This Day in Boxing History: Fights that Made November 10th Unforgettable
Time and again, November 10th has hosted some electrifying fights, championship showdowns and career-defining performances. From Hagler’s grit to Mayweather’s precision, from Cotto’s rise to Usyk’s brilliance, November 10th has become a date when boxing history refuses to take a night off.
The War at Caesars Palace: Hagler vs. Durán (1983)
It was November 10, 1983, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas — and the middleweight division was about to witness a collision of legends. “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler, the undisputed champion, stood across from Roberto “Manos de Piedra” Durán, the Panamanian icon chasing an unprecedented fourth world title across as many weight classes.
For fifteen tactical, punishing rounds, the two men waged a battle of wills. Durán, moving up in weight, boxed smartly and even led on two of the three scorecards after 13 rounds. But Hagler, ever the calculating fighter, closed the show in the championship rounds, grinding his way to a unanimous decision victory (144–142, 144–143, 146–145). It was the first time Hagler had gone the distance as champion — a testament not only to Durán’s durability but to the razor-thin margins separating greatness from defeat.
That night, November 10th became etched in boxing lore as the evening when two masters of their craft tested each other’s mettle and left with reputations unblemished. Hagler remained king; Durán proved, once more, that legends never fade quietly.
A Statement Win: Mayweather vs. Chávez (2001)
Fast forward to November 10, 2001. A young Floyd Mayweather Jr., already a two-division world champion but still years away from global superstardom, stepped into the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco to defend his WBC super-featherweight title against rugged challenger Jesús Chávez.
Chávez brought pressure and pride, carrying with him a 35–1 record and a relentless come-forward style. But Mayweather, sharp as ever, turned the fight into a masterclass in defensive brilliance and precision counterpunching. By the ninth round, Chávez’s corner had seen enough — their man retired on his stool, beaten but unbroken.
For Mayweather, it was another step in a journey that would redefine modern boxing. Looking back, November 10, 2001, stands as a snapshot of “Pretty Boy Floyd” before the world knew him as “Money.”
Passing the Torch: Cotto vs. Mosley (2007)
Madison Square Garden has always loved a warrior, and on November 10, 2007, it had two. Puerto Rico’s Miguel Cotto, the WBA welterweight champion, faced off against future Hall of Famer Shane Mosley in a fight that had the makings of an instant classic.
The bout lived up to the billing. Over twelve rounds, Cotto blended youth and aggression with technical brilliance, matching Mosley’s experience with crisp combinations and disciplined ring control. When the scorecards were read — 115–113, 116–113, 115–113 — Cotto had not only defended his title but also announced his arrival as one of the elite welterweights of his era.
That November night was more than a win; it was a symbolic shift. Mosley, the veteran warrior, passed the torch to a new generation of champions ready to carry the sport forward.
A Knockout Statement: Usyk vs. Bellew (2018)
In Manchester, England, on November 10, 2018, Oleksandr Usyk walked into the ring as the undisputed cruiserweight champion — and left it with an even greater aura. Facing local hero Tony Bellew, the Ukrainian southpaw delivered a clinical performance, gradually breaking down the challenger before finishing him with a stunning eighth-round knockout.
It was the last fight of Usyk’s reign at cruiserweight before moving up to heavyweight, where he would later conquer Anthony Joshua and become a two-division king. That night in Manchester, November 10 added another classic to its growing highlight reel — one part farewell, one part foreshadowing of a historic rise.
The Date That Keeps Delivering
From the smoky rings of Las Vegas to the bright lights of Madison Square Garden and the roaring arenas of Manchester, November 10 has quietly become a tradition — a day when the gloves lace up and history holds its breath. November 10 has delivered everything boxing stands for — heart, skill, endurance, and the pursuit of legacy. Fighters have been tested, dynasties have begun, and legends have left their mark. While champions come and go, great fights never truly disappear.
Fun Fact
Duran, Hagler, Mayweather, Jr, Mosley and Usyk. Be it for only a few months or a handful of years, each prizefighter mentioned can lay claim to having been called the mythical Pound-for-Pound King at some point in their career. No easy task when you stop and think about just how deep the talent pool runs in this sport. There was a moment in time when the boxing world looked upon each of these champions as the single best fighter in the entire world. Major props to you ridiculously great warriors.
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