Mario Cusson

Mario Cusson (February 17, 1961 – November 7, 1996) was a Canadian professional welterweight and lightweight boxer who won the Canadian welterweight championship in 1981.

Early life Mario Cusson was born on February 17, 1961, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Amateur boxing career He began boxing at twelve years old.

Professional career Mario Cusson turned pro in 1978. He trained under Georges Drouin.

Cusson compiled notable victories over Lawrence Hafey and Al Ford in 1981 as he established himself as a contender in the welterweight division. Fighting at the Paul Sauvé Arena, the 20-year-old earned a twelve-round unanimous decision victory over Harvey to win the welterweight title. The Cusson-Harvey title bout drew a crowd of 3,383.

Notable bouts during welterweight title reign Cusson successfully defended his title twice in 1982, defeating Allen Clarke in January and future welterweight champion Donnie Poole in October.

Cusson made his third successful defense of his Canadian welterweight championship in May 1983, outpointing John Herbert at the Paul Sauvé Arena.

With his Canadian welterweight title on the line, he made his fourth title defense against undefeated Dave Hilton Jr. at the Montreal Forum on December 4, 1983. Cusson entered the bout at 137.3 pounds, and Hilton came in with a nine-pound weight advantage at 146.2 pounds. The referee Guy Jutras called a technical draw at 1:33 of the third round after an unintentional headbutt opened a cut on Cusson, who retained his championship. The Canadian welterweight title fight attracted a crowd of approximately 20,000 and grossed more than $800,000 at the gate. It marked the highest attendance for a sports event in the venue's 59-year history. The bout generated career-high purses for both fighters, with Cusson earning $130,000 and Hilton collecting $118,000.

Losing the Canadian welterweight championship, March 1983 An immediate rematch between Cusson and Hilton was sanctioned by the Canadian Boxing Federation. After months of delays, the 23-year-old was knocked out by Hilton in the rematch for the Canadian welterweight championship on March 25, 1984. Both bouts against Hilton took place at the Montreal Forum and generated a combined gate of approximately 40,000 fans, with Cusson earning $260,000 in combined purses.

Cusson dropped to lightweight after losing to Hilton, capturing a 10-round decision over former world champion Claude Noel in July 1984 at 135 pounds.