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BOXING HISTORY IS MADE IN SANTIAGO, CHILE....and who better to be a part of that history than legendary Hall of Fame Referee Marty Denkin?

By Sue TL Fox 
of womenboxing.com

Marty Denkin marked his 140th title fight when he refereed the 12-round IBA World cruiserweight title that was held in Santiago, Chile, on November 3, 2000, with reigning Champion Chilean Carlos Cruzat  facing José Luis Rivera of Cleveland, Ohio.
 
  Cruzat fought in his homeland and retained his IBA title by defeating Riviera with a TKO in the fourth round.

This "History-making" fight was the first world title fight ever held in Chile that had a fighter from that country--not only compete for the title, but to win it!

I had an opportunity to interview 67-year-old Marty Denkin and it was astounding what Denkin has accomplished in the world of boxing in the 50 years that he has played a major part in the development of this sport.

Denkin told me the following about the Cruzat/Rivera fight:

TL Fox: What was your impression of the fight between Cruzat and Riviera?

Denkin: It was a tremendous fight. There were some promotional hold ups on the original opponent. Rivera proved one thing when he fought Cruzat and that was he came to fight.

TL Fox: What was the reaction of the Chilean boxing fans, having a local boxer fighting in a title fight?

Denkin: Chile had highly anticipated this event. Cruzat is a well-known "icon" in Chile.

TL Fox: Can you tell me what happened in the fight?

Denkin: It was an action-packed fight. Unfortunately Rivera came out after the fourth round with a laceration on his nose. The doctor intervened and it was determined that Rivera should not continue to fight. The four rounds of fighting was "great" up to that point. Cruzat had Rivera against the ropes in the third round at one point.

TL Fox:  Can you tell me more about the history this fight made in Chile?

Denkin: It was the second world title fight that was held in Chile, but the "first" title fight that had a Chilean fighting for a world title, and winning. I would also like to say that the IBA extended themselves to put on a world title in Chile---And the willingness of the IBA to make it happen was well received.

Background of Marty Denkin includes many high-profile championships that refereeing but also as a judge. He has been portrayed as a referee in movies, i.e., the Raging Bull, television shows, and was listed as a "Top Referee" by Stellar Entertainment. Marty Denkin had some "History Firsts" that made his mark in history. He referreed the first title fight of the 21st Century on January 2, 2000! He also refereed the first women's boxing match in California in 1976 between Pat Pineda and Kim Maybee.

Cruzat's record improved to 26-5 (21KO), and Rivera's record 19-3 (15KO).  

Copyrighted© November 5, 2000