Today in Boxing History: Salvador Sanchez born in Mexico

On this day in 1959, the late Salvador Sanchez was born in Santiago Tianguistenco, Mexico.

Sanchez turned professional at the age of 16. He suffered his first loss at 18, a split decision to Antonio Becerra for the vacant Mexican bantamweight title. That and a draw with Juan Escobar in 1978 were the only blemishes to Sanchez’s career.

In 1980, Sanchez won the WBC welterweight title with a 13th-round stoppage of Danny Lopez. He successfully defended the belt nine times. His most memorable bout was with WBC super bantamweight champion Wilfredo Gomez, who was then undefeated with 32 straight knockouts. Sanchez dropped Gomez in the first round and consistently dominated the fight before it was stopped in the eighth round.

On July 21, 1982, Sanchez defended his title for the final time; stopping future featherweight and super featherweight champion Azumah Nelson in the 15th round. He was killed in an auto accident less than a month later. His tragic death at the age of 23 has left boxing fans with countless “what ifs.�

Sanchez was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1991.