Wilfred Benítez began his climb toward a third world championship on August 1, 1980, stopping rugged contender Tony Chiaverini after eight rounds at the Caesars Palace Sports Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. The former WBC welterweight champion had moved to the junior middleweight division in pursuit of another title opportunity, while Chiaverini hoped an upset would move him into championship contention.
Benítez had already captured world titles at light welterweight and welterweight before his loss to Sugar Ray Leonard nine months earlier. Rather than remain at 147 pounds, the Puerto Rican technician pursued a fresh route at 154. Chiaver
