Match of the Day: Kenny Monday defeats Arsen Fadzayev when legends collide at the 1989 World Championships
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by USA Wrestling
At the 1989 World Championships, two returning Olympic gold medalists, Kenny Monday and Arsen Fadzayev squared off for gold at 74 kg. Monday was the returning gold medalist at the weight class after making history at the 1988 Olympic Games by becoming the first African American to win Olympic gold for the United States in men's freestyle, while Fadzayev was bumping up from 68 kg. At the time, Fadzayev was a four-time World champion, taking gold in 1983, 1985, 1986 and 1987.
Following this match both wrestlers would go on to have continued success. Monday made Olympic Teams in 1992 and 1996, earning a silver medal in 1992. He would also place second at the 1991 World Championships. Fadzayev also competed in the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games, earning gold in 1992. He would also win two more World titles in 1990 and 1991.
Watch the legendary final below:
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