Ray Lunny III 'Northern California Star'

[Rover]

Ray Lunny III -

The 'super popular fighter' from the early-1970's out of Northern California (Redwood City).

In 1970, Ray Lunny III was considered one of the best United States Amateur Featherweights,
and the 19 year-old was a rising star. At 5' 8" (just a tad under), Ray had a style much like later
Chicago Lightweight - 'Johnny Lira', a straight ahead 'banger', who fought harder when hit.

Ray Lunny III was offered a 'nice deal' to turn professional in 1970 , and decided to turn Pro
and make his Professional 'debut' at The Forum (Southern California) with a big 'fan fare'.

Instead of matching the 'teenage sensation' with an easy opponent for his 'professional debut',
'The Forum' put Ray in with a pretty good 'club-fighting scrapper' - a 'seasoned' 21 year-old
Mexican Featherweight named - Vic Jiminez - who had a record of (11-6-2), on the
Friday Night - October 21, 1970 "Ruben Olivares - Chucho Castillo II' World Bantamweight
Championship (2nd-Meeting)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"A SECOND RAY LUNNY, HELD TO DRAW IN AUSPICIOUS DEBUT"

What Ray Lunny III soon found out, is that Vic Jiminez didn't read the 'Press Clippings' about Ray.
In front of 16,000+ fans at The Forum, who turned out for the Ruben Olivares - Chucho Castillo
Bantamweight Championship Bout, Ray Lunny III had to open the 'show'.

Ray boxed nicely in Rounds 1 and 2, and edged both Rounds. But, Vic Jiminez came on hard
in Round 3, and pounded Ray all over the ring, and eventually dropped him with a crisp right
hand - 'square-on-the-button'.

Ray also suffered a 1" gash under the right eye. Jiminez continued is aggressive attack in
Round 4, as Ray foolishly tried to slug with the stronger and more experienced Jiminiez.

The teenager, rallied in Round 5, and fought with everything he had while keeping the tough
Mexican off of him. But Ray expended alot of energy, and had nothing left to hold off
Jiminez who took Round 6 on all '3' Scorecards to earn a '6 Round Draw'.

Ray Lunny III, - 'I wasn't nervous in there, I just didn't fight too smart. I should have jabbed
more, instead of swinging wildy. I lost track of what Round it was in the 5th, and I let go
with everything I had, and used up all my energy. I had nothing left for the last Round.
I guess I blew it.'

Ray Lunny Sr. - 'Ray didn't listen to me. I told him to box this kid, because he was tough. He
didn't fight too smart after the 2nd Round. Well, at least he got his 'first fight' under his belt,
and we can move on from here. Not too many fighters have their professional debut on a
Fight Card as big as this one.'

Babe Griffin, 'I'm not worried about Ray, he's a good fighter. I have him scheduled for
October 31, 1970 at the 'Valley Music Center' in San Francisco. He'll be fine, and he
learned alot tonight. He will be a better fighter as far as I'm concerned.'



'A SECOND LUNNY'

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q= ... yHF8ycqqcA

Good thing for him the fight wasn't scored on the 10-point system v. the rounds system.

[Rover]

Wednesday Night - March 20, 1974

Civic Auditorium - San Jose, California

Attendance 3000 (Sell-Out)

Oakland Tribune (AP)

"RAY LUNNY SALVAGES A DRAW WITH DOUBLE M'

Highly-regarded Northern California Lightweight - 22 year-old Ray Lunny III had to
hold on over the last 3-Rounds to salvage a 10-Round Draw with San Diego
'toughie' - Miguel 'Double-M' Mayan.

Ray Lunny (136 1/2 lbs.) who came in as the #8 World-Rated Lightweight and with
un-defeated record in '16-Bouts', used fast hands and a busy left jab to out-box the
stronger 27 year-old Mexican-American over the first 4-Rounds.

But the 5' 6" compact Mayan (136 1/2 lbs.) showed sturdiness, and started his
comeback in Round 5, when he rocked Lunny with a straight right hand to the chin.

Though not regarded as a big puncher, Mayan carries a hard right hand, and repeatedly
shook Lunny over the second half of the bout. Only an explosive rally in Round 7,
saved Ray Lunny from an unexpected defeat, as the San Diego-based Mayan carried
the last 3-Rounds.

