Philippines, 28 Feb 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


40th Death Anniversary of Mexican Legend Salvador Sanchez


PhilBoxing.com



Salvador Sanchez.
This August 12th commemorates 40 years since the last goodbye of Salvador Sanchez, the legendary Mexican WBC world featherweight champion and one of the greatest fighters in the history of world boxing.

He debuted at the age of 16 in professional boxing on May 4, 1975 and went undefeated with 18 fights won by knockout until his first and only loss to experienced compatriot Antonio Becerra in a controversial decision.

It was on February 2, 1980 when a practically unknown number nine challenger named Salvador Sánchez Narváez won the WBC featherweight world title convincingly in 13 rounds against a true knockout artist of the time: Danny "Coloradito" López, today a member of the Canastota Hall of Fame.

He made 9 defenses against: Rubén Castillo, Danny López, Patrick Ford, Juan Laporte, Roberto Castañon, Wilfredo Gómez, Pat Cowdell, Jorge García and Azumah Nelson. If we analyze his nine world title defenses objectively, then they are the basis of Sánchez's greatness since all his challengers were first class.

His victory on August 21, 1981 against world boxing legend Puerto Rican Wilfredo Gómez is considered the most important victory of a Mexican boxer. The Gomez-Sanchez fight was one of the greatest fights of all time called at that time as War of Titans.

On August 12, 1982, Sánchez sadly surprised the boxing world when it learned of his death as a result of a car accident.

Salvador Sánchez entered the 'International Boxing Hall of Fame' in 1991. Sanchez was a warrior in the ring, a great counter puncher, he loved to fight cold and calculating.

Those who knew Sal Sánchez say that he was a boy with a big heart, too humble and strong personal convictions.

This August 12, family, friends and legends of Mexican boxing will be in the municipal pantheon along with thousands of fans.

The World Boxing Council will be present and has invited world champions Adonis Stevenson and Roman "Chocolate" Gonzalez to accompany them to the event commemorating this date.

Sánchez gave a lot in boxing, he was the typical poor boy of our Latin American country that God kept a star for him to shine and he knew how to defend it in a great way until he became what he is today 40 years later: A Legend, one of the best of all time,

Thank you Salvador Sánchez Narváez for your great contribution to boxing and world sport.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Gabriel F. Cordero.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Nuñez vs Navarrete: Knuckle Up for a Certified Banger
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 28 Feb 2026
  • ‘There's no way I'm going to lose’ -- Holly McMath looks to make a statement in high-stakes trilogy fight
    , Sat, 28 Feb 2026
  • WEIGHTS, RUNNING ORDER AND FINAL WORDS FOR NAVARRETE VS. NUNEZ
    , Sat, 28 Feb 2026
  • WEIGH-IN RESULTS FOR MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS: PIERCE VS. PARRA
    , Sat, 28 Feb 2026
  • Former US President Obama will donate Ali gloves to his presidential library
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 28 Feb 2026
  • Almacen Brothers Make Weight, Ready for Battle in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Fri, 27 Feb 2026
  • Four United States Women's Boxers Shine Bright on Day Four of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
    , Fri, 27 Feb 2026
  • Matthew James Sugatan wins Flash-ADV 160 9-Ball Tournament at Pacman's Cue Club; pockets P30,000
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 27 Feb 2026
  • Weights From ProBoxTV’s ‘Vazquez vs. Machuca’ at College Park Center in the University of Texas
    , Fri, 27 Feb 2026
  • Ethan Matthew Gabriel tops Boscolympics 2026 Grade School chess meet
    , Fri, 27 Feb 2026
  • Boxing Legend & Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr. Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
    , Fri, 27 Feb 2026
  • IM Christian Gian Karlo Tade - Arca outwits GM Pa Iniyan in Round 6 of the Manny Pacquiao International Open chess
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026
  • San Francisco Boxing Leaders Bring It Back: FIGHT NIGHT AT ROCCAPULCO
    , Thu, 26 Feb 2026
  • Alyssa Mendoza, Salim Ellis-Bey and Kelvin Watts Secure Wins on Day Three of 2026 Strandja Boxing Tournament
    , Thu, 26 Feb 2026
  • Herlan Gomez faces Dekang Wang for WBA Asia Superbamtam Title Today in Kunming, China
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026
  • Queensberry Promotions to sue SELA and TKO?
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026
  • IBA President Umar Kremlev promises prize money for boxers at LA 2028 if the IOC doesn’t change their policy towards athletes’ rewards
    , Thu, 26 Feb 2026
  • Ruben Castillo, The uncrowned champion passes away
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Return of Ryan Garcia
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • “It’s moments a kid dreams off.” Sam Rennie returns for title challenge March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
    , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • ‘It’s going to be a great fight and most importantly looking forward to the 10 pints together after it’ Billy Quinncroft challenges for Cruiserweight title March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
    , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • Magdalena Contreras Municipality and WBC start "Boxing for Peace" in Mexico
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • United States Captures Four More Wins on Day Two of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
    , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • Date set for Manny-Money 2
    By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • Knockout Artist Sugar Martinez (17-0, 17 KOs) Makes His US Debut Against Philly Veteran Daiyan Butt
    , Wed, 25 Feb 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.