC 60: Rubén “Púas” Olivares was crowned bantamweight champion

This year the World Boxing Council celebrates 60 years of its creation, and we remember great events and fights that have been part of the history of our organization.

On August 22, 1969, one of the greatest sports idols in Mexico, Rubén “Púas” Olivares, was crowned bantamweight champion of the World Boxing Council after defeating Australian idol Lionel Rose by knockout in five rounds, at the Los Angeles Forum at Los Angeles, California.

Olivares managed to defeat the tough champion Lionel Rose against all odds, since the Australian had great quality and was recognized as one of the best bantamweights of that time.

In the first round both warriors exchanged heavy blows. In the second round, Olivares went on the offensive, dropping Lionel. Brave Lionel got up to try to recover what he had lost, but he was again hurt by “Puas.”

In the third round, Olivares was steadily gaining the upper hand.

In the fourth round, the superiority of “Púas” was evident and it was obvious that it was only a matter of time before the fight ended.

The end came in the fifth round. Rose took several hooks, and his mouth guard flew out. This had already happened in previous rounds, and it was obvious that he was now in bad shape.

The fight resumed, and a barrage of hooks from Olivares sent Rose to the canvas. Lionel got up, he wanted to return to combat but he was already in very bad condition.

With a crushing left and right combination, Olivares put him back from whence he came. This was the end, Rose’s team entered to help him and take him to his corner, while Olivares celebrated his coronation.

For Mexican fans, the coronation of “Púas” was one of the greatest sporting achievements for many years.