 Before challenging for a world title, he accumulated a record of 25–1, with his sole loss avenged by knock out.On September 26, 1964, Saldívar won the WBA and WBC Featherweight titles by upsetting fellow Mexican fighter and future hall of famer Sugar Ramos with an 11th-round knockout in an extremely bloody battle.His first reign as champion would last three years, in which Saldívar made eight successful title defenses.