Ike Williams vs Enrique Bolanos III

On July 21, 1949, Wrigley Field in Los Angeles hosted the third and final world lightweight title bout between champion Ike Williams and challenger Enrique "Durango Dropper" Bolanos. This fight marked the conclusion of their trilogy, with all three contests taking place at the same venue.

Williams, weighing in at the lightweight limit of 135 pounds, faced Bolanos, who came in slightly under at 133 pounds. The bout was scheduled for 15 rounds, as was standard for championship fights of that era.

The fight was officiated by former heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey, adding an extra layer of prestige to the event. Bolanos, a native of Durango, Mexico, and resident of Los Angeles, was the city's premier boxing draw during his prime, ensuring a passionate crowd for this rubber match.

From the opening bell, Williams demonstrated his superiority. He quickly established control, landing punishing blows that began to take their toll on Bolanos. The challenger found himself on the canvas twice during the brief but intense contest.

By the fourth round, the damage to Bolanos was evident. His left eye had completely swollen shut, severely hampering his vision and ability to defend himself. Recognizing the dire situation, Bolanos' corner made the difficult decision to request a stoppage of the fight. Referee Dempsey halted the bout at 2:40 of the fourth round, awarding Williams a TKO victory.

This decisive win capped off Williams' trilogy with Bolanos, having previously defeated him via split decision on May 25, 1948, and by 8th-round TKO on April 30, 1946. The result solidified Williams' status as the dominant lightweight of his era and ended Bolanos' hopes of capturing the world title.

While this loss marked the end of his championship aspirations for Bolanos, it did not diminish his legacy as a fan favorite and skilled boxer. He would continue fighting until 1952, retiring with a respectable record. Bolanos lived a long life after his boxing career, passing away on June 4, 2012, at the age of 87.

This fight serves as a reminder of the golden age of lightweight boxing in the late 1940s, when champions like Williams faced tough, determined challengers like Bolanos in front of large, enthusiastic crowds.