Whitaker and Chávez Fought to a Controversial Majority Draw
Pernell Whitaker retained his WBC welterweight title when his twelve-round bout with Julio César Chávez ended in a majority draw on September 10, 1993, at the Alamodome in San Antonio. One judge favored Whitaker 115–113, while the other two scored it 115–115.
The cards produced a draw
Whitaker used movement and a sharp jab to control much of the contest, while Chávez applied pressure and tried to close the distance. The fight matched two of the sport’s most prominent pound-for-pound names.
The majority draw meant Whitaker kept his WBC welterweight championship. The official cards were 115–113 for Whitaker and two even scores of 115–115.
The result was highly controversial because many observers believed Whitaker had won clearly. The verdict did not give Chávez a victory or take Whitaker’s title.
A large event in San Antonio
The bout was held at the Alamodome before an enormous crowd and drew intense attention in the United States and Mexico. Chávez entered with an unbeaten record, while Whitaker was the reigning welterweight champion.
The scoring controversy continued after the fight, with Whitaker’s camp protesting and many ringside observers criticizing the two even cards. Still, the official result remained a majority draw.
The Washington Post and contemporary boxing reports confirm the judges’ scores and championship context. This account preserves the official result while noting the response to the decision.
Sources
- The Washington Post: contemporary report and scores
- Premier Boxing Champions: bout history and scorecards