Scorecards;
* Referee - Vern Bybee........4-4-2 ("Even")
* Judge - Rudy Ortega.........5-5-0 ("Even")
* Judge - Jack Scheberies....7-3-0 (Ray Lunny III)

Ray Lunny holds on to an undefeated record at 15-0-2.

Miguel Mayan holds steady, at a deceiving 26-19-5.

[Rover]

June 5, 1974

'LATE FLURRY GAINS NOD FOR RAY LUNNY'

Ray Lunny III, the #8 World-Rated Lightweight needed a 10th Round flurry to gain
a 10-Round Split-Decision over San Diego Lightweight - #10 World-rated Miguel Mayan.

The 23 year-old Redwood City Lightweight (134 1/2 lbs.) got off to a quick start,
and was in total command for the first 3-Rounds. But the tough Miguel Mayan (137 lbs.)
slowly made a steady charge in Round 5, while using body punches to wear Ray down.

The body attack took it's toll on Ray, and he 'petered out' in Rounds 6, 7 and 8. In
Round 9, Mayan continued with a steady attack, and Lunny was in a desperate
situation, as he was floundering about unable to keep the tough Mayan off of him.

With the fight on the line, Ray hung tough in the early going of Round 10, then
just past the midway point, he exploded with a flurry of punches which shook
Mayan for the first time in the bout. The late-rally earned Ray Lunny III
a Majority Decision.

Scorecards;
* Johnny Campbell....5-4-1 (Ray Lunny III)
* Edward Costa.........6-4-0 (Ray Lunny III)
* Johnny Lotsey........7-3-0 (Miguel Mayan)

Ray Lunny III improves to 16-0-2.
Miguel Mayan drops to 28-20-5

Ray Lunny III, "I don't know what happened. I ran out-of-gas quickly, and I had
nothing left after the 3rd Round. I'm not sure of the reason why. I guess I have
a way's to go. He gave me trouble in San Jose, and he gave me trouble here
tonight. He's tough.'

Ray Lunny Sr. 'Ray has a lack of work ethic. He thinks he can get by on natural
talent alone. That may work against the preliminary fighters, but not against tough
seasoned guys like Miguel Mayan. He was lucky to get a Draw in San Jose, and
he was lucky to get a Decision here tonight.'

Miguel Mayan, 'He's very rough in the ring. He's a game tough kid. Both fights
were close, and I honestly think I won them both. He said he wanted to fight
Jimmy Heair next. That would be a mistake, as Heair would destroy him.'

You accidentally put "majority decision" in the sentence before the scorecards.

[Rover]

June 1974

Ray Lunny III to take on Buzzsaw Yamabe at the Cow Palace, with the winner to face
WBA Super Featherweight Champion Ben Villaflor next. Promoter - Babe Griffin has
stated that he has contacted the Champion's Manager, and has confirmed that the
winner may face Ben Villaflor next.

The 23 year-old popular Ray Lunny III looks to gain another win over a tought fighter, in
the 22 year-old southpaw Buzsaw Yamabe, who is the former Japanese Lightweight Champion.

#8 WBA Lightweight - Ray Lunny III 16-0-2 (7 KO's)
vs.
# 9 WBA Lightweight - Shinji 'Buzzsaw' Yamabe 20-3-2 (11 KO's)

'LUNNY TAKES YAMABE BY DECISION'

Ray Lunny III (133 1/2 lbs.) found himself on the canvas in the opening moments of Round 1, courtesy
of a left hook by Shinji 'Buzzsaw' Yamabe (136 lbs.). After taking the 'mandatory 8-Count' the Redwood
City - Lightweight circled the Ring to clear his head.

The slick-boxing Lunny, then proceeded to box with skill using sharp left jabs and right hand leads on his
southpaw opponent, to cruise to a well-fought Unanimous 10-Round Decision.

Babe Griffin (Fight Promoter), 'It was good fight, and we may have Yamabe (based in Hawaii) here
again. He spars with Ben Villalfor, so I'm sure he will report back on what he found in the ring here
tonight.'

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q= ... bGkKMWHLow

Yamabe/Escalera I was quite controversial, so he was a good fighter.

