Donald Curry vs Jun Suk Hwang

On February 13, 1983, the Tarrant Co Convention Center in Fort Worth, Texas, hosted the vacant WBA World Welterweight Title match between Donald Curry and Jun Suk Hwang. This title had been left vacant following the retirement of Sugar Ray Leonard due to a detached retina. Curry, ranked as the WBA's No. 1 contender, entered the fight with a perfect record of 15-0-0, while Hwang, the WBA's No. 3 contender, boasted an equally impressive 21-0-0 record. Despite Curry being the favourite, Hwang presented a slightly unknown challenge.

The fight was significant not only because it featured two undefeated fighters but also due to the high stakes involved. Curry's purse for the bout was $75,000, significantly higher than Hwang's $25,000. The event drew a crowd of 9,000 spectators and was televised by ESPN, marking one of the early significant broadcasts for the network in boxing. The match presented Curry with an unknown quality of his co-challenger.

To all intents, the South Korean challenger looked to be a solid boxer. In the seventh round, Hwang landed a right uppercut that sent Curry to his knees, marking the first knockdown of Curry's professional career. However, Curry managed to recover and utilize his jab and combinations effectively to build a substantial lead by the end of the fight.

The judges' scores reflected Curry's dominance after the initial setback. Referee Roberto Ramirez Sr and Judge Ismael Wiso Fernandez both scored the fight 146-139 in favour of Curry, while Judge Harmodio Cedeno had it 148-140. This unanimous decision victory secured Curry the WBA title, making him the new champion at just 21 years old. On the other hand, Hwang suffered his first professional loss, ending his undefeated streak. The victory marked a significant milestone in Curry's career, as he became one of the most successful welterweights of his era.

Curry's performance against Hwang showcased his ability to adapt under pressure. Despite being knocked down, he demonstrated a strong chin and ability to adjust his mid-fight strategy. This resilience would become a hallmark of his career, as he defended his title multiple times and eventually unified the welterweight division. The fight also highlighted the growing influence of ESPN in broadcasting boxing events, which would play a crucial role in popularizing the sport in the future.

The historical context of this fight is also noteworthy. It occurred when boxing transitioned from the era of legendary figures like Sugar Ray Leonard and Muhammad Ali. The early 1980s saw a new generation of boxers emerge, with Curry one of the most promising talents. His victory over Hwang marked a personal achievement and signalled the beginning of a new era in welterweight boxing.