Well, Derrick Holmes of West Carrollton, MD, had the opportunity to join the bunch of American boxers that won a world title in 1980.
On Friday, August 22, 1980, Holmes had the chance to unseat and upset WBC World Super Bantamweight Champion Wilfredo "Bazooka" Gomez of Puerto Rico, who at the time, was one of the top 3 best fighters in the world.
Gomez, 23, broke Roberto Duran's record of most consecutive title defenses won by knockout in February of that same year with 11 at any weight class. He also broke Duran's record with 12 consecutive knockouts won in world championship bouts, also at any weight class.
But in an amateur fight back in 1974, Gomez suffered a loss by knockout in the very first round against the man his defending his crown, Holmes.
Holmes had a record of 15-0-1 with 11KOs and was in line to challenge Bazooka. The question was, that if Holmes was really ready for a title shot? Was his record of only 16 fights prepare him for the task? Can he repeat the trick against Gomez now at the pro level?
In the other hand, Gomez was in rumours of not making weight at 122lbs and that his reign at that weight class was soon to be over after this fight. He was in pursuit to challenge the WBC World Featherweight Crown that now, Salvador Sanchez of Mexico possessed by beating American Danny "Little Red Lopez" by knockout again in the rematch. So, the dream super showdown with Little Red was out of the window. Little Red retired after being beaten by Sanchez the second time around.
Gomez was in a vendetta against Holmes to avenge that knockout loss in the amateurs. And now, with much more gusto, he is going to show the world that fighting at pro level is a different monster.
Round one started and Holmes surprisingly rocked Gomez and almost stopped his nemesis in the very first round again. He had Gomez in bad shape by the end of the round.
In round two, Holmes rocked Gomez again, surprisingly in front of the TV coverage and fans at the arena. Is Holmes going to take Gomez's title? Was the amateur win a fluke?
Well, Holmes quickly found out after winning the first two rounds that this was not amateur boxing. It's a different level. It's a different monster. And it was proven when Bazooka decked him at the end of round 3.
At the beginning of round 4, Bazooka unleashed a wicked left hook to Holmes' jaw. Holmes went down for the second time in the fight. In all, in round 4 alone, Holmes went down to the canvas 5 times! It was a complete massacre! The last knockdown in round 4 was an extraordinary right cross. To put matters jokingly, Gomez was exhalting Holmes to get up after each knockdown.
In round 5, Gomez had the fight under control. He put away Holmes in the canvas twice more, and the referee mercifully stopped the fight. It had to be stopped no matter what. This couldn't continue. No matter how game Holmes was, he was getting a shellacking. Let's not destroy the young career of an American young prospect. In all, Holmes went down to the floor 8 times!
Enough is enough! The winner by knockout in 5 rounds and still the WBC Super Bantamweight Champion of the World! Wilfredo "Bazooka" Gomez!
It was Gomez improves to 30-0-1 with 30KOs!
Holmes won 3 pout of his next 5 fights. He never fought for another world boxing championship. He retired in 1982.
The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
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elmersalsa
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 15648
- Joined: 02 Feb 2003, 03:50
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elmersalsa
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 15648
- Joined: 02 Feb 2003, 03:50
Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
Now, Wilfredo "Bazooka" Gomez plans were to vacate the WBC World Super Bantamweight Crown and move to Featherweight to challenge WBC World Featherweight Champion Salvador Sanchez of Mexico for a super showdown in November 1980, according to Don King Promotions.
But the big showdown with Sanchez had to be put back because Don King Promotions had his hands full for the rematch in New Orleans Superdome on November 25th between WBC World Welterweight Champion, the great Roberto Duran of Panama defending the crown against his nemesis Sugar Ray Leonard of Palmer Park, MD.
So, Gomez had to do a mandatory title defense to keep him busy.
And on Saturday, December 13th, 1980, Bazooka travels to Miami, FL to defend his WBC World Super Bantamweight Crown at Jalai Fronton Hotel venue against Jose "Pambelito" Cervantes of Colombia.
As we know, Pambelito is a long time top Bantamweight and Super Bantamweight contender and younger brother of former WBA World Jr Welterweight Champion Antonio Cervantes.
