SD 12 // Mar 7, 1998 // Mexico Plaza de Toros, Mexico City, Mexico // For vacant WBC light welterweight title.
De la Hoya had vacated the title, and rivals Chávez and Gonzalez (who had both been beaten by DLH) met to determine the new WBC light welterweight champ. Though Gonzalez was also Mexican, Chávez was the crowd favorite. However, it became apparent even through the power failures in the later rounds that Gonzalez was winning the fight. When the fight was announced as a split draw, the disappointed audience booed loudly and threw seat cushions, cups and other items into the ring to express their discontent. The rematch between Chávez and Gonzalez was never realized.
