Salvador Sánchez Died With His Biggest Fights Ahead

Only three weeks earlier, Sánchez had stopped Azumah Nelson in the 15th round at Madison Square Garden. Nelson gave him a difficult fight before Sánchez took control late and finished the future Hall of Famer.

There was little time for Sánchez to enjoy the victory. His next title defense was already scheduled.

Sánchez was set to return to Madison Square Garden on September 15 for a rematch with Juan LaPorte. The two had met in December 1980, with Sánchez winning a 15-round unanimous decision.

The LaPorte fight was more than tentative matchmaking. LaPorte’s manager, Howie Albert, told UPI on the day Sánchez di