Tall and rangy, like his famous brother, Pambelito had fought a good deal of top contenders and world champions. He started his boxing career in 1973.
Pambelito claim to fame was when he knocked out former two-division world champion and legend Ruben Olivares of Mexico in 6 rounds in November 1976.
He also disputed for Dong Kyun Yum's of South Korea WBC Super Bantamweight Crown, losing to Yum on points in February 1977. He also had another big win against former WBA World Bantamweight Champion Jorge Lujan of Panama on points in 1977 and a ten rounder points loss to future world champion Leonardo "Leo" Cruz of Dominican Republic.
Cervantes had a record of 22-8-5 with 10 knockouts. Before the challenge against Gomez, he was in a three-fight win streak.
It didn't take Gomez to figure out Pambelito. Even though Pambelito was very tall for the weight class, he looked frail. A left right combination in round 3 by Bazooka and the fight was over. Gomez defends for the 13th time his WBC World Super Bantamweight Crown and kept adding to the record by scoring 13 consecutive title defenses won by knockout and his 14th straight title win by knockout.
Gomez at 24, was in pure form and was considered top 3 as one of the world's best fighters if not the best.
Gomez improves to 31-0-1 with 31 knockouts.
Cervantes drops to 22-9-5 with 10KOs and never again challenged for a world title. He lost his last 8 professional bouts and retired in 1988.
But the big showdown with Sanchez had to be put back because Don King Promotions had his hands full for the rematch in New Orleans Superdome on November 25th between WBC World Welterweight Champion, the great Roberto Duran of Panama defending the crown against his nemesis Sugar Ray Leonard of Palmer Park, MD.
So, Gomez had to do a mandatory title defense to keep him busy.
And on Saturday, December 13th, 1980, Bazooka travels to Miami, FL to defend his WBC World Super Bantamweight Crown at Jalai Fronton Hotel venue against Jose "Pambelito" Cervantes of Colombia.
As we know, Pambelito is a long time top Bantamweight and Super Bantamweight contender and younger brother of former WBA World Jr Welterweight Champion Antonio Cervantes.
Tall and rangy, like his famous brother, Pambelito had fought a good deal of top contenders and world champions. He started his boxing career in 1973.
Pambelito claim to fame was when he knocked out former two-division world champion and legend Ruben Olivares of Mexico in 6 rounds in November 1976.
He also disputed for Dong Kyun Yum's of South Korea WBC Super Bantamweight Crown, losing to Yum on points in February 1977. He also had another big win against former WBA World Bantamweight Champion Jorge Lujan of Panama on points in 1977 and a ten rounder points loss to future world champion Leonardo "Leo" Cruz of Dominican Republic.
Cervantes had a record of 22-8-5 with 10 knockouts. Before the challenge against Gomez, he was in a three-fight win streak.
It didn't take Gomez to figure out Pambelito. Even though Pambelito was very tall for the weight class, he looked frail. A left right combination in round 3 by Bazooka and the fight was over. Gomez defends for the 13th time his WBC World Super Bantamweight Crown and kept adding to the record by scoring 13 consecutive title defenses won by knockout and his 14th straight title win by knockout.
Gomez at 24, was in pure form and was considered top 3 as one of the world's best fighters if not the best.
Gomez improves to 31-0-1 with 31 knockouts.
Cervantes drops to 22-9-5 with 10KOs and never again challenged for a world title. He lost his last 8 professional bouts and retired in 1988.
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elmersalsa
- Heavyweight
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
On Saturday, June 20, 1981 at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Wilfredo "Bazooka" Gomez, the island's favorite son and WBC World Super Bantamweight Champion came to entertain his fans again for a tune up fight against a journeyman named Raul Silva of Cuidado Nelly, Costa Rica.
This fight was at featherweight for the preparation of his incoming showdown with Mexico's national hero, WBC World Featherweight Champion Salvador Sanchez. .
Well, Silva was the perfect bait for Gomez for now. There were already reported rumours that Gomez couldn't make the 122lbs limit anymore. He was struggling to make the 122lbs. So, his reign at super Bantamweight will be over soon.
