Roberto Duran vs. Alvaro Rojas

Roberto Duran 134 lbs beat Alvaro Rojas 135 lbs by KO at 2:17 in round 1 of 15

• Date: 1976-10-15
• Location: Hollywood Sportatorium, Pembroke Pines, Florida, USA
• Referee: Carlos Berrocal

• Promoter: Don King
• World Boxing Association World Lightweight Title (9th defense by Duran)
• Official Fight Poster
• Photo 2

Notes

• The record of Rojas was in dispute. His record was listed as 26-3 on the official fight poster, but the Associated Press reported his record as 49-6. The record listed at Boxrec, however, is correct.
• Duran's purse was $150,000.
• In the main event, George Foreman (43-1) knocked out John Dino Denis (28-0-1) in four rounds.
• Future WBA heavyweight champion Michael Dokes made his professional debut on the undercard, stopping Al Byrd (1-6-1) in two rounds.
• Foreman vs. Dennis and Duran vs. Rojas were televised live by CBS in primetime.
• Ticket prices for the event were $10, $20, $30, and $50.

Bout Summary

Duran came out aggressively and landed numerous power shots to both the body and head. Rojas tried to move and box, but he couldn't keep Duran off him. Duran backed Rojas to the ropes several times, forcing him to hold on to avoid punishment. Duran dropped Rojas with a right to the head, and Rojas was counted out at 2:17 of round one. The Associated press reported: "Rojas...went down on his face as though he had been shot. Doctors worked on him for about five minutes before he was able to stand on his own power."

Articles

Associated Press - October 15, 1976
Associated Press - October 16, 1976