[Bobbin & Weavin]

Wednesday Night - September 18, 1974

Circle Star Theatre - San Carlos, California
Attendance; (1739)

'RAY LUNNY KEEPS HIS RING STREAK UP'

23 year-old Ray Lunny (133 3/4 lbs.) scored a Unanimous 10-Round Decision over Mexican
Lightweight - Aurelio Muniz (134 lbs.) last night. It wasn't easy, as the 28 year-old Muniz
walloped Ray with a hard right hand in Round 4 that closed the Northern Californian's left eye.

After an 'Even' first half of the bout, Ray fought with half-vision from the 5th Round on.
Smartly boxing from the outside, Lunny used his sharp left hand to keep the tough Mexican
at bay to sweep the last 4-Rounds.

Scorecards;
Referee - Jack Campbell......6-2-2
Judge - Frank Carpenter......6-1-3
Judge - Louis A...................6-1-3

The undefeated Ray Lunny III improves to 18-0-2
Aurelio Muniz drops to 33-13-1.

Babe Griffin, 'This was another tough guy that Ray fought. You can't learn anything by fighting
too many easy guys, you have to rough it out sometimes. It looks like we may have that fight
with Ben Villaflor in November. That is going to one heck of a fight.'

As an amateur boxer during the early part of Ray's career I had many opportunities to box with Ray in the gym at the Armory in SF. Ray and his father were two of the nicest guys in the sport and were fun to be around. Probably the biggest downfall for Ray was finding suitable sparring partners, hence boxing with me at the PAL gym. Ray would go where it took to find good sparring, SF, San Jose all after a day of plying his other trade as a union plumber in SF. After his boxing career Ray became a sheriff in San Mateo and the department spokesman, in which he retired from last year and is now working with kids at the a Redwood City PAL, where he still lives. Now living in RWD City myself I run into him occasionally and he is still one of the nicest guys around.

[Rover]

Wednesday Night - September 18, 1974

Circle Star Theatre - San Carlos, California
Attendance; (1739)

'RAY LUNNY KEEPS HIS RING STREAK UP'

23 year-old Ray Lunny (133 3/4 lbs.) scored a Unanimous 10-Round Decision over Mexican
Lightweight - Aurelio Muniz (134 lbs.) last night. It wasn't easy, as the 28 year-old Muniz
walloped Ray with a hard right hand in Round 4 that closed the Northern Californian's left eye.

After an 'Even' first half of the bout, Ray fought with half-vision from the 5th Round on.
Smartly boxing from the outside, Lunny used his sharp left hand to keep the tough Mexican
at bay to sweep the last 4-Rounds.

Scorecards;
Referee - Jack Campbell......6-2-2
Judge - Frank Carter...........6-1-3
Judge - Louis Gonzales........6-1-3

The undefeated Ray Lunny III improves to 18-0-2
Aurelio Muniz drops to 33-13-1.

Babe Griffin, 'This was another tough guy that Ray fought. You can't learn anything by fighting
too many easy guys, you have to rough it out sometimes. It looks like we may have that fight
with Ben Villaflor in November. That is going to one heck of a fight.'

[Rover]

Wednesday Night - September 18, 1974

Circle Star Theatre - San Carlos, California
Attendance; (1739)

'RAY LUNNY KEEPS HIS RING STREAK UP'

23 year-old Ray Lunny (133 3/4 lbs.) scored a Unanimous 10-Round Decision over Mexican
Lightweight - Aurelio Muniz (134 lbs.) last night. It wasn't easy, as the 28 year-old Muniz
walloped Ray with a hard right hand in Round 4 that closed the Northern Californian's left eye.

After an 'Even' first half of the bout, Ray fought with half-vision from the 5th Round on.
Smartly boxing from the outside, Lunny used his sharp left hand to keep the tough Mexican
at bay to sweep the last 4-Rounds.

Scorecards;
Referee - Jack Campbell......6-2-2
Judge - Frank Carpenter......6-1-3
Judge - Louis A...................6-1-3

The undefeated Ray Lunny III improves to 18-0-2
Aurelio Muniz drops to 33-13-1.

Babe Griffin, 'This was another tough guy that Ray fought. You can't learn anything by fighting
too many easy guys, you have to rough it out sometimes. It looks like we may have that fight
with Ben Villaflor in November. That is going to one heck of a fight.'

