January 14th, 1979

Wilfred Benitez defeated Carlos Palomino to win a world title in a second weight division.

Benitez, who became boxing’s youngest world champion when he won a super lightweight belt at 17, secured a split decision to claim the WBC welterweight crown.

After losing his title to Sugar Ray Leonard two fights later, his first defeat in 40 contests, Benitez knocked out Maurice Hope for his third world belt in 1981.