There's no reason for him to stay at super Bantamweight any longer. He already showed that he was indeed the super Bantamweight division top dog. He already has 13 title defenses, all by knockout and he has beaten all the top guys in the division. So, really, Bazooka was looking for a big money fight that he can't get at his weight class. He has to jump 4 more pounds. Is 4 more pounds a lot in boxing? Does it make a difference? Would Bazooka carry the same punching power and speed at featherweight? That's soon to be seen.
Silva, started his career in 1973. A journeyman at best, his biggest highlight was a TKO win in four rounds against former WBA World Bantamweight Champion Romeo Anaya of Mexico in 1979. And has losses against former WBC World Super Bantamweight Champion Rigoberto Riasco and the current WBA World Featherweight Champion Eusebio Pedroza, both from Panama.
To top it off, his record was mediocre one of 26-14-5 with only 8 knockouts. What danger will he present to the Puerto Rican all-time great? What is his chances of winning this fight? Slim to none!
The fight didn't took long. Silva was just running and ducking from punishment. He didn't present any threat to Wilfredo at all. Silva was dispatched in only 3 rounds!
Now, Wilfredo got to have a better featherweight division opponent to see if he could really clash with the featherweight division top men. But, the money for the Sanchez's fight was luring him soon enough. The offer was irresistible. Especially, if it's offered by American Promoter Don King.
Gomez, 24, improves to 32-0-1, with 32 knockouts!
This fight was at featherweight for the preparation of his incoming showdown with Mexico's national hero, WBC World Featherweight Champion Salvador Sanchez. .
Well, Silva was the perfect bait for Gomez for now. There were already reported rumours that Gomez couldn't make the 122lbs limit anymore. He was struggling to make the 122lbs. So, his reign at super Bantamweight will be over soon.
There's no reason for him to stay at super Bantamweight any longer. He already showed that he was indeed the super Bantamweight division top dog. He already has 13 title defenses, all by knockout and he has beaten all the top guys in the division. So, really, Bazooka was looking for a big money fight that he can't get at his weight class. He has to jump 4 more pounds. Is 4 more pounds a lot in boxing? Does it make a difference? Would Bazooka carry the same punching power and speed at featherweight? That's soon to be seen.
Silva, started his career in 1973. A journeyman at best, his biggest highlight was a TKO win in four rounds against former WBA World Bantamweight Champion Romeo Anaya of Mexico in 1979. And has losses against former WBC World Super Bantamweight Champion Rigoberto Riasco and the current WBA World Featherweight Champion Eusebio Pedroza, both from Panama.
To top it off, his record was mediocre one of 26-14-5 with only 8 knockouts. What danger will he present to the Puerto Rican all-time great? What is his chances of winning this fight? Slim to none!
The fight didn't took long. Silva was just running and ducking from punishment. He didn't present any threat to Wilfredo at all. Silva was dispatched in only 3 rounds!
Now, Wilfredo got to have a better featherweight division opponent to see if he could really clash with the featherweight division top men. But, the money for the Sanchez's fight was luring him soon enough. The offer was irresistible. Especially, if it's offered by American Promoter Don King.
Gomez, 24, improves to 32-0-1, with 32 knockouts!
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elmersalsa
- Heavyweight
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
Ding dong! Again at this.
My question was, if the great Wilfredo "Bazooka" Gomez of Puerto Rico was to challenge for the WBC World Featherweight Crown held by the great Salvador Sanchez of Mexico, then in my view the approach to the road to win the title was all a great mess.
Only one fight Gomez made in 1981 before the showdown with Sanchez. And that was in June. The fight was signed as scheduled for Friday, August 21, 1981 at the Caesars Palace Sports Pavilion. An event that will be promoted by American Don King.
Gomez win by knockout against a journeyman like Raul Silva of Costa Rica had much more to be desired. Silva wasn't even ranked in the featherweight division rankings. So, how come Gomez will respond against a true caliber featherweight opponent?
To make matters worse, there were rumours that Bazooka wasn't even training. He wasn't taking Sanchez seriously. How could he not? This is the fight that probably will put him if he wins, in the same plateau with the top ten greatest boxers pound per pound of all-time.