As an amateur boxer during the early part of Ray's career I had many opportunities to box with Ray in the gym at the Armory in SF. Ray and his father were two of the nicest guys in the sport and were fun to be around. Probably the biggest downfall for Ray was finding suitable sparring partners, hence boxing with me at the PAL gym. Ray would go where it took to find good sparring, SF, San Jose all after a day of plying his other trade as a union plumber in SF. After his boxing career Ray became a sheriff in San Mateo and the department spokesman, in which he retired from last year and is now working with kids at the a Redwood City PAL, where he still lives. Now living in RWD City myself I run into him occasionally and he is still one of the nicest guys around.

I learn something new every day here. Great story.

[Rover]

Wednesday Nght - January 29, 1975

"RAY LUNNY WINS, BUT DECISION IS NOT POPULAR"

Ray Lunny III escaped with a 'close' 10-Round Unanimous Decison over Jose Fernandez
last night, but even his support base at the Cow Palace boo'ed the judges scoring.

Ray opened up as usual by boxing cautiously over the first 3-Rounds, as the he stayed
away from his harder-hitting rival.

The Redwoods City boxer was able to get untracked in Rounds 4, 5 and 6 - as his sharp
left hand kept the the aggressor Fernandez at bay. But the Cow Palace crowd was a bit
unhappy with the lack of action, and let Ray Lunny hear it

Fernandez made his move in Rounds 7 and 8, as he was able to shake Lunny several times
with 'bristling' right hand leads, sending Ray on his bicycle.

With the fight on-the-line in Rounds 9 and 10, it was the visiting Dominican who put on a good
showing, and looked to have the sealed the victory.

Scorecards;
* Referee - Rudy Ortega.....6-4-0 (Ray Lunny)
* Judge - Joseph Lopsey.....5-4-1 (Ray Lunny)
* Judge - Jack Downey.......5-4-1 (Ray Lunny)

The Cow Palace crowd voiced their opinion, and roundly boo'ed the Decision, and cheered the
visiting Jose Fernandez.

Jose Fernandez, 'The fight was close, but not that close. I don't know how the Judges could
award Ray '5 or 6' Rounds. The fans knew who won this fight, and that is what really matters.'

Losers always seem to say that.

[Rover]

Hometown Decision,,,,,

Jose Fernandez a real good fighter back then, and a harder puncher than brother Vilomar.

He 'stiff-legged' Ray Lunny III several times. Had it been a 12-Round Elimination or
USBA Championship bout, Jose would have won.

Ray Lunny III didn't win, he survived and benefited via hometown officials.

Ray still a good fighter though.

The argument about "had it been 12 rounds--or 15 rounds" always drives me crazy. It wasn't. Conn, Walcott and Hearns would've beaten Louis, Marciano and Leonard in 12 rounders, but they were 15.

[Rover]

How about this,,,, :idea:

If the bout was held in New York, Florida or the Domincan Republic - Jose Fernandez wins....

How about Seattle?
:)

[Rover]

Seattle,,,,,,,Coffee Town.... DD

March 1975

Ray Lunny III to take on Sammy Goss for the 'vacant ' NABF Super Featherweight Championship,
with winner to face WBA Champion - Ben Villalfor next, and in May 1975.

#6 WBA Super Featherweight ~ Ray Lunny III - 19-0-3 (7 KO's)
vs.
#9 WBA Super Featherweight ~ Sammy Goss - 40-6-1 (19 KO's)

Seattle=Starbucks.
I'm a Dunkin man!

[Rover]

That I agree with whole heartily,,,,,,,

Dunkin Donuts..........Knocks Out Starbuck's...

Nothing beats Dunkin Donuts and an 'old school' plain cruller........

Numero Uno in mi casa'.

I'm not even a doughnut eater; it's just the coffee. I've pounded down five extra larges in a day.

[Rover]

'Five Exra Larges',

Now that's what I call an 'OCTANE BOOSTER"............open eyes all night....

Final exams caused it.

[Rover]

Oakland Tribune (August 23, 1975)

'RAY LUNNY UPSET BY VILOMAR FERNANDEZ'

Ray Lunny is undefeated no more, as New York's - Vilomar Fernandez scored with repeated
right hands and won a one-sided 10-Round Unanimous Decision in a Nationally Televised
bout.

The bout was only 'one-minute old', when Fernandez landed an overhand right to the chin that
staggered the (133 lbs.) Redwood City locale, and had him wobbling. From there, it was
all Vilomar Fernandez.

