FINISHING SHOTS
TOO HOT TO HANDLE: On June 23, 1986, outdoors at Caesars Palace, super- popular Irishman Barry McGuigan made the third defense of his Ring Magazine and WBA featherweight championships against Steve Cruz. Cruz had stepped in at late notice for mandatory challenger Fernando Sosa of Argentina, who was pulled from the bout after reportedly sustaining two detached retinas. Expected by fans and media to breeze through Cruz, McGuigan soon found himself in a fierce battle of attrition. Born and raised in Texas, the 22-year-old challenger was more accustomed to the scorching desert heat (110°F/ 43°C) and piled on the pressure in the later rounds. Three knockdowns – one in the 10th and two in the 15th – gave Cruz the upset triumph and both belts. The bout was later named the Ring Magazine Fight of the Year.
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