Already considered as the best fighter pound per pound in the world, Gomez at 24 was in his complete prime as a boxer. He's Puerto Rico's pride and joy. Their prince and knight in shining armor. He was already considered by many as the greatest boxer pound per pound boxer that ever born in the Island.
As for Sanchez, this was an opportunity for him to show his greatness. At 22, the young champion had already an impressive record of 40-1-1, with 30 knockouts! And the rumours has it that the only loss he had against his countryman Antonio Becerra by decision was that he really didn't lose that fight. But, that fight was at Bantamweight for the Mexican championship in 1977. Since then, Sanchez hasn't lost as a featherweight in his last 23 fights. He only had a draw in 1978 against countryman Juan Escobar. Sanchez is in a 20-fight win streak and in a 23-fight unbeaten streak since losing to Becerra.
Mexico at the time of this bout, did not had a national boxing hero since the great Carlos Zarate retired in 1979. The other Mexican hero, flyweight Miguel Canto was past his prime. Lupe Pintor was WBC World Bantamweight Champion, but many countrymen didn't recognize him as the top Mexican boxing hero. A lot that had to be because in reality, he didn't beat Zarate for the title. And their biggest draw, Pipino Cuevas, was totally obliterated by the great Thomas "The Hitman" Hearns in 2 rounds in August 1980.
So, Sanchez had Mexico on his shoulders. And by great measure. This is a nationalistic pride fight for both countries. A rivalry that probably started in October 1978 in San Juan, Puerto Rico when Bazooka bombed out and thrashed Zarate in 5. To make matters much more meaningful, Gomez already has beaten 8 Mexican boxers. All by knockout! He even had a nickname: "The Mexican Killer" or "The Mexican Vertigo" throughout Latin America.
The bout was billed as "The Battle of the Little Giants"
My question was, if the great Wilfredo "Bazooka" Gomez of Puerto Rico was to challenge for the WBC World Featherweight Crown held by the great Salvador Sanchez of Mexico, then in my view the approach to the road to win the title was all a great mess.
Only one fight Gomez made in 1981 before the showdown with Sanchez. And that was in June. The fight was signed as scheduled for Friday, August 21, 1981 at the Caesars Palace Sports Pavilion. An event that will be promoted by American Don King.
Gomez win by knockout against a journeyman like Raul Silva of Costa Rica had much more to be desired. Silva wasn't even ranked in the featherweight division rankings. So, how come Gomez will respond against a true caliber featherweight opponent?
To make matters worse, there were rumours that Bazooka wasn't even training. He wasn't taking Sanchez seriously. How could he not? This is the fight that probably will put him if he wins, in the same plateau with the top ten greatest boxers pound per pound of all-time.
Already considered as the best fighter pound per pound in the world, Gomez at 24 was in his complete prime as a boxer. He's Puerto Rico's pride and joy. Their prince and knight in shining armor. He was already considered by many as the greatest boxer pound per pound boxer that ever born in the Island.
As for Sanchez, this was an opportunity for him to show his greatness. At 22, the young champion had already an impressive record of 40-1-1, with 30 knockouts! And the rumours has it that the only loss he had against his countryman Antonio Becerra by decision was that he really didn't lose that fight. But, that fight was at Bantamweight for the Mexican championship in 1977. Since then, Sanchez hasn't lost as a featherweight in his last 23 fights. He only had a draw in 1978 against countryman Juan Escobar. Sanchez is in a 20-fight win streak and in a 23-fight unbeaten streak since losing to Becerra.
Mexico at the time of this bout, did not had a national boxing hero since the great Carlos Zarate retired in 1979. The other Mexican hero, flyweight Miguel Canto was past his prime. Lupe Pintor was WBC World Bantamweight Champion, but many countrymen didn't recognize him as the top Mexican boxing hero. A lot that had to be because in reality, he didn't beat Zarate for the title. And their biggest draw, Pipino Cuevas, was totally obliterated by the great Thomas "The Hitman" Hearns in 2 rounds in August 1980.