The 'unranked' Fernandez had an easy time finding Ray with right-hands, as he 'staggered' Ray
in Round 3, when he scored with a hard right cross, forcing Ray to take 'Standing 8-Count'.

The pattern continued, and in Round 5 another right-cross by Fernandez (133 lbs.) caused
Ray's left eye to swell.

In Round 8, Ray was again staggered by another right-cross, and in Round 9 Fernandez dropped
him for a 'second-time' when he landed a hard right-cross and followed up with a left hook
that put Ray down. A 'dazed' Lunny survived Round 9 by hanging on. Ray left Round 9 on
'rubbery-legs' and a nearly closed left eye.

Vilomar hurt Ray again in Round 10 with several right hands, and then taunted the Redwood City
plumber by dancing-and-circling with his hands held low by his side.

Scorecards;
* Referee - Hank................7-2 (In points for Vilomar Fernandez)...(5-2-3 in Rounds)
* Judge - Jack Campbell......8-1 (In points for Vilomar Fernandez)...(6-1-3 in Rounds)
* Judge - Jack Downey........8-2 (In points for Vilomar Fernandez)...(6-2-2 in Rounds)

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q= ... APjOTkjUJw

Brother's revenge.

[Rover]

Wednesday Night - October 22, 1975 (Circle Star Theatre)

'SLEEP PROVES A CURE, EASY NIGHT FOR LUNNY'

Redwood City's - Ray Lunny had the right cure for Wednesday Night's NABF Super Featherweight
Championship, as it was 8-Hours of sleep at his Dad's house.

Ray Lunny (130 lbs.) showing off a crisp left hand in the 1st-Round, stayed with that routine for
the entire 12-Rounds, in winning an easy Unanimous Decision over Eduardo 'The Invader' Santiago.

Using a bob-and-glide style, Ray relied on his sharp left jab and boxing skills, as his New York
opponent was unable to get close to land his own hard left hand.

Though Ray won easily, he did not escape without the usual marks, a nearly closed left eye and
a split lower lip as a result of an 'accidental butt' midway through the bout.'

Ray Lunny III, 'My left eye got laced in the 1st-Round, and by the 5th-Round it was closing. So
I just stayed with boxing, and it was an easy night.

Ray Lunny III improves to 23-1-3, and retains his 'NABF' Super Featherweight Championshhip.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q= ... LuND87B-Ig

Scorecards?

[Rover]

Referee - Elmer Costa.......10-1-1....(Ray Lunny)
Judge - John Campbell.......9-1-2.....(Ray Lunny)
Judge - Johnny Lotsey........9-1-2.....(Ray Lunny)

San Mateo Times...............8-1-3.....(Ray Lunny)

[Rover]

The Big Fight was next........

For the USBA Super Featherweight Championship.........

Tyrone Everett vs Ray Lunny III

Winner gets WBC Champion - Alfredo Escalera or WBA Champion - Ben Villalfor

Both fighters claimed that each Champion was avoiding them.

Couldn't argue their case.

Everett got screwed.

[Rover]

Monday - February 6, 1976 (Civic Auditorium, San Francisco)

'RAY LUNNY III COMEBACK GO TONIGHT'

Ray Lunny was depressed following his 'loss' to Tyrone Everett back in December 1975. But
the Redwood City boxer vowed to continue, and would not let the loss upset his quest for
a future World Title bout.

Over the past few weeks, Ray a has been working out with strong Lightweight-sparring partners
at the Armory Gym on Mission Street, and has put in 55-Rounds of good sparring. Lunny, with a
record of 23-2-3 still hopes 'one-more-win' will do the trick for a Championship Bout.

Ray's original opponent - Jose Fernandez who he fought previously (1974) has been replaced by
Arizona Lightweight - Arturo Leon 25-10-0 {8 KO's}, as Jose Fernandez has signed to challenge
WBC Super Featherweight Champion on February 20, 1976.

Don't be fooled by Arturo's spotty record, as he is a 'good little fighter' who can take punches, and
still battle back. Back in January 1975, Arturo 'upset' Jimmy Heair, and Arturo was offered a
WBA Championship Bout with Lightweight Champion - Roberto Duran.

