Salvador Sanchez was one of the greatest featherweight boxers of all time. He was the WBC and The Ring champion from 1980 to 1982, and had a record of 44 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw. He defeated four other members of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, and was named Fighter of the Year in 1981 by The Ring magazine. He was also voted as the #3 featherweight of the 20th century by the Associated Press.
However, his brilliant career came to a tragic end on August 12, 1982, when he died in a car accident at the age of 23. His death shocked the boxing world and left a huge void in the sport. Here is a brief overview of his life, achievements, and legacy.
Early Life and Career
Salvador Sanchez was born on January 26, 1959, in Santiago Tianguistenco, Estado de Mexico. He was the son of Felipe Sanchez and Maria Luisa Narvaez. He had six siblings, and one of them, Salvador Sanchez II, also became a professional boxer.
Sanchez started his professional career at the age of 16, after only four amateur bouts. He quickly rose through the ranks of the Mexican boxing scene, and won his first title against Antonio Becerra in his 19th fight for the bantamweight division. He lost by a split decision, but it was his only defeat in his career.
He then moved up to the featherweight division, where he dominated for the next three years. He beat Felix Trinidad Sr., the Puerto Rican champion, and earned a shot at the world title against Danny “Little Red” Lopez, a popular TV fighter who had won some spectacular fights against former champions.
World Champion and Legend
On February 2, 1980, Sanchez faced Lopez in Phoenix, Arizona, for the WBC and lineal featherweight titles. Sanchez was only 21 years old, but he showed no fear or nerves. He outboxed and outpunched Lopez, and knocked him out in the 13th round. He became the new world champion, and a star was born.
Sanchez defended his title nine times, against some of the best fighters in his division. He beat Ruben Castillo, Juan Laporte, Roberto Castanon, Nicky Perez, and Wilfredo Gomez. He also gave Lopez a rematch in Las Vegas, and stopped him again in the 14th round.
His most memorable fight was against Azumah Nelson, a future Hall of Famer from Ghana. Nelson was an unknown challenger who gave Sanchez a tough fight for 15 rounds. Sanchez showed his heart and skill, and won by a technical knockout with only seconds left in the fight. It was his last fight.
Tragic Death and Legacy
Sanchez was preparing for another title defense against Laporte, whom he had already beaten by a unanimous decision. The fight was scheduled for September 1982. However, on August 12, Sanchez decided to drive his Porsche 928 from Queretaro to San Luis Potosi. On the way, he collided with two trucks at high speed. He died instantly.
His death stunned the boxing world and his fans. He was mourned by thousands of people who attended his funeral in Mexico City. He was buried in his hometown of Santiago Tianguistenco.
Sanchez left behind a legacy of greatness and potential. Many experts consider him to be the best featherweight ever, or at least one of them. He had a style that combined speed, power, defense, and counter-punching. He was also humble and respectful outside the ring.
In 1991, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. In 2002, he was ranked as the 24th greatest fighter of the past 80 years by The Ring magazine. In 2003, he was rated as the 88th greatest puncher of all time by The Ring magazine.
Salvador Sanchez cause of death robbed boxing of a legend who could have achieved even more greatness. However, he will always be remembered as one of the finest fighters who ever lived.