But, Arturo passed up the bout when he was unhappy with the fight purse offer. Since then,
Arturo had a 'bad run' by losing '5-Straight' and fell into 'trial-horse status'. Arturo has bounced
back a bit by winning his last '2-Bouts'. Arturo has 'never' been floored or stopped, and is
considered one of the most durable Lightweight boxers. The fighters have signed to come
in at {134 lbs.} or less.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q= ... ayeSfp0oZw
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'RAY LUNNY SCORES WIN, IN LACKLUSTRE DECISION'

Ray Lunny moved back to his winning ways, but his Unanimous 10-Round Decision win over durable Arturo Leon
from Tucson, Arizona lacked excitement.

The Redwood City Lightweight used a solid left jab, and boxed by hitting-and-moving, as the the smaller
visitor followed and got hit. Neither fighter was in any trouble during the bout, and Ray kept up the pace
with a steady volley of left jabs. Most observers had the 24 1/2 year-old Lunny winning 8 of the 10 Rounds.

Ray Lunny improved to 24-2-3. and there looks to be a possibility of a Championship Bout later this year.

Scorecards?
Even Arguello couldn't stop Leon, the only one to take him the distance in a super feather title bout.

[Rover]

September 3, 1976 (Oakland Tribune)

'I DO MY BEST AS AN UNDERDOG' - RAY LUNNY

25 year-old Ray Lunny III will finally get his chance at a World Super Featherweight Championship
when he challenges WBC Champion - Alfredo Escalera on Saturday Night, September 18, 1976 in
Puerto Rico.

Ray who has been working out daily at the Oakland Gym, spars 4 or 5 Rounds with Stockton Welterweight -
Rudy Barro, and another 5-Rounds with 'fast-stepping' Cloverdale Featherweight - Fidel Frajo.

Ray Lunny Sr. 'We know all about the Champion Escalera. He moves right in on you, and has a quick
right hand. He's a good fighter, but he's not as quick as Ben Villaflor, who Ray handled fairly well in
November 1974, before the cut ended the bout. I'm a little nervous about fighting in Puerto Rico,
under a Promoter who also is the Manager for the Champion. But Ray will be well prepared, and
I expect it to be a close bout.'

Ray Lunny III, 'I have seen Escalera fight before. He was not that impressive in his last fight with
Buzzsaw Yamabe. They say I have to win by a Knockout to get a win there, but I'm not going to
change my fight plan. But, I do predict I'll win by a Knockout.'

Sam Esposito (Trainer), 'We have made great improvements with Ray's defense. He made alot of
mistakes with that South African (Blakeney Kid Matthews) in Australia, though I still believe he won
that fight. After were done here, we will make a stop in Orlando, Florida to get adjusted to the high
humity. We're planning a coupe of sparring sessions with Termite Watkins and Frankie Santore, before
heading into San Juan.'

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q= ... TWJTmYQ3ZQ

Is Santore the guy who became a ref? I've seen him several times on HBO, mainly in Florida fights.

[Rover]

I think he's one and the same,,,,,,,,from Florida....

Odd situation,,,,,,,,

Ray Lunny loses to Tyrone Everett (12/75) , yet gets a Title opportunity 'first' (9/76).

Ray Lunny beat Jose Fernandez (1/75), who then went on to get a Title chance 'first' (12/75).

Ray Lunny beat Buzzsaw Yamabe (7/74) ,who then went on to get a Title chance 'first' (4/76) and (7/76).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday Night - September 18, 1976

Tale Of The Tape

* WBC Champion ~ Aflredo Escalera ~ 35-7-2 (23 KO's) ~ Age; 24 years, 6 months ~ Height; 5' 8" ~ Reach; 69"
vs.
#5 WBC ~ Ray Lunny III ~ 25-3-3 (10 KO's) ~ Age; 25 years, 3 months ~ Height; 5' 8" ~ Reach; 68"

Alfredo Escalera (Puerto Rico) will be making his '6th' Title Defense, and is a 2-1 Betting-Favorite. The 'winner' of
this bout must face #1 WBC Challenger - Tyrone Everett by the end of 1976.

Ray Lunny III predicts a victory, and states that, 'The bout will not go the distance, and I will 'knockout' the Champion.
If I lose I will retire.'

The Championship Bout is held at the Roberto Clemente Stadium, and is attended by 10,500 Puerto Rican fans who
are in support of their Champion. This bout will be broadcast by 'Closed Circuit' and will take place at 9:00 PM
Saturday Night. It will be promoted by Salinas Promotions, who just happens to be run by Jose 'Pepito' Cordero,
the Manager of the WBC Champion - Alfredo Escalera.

Fight Purses (approximate)
* Alfredo Escalera.....$80,000
* Ray Lunny III........$28,000

The Skinny,

Alfredo Escalera is a 'rising star' with his exciting style and powerful right hands. But in is last Title Defense on
(July 1, 1976 )- he was 'not' overly impressive in scoring a 15-Round Decision over Japan's Buzzsaw Yamabe.

Ray Lunny is a 'good fighter', but he can be 'tagged' and has been on the canvas more than a few times.
And, Ray usually gets 'rocked' in every one of his bouts, as he is susceptible to right hands, and his chin can be 'tagged.
In his previous bout (June 1976), Ray struggled with Rogelio Casataneda and narrowily won a 10-Round
Split-Decision.

Maybe Lunny was rewarded for his patience.
Cordero was with both Serrano and Escalera, yet no fight between them.

[Rover]

'LUNNY LOSES, RETIRES'
'ESCALERA RETIRES FOE IN 13TH'
'WBC CHAMP ESCALERA STOPS LUNNY, FATHER HALTS BOUT AT END OF 12TH'
'LUNNY NO MATCH FOR CHAMP, WILL RETIRE'

WBC Super Featherweight Champion - Alfredo Escalera retained his Title last night by
scoring a TKO, as Challenger Ray Lunny could not come out for the 13th Round.

The Challenger was 'dazed' after taking a 'lathering of punches' from the Champion in
Round 12. Ray Lunny Sr., his son's Chief Cornerman told Referee - Waldemar Schmidt
that his son/fighter could not continue, awarding the Champion the victory by way of a
TKO 13.

The Challenger was able to 'out-punch' the Champion over the first '4-Rounds', and
won each of the Rounds, including opening up a small nick over Escalera's left eye
in Round 3.

But Escalera had a 'solid' 5th-Round, as he used his hard left jab as a slashing punch,
which opened a cut on the inside corner of the Challenger's right eye.

That 'cut' seemed to to take the fight out of Ray Lunny, and the Champion displayed harder
punching by using sharp left hands in Rounds 6, 7 and 8, as the Challenger was on the
defensive.

In a moment of frustration in Round 9, during a close exchange Ray Lunny picked the Champion
up, and threw him over his shoulder to the delight of his supporters.

Alfredo Escalera had a 'solid' 10th Round, as he landed several right upper-cuts which opened
a gash under the Challenger's chin, and 'left-hook' also opened a cut over Lunny's right eye.

But, the Challenger was able to mount a rally in Round 11, as he got under Champion's long
reach and scored with his own right hands.

But the Champion displayed his punching power in Round 12, and took command as he landed
several right uppercuts that 'staggered' the Challenger, and several follow up punches had
Lunny 'dazed' and 'reeling' at the Bell.

With Ray Lunny sitting on his stool 'cut' and 'too dazed' to continue, Ray Lunny Sr. told
the Referee that it was over.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ray Lunny Sr. 'There was no reason to continue. I made the call, and Ray was too dazed to let
it go on. I would not let Ray continue. The Champion punched harder, and he was a little too strong
for my son.'

Ray Lunny III, 'It wasn't my father who stopped the fight. It was me, I was cut and it did effect
my vision. But I'm true to my word, and will retire.'

Alfredo Escalera, 'He was pretty good for the first few rounds. But after I cut him, he didn't really
want to fight anymore.'

Tyrone Everett (at ringside), 'I wasn't that impressed. He has a good left hand, but even when he had
Ray in trouble, he couldn't land his best right hand.'

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q= ... _p-78qWkrg

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q= ... nr6SJwIJbw

Scorecards?

[Rover]

No names on the Scorecard results

* 117-113.......(7-3-2 in Rounds) Alfredo Escalera
* 118-114.......(6-2-4 in Rounds) Alfredo Escalera
* 116-113.......(7-4-1 in Rounds) Alfredo Escalera

After a good 11th-Round by Ray Lunny, Alfredo Escalera was up
by {3} {3} and {2} Points.

But after a 'brutal' 12th Round, Papa Lunny must have felt that his
son wasn't going to win by a 'Knockout', and winning a Decision
in Puerto Rico wasn't going to happen.

Smart move to 'end the fight' on that note.