So, Sanchez had Mexico on his shoulders. And by great measure. This is a nationalistic pride fight for both countries. A rivalry that probably started in October 1978 in San Juan, Puerto Rico when Bazooka bombed out and thrashed Zarate in 5. To make matters much more meaningful, Gomez already has beaten 8 Mexican boxers. All by knockout! He even had a nickname: "The Mexican Killer" or "The Mexican Vertigo" throughout Latin America.
The bout was billed as "The Battle of the Little Giants"
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elmersalsa
- Heavyweight
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
Salvador Sanchez of Mexico was training his ass off for this great fight that will put him in the map of all-time pound per pound great boxers if he wins by extraordinary fashion. He knew about his on coming rival, Wilfredo "Bazooka" Gomez of Puerto Rico.
He knew about Gomez's career. His record. His abilities. His condition as a champion. And for the most part, his 8-0 record against his countrymen. All of those wins were by knockout. But, in Sanchez's view, Gomez was a loudmouth boxer that he didn't like much.
And the reasons why was that Gomez tried to ridiculed Sanchez at every chance he got at press conferences. He had a disdain for the champion. And told Sanchez that he was going to be the next victim of countrymen thrashed by him. He also told Sanchez that Sanchez's mama would not recognize him when he finished with him. To look in a mirror before the fight and after it.
Sanchez's replied was that you talk with your mouth and fight with your fists. He didn't say much. He just concentrate to prepare himself in probably his greatest fight of his life. This was the greatest and much anticipated fight that all Mexico was waiting for. So does the island of Puerto Rico.
"The Battle of the Little Giants" came into fruition. Caesars Palace Sports Pavilion was packed of a scene of great Latin flavor. There has never been an atmosphere before that in that magnitude. Two Hispanic countries at the height of their rivalry: Mexico vs Puerto Rico.
Maybe, the Fight of the Millennium between superstars Oscar De La Hoya of Mexican American descent and Felix "Tito" Trinidad of Puerto Rico had the same reaction. But Sanchez versus Gomez was much more fierce.
A salsa music band, Roberto Roena's Apollo Sound of Puerto Rico were playing with congas, drums and horns accompanying Gomez. Then, a Mariachi traditional band from Mexico came with guitars and horns and even better dressed in black supporting Sanchez. It was something to see. Never ever something like that ever happened in the history of boxing.
The three national anthems were played of Mexico, Puerto Rico and United States. The introductions were set. A big roar happened when Gomez was introduced. And also a big roar in the part of Sanchez. Mexicans and Puerto Ricans in the stands. Who got more people? You couldn't tell.
Sanchez came confident and ready. He had that smile of confidence like saying this is the end of Gomez. He's going to pay for everything he told me in those press conferences. For all those nasty words and disrespect.
And Gomez? His confidence was clear. He saw it as another victim and give Puerto Rico the glory and greatest boxing triumph yet.
The bell rang and the tension in the air was electric. From the very first round both guys started trading blows. Gomez as usual, the attacker always pinning his opponent on the ropes, was no different this time against Sanchez. The only difference was that he got surprised with a terrific left hook by the champion for a flash knockdown. The Mexican crowd roared.
Gomez, wearing a trunk confected like the Puerto Rican flag, was floored with it on the canvas for the second time in his career. It was a surprising event for the 7-5 favorite.
And from thence, it was a massacre. Sanchez went at him throwing lefts and rights to Bazooka's face. Gomez is in bad shape. The Mexican crowd roared for every punch that Sanchez threw. Lefts, rights, uppercuts, right crosses. Gomez was getting a beat down. The bell saved him. It was a miracle moment because if given 20 more seconds, he would have been out.
The second round came and Gomez knew that this is business! It's time to get to work and press the action. But the more he pressed, the more leather he received.
If Gomez won two rounds in this fight, it was enough. Sanchez outclassed and dominated him like no fighter ever done to him. Gomez, a great puncher at 122lbs, wasn't weakening the featherweight champion at no time at all. Sanchez was even stronger in the exchanges and moved his head beautifully. Sanchez's jab was also the key. He was closing Gomez's eyes with it by each round.
In round seven, Gomez in desperation had the best round on his favor when he pinned the champ through the ropes and connected with a wicked right. Sanchez's knees buckled but he recovered in a hurry. That was the only mistake that Sanchez did the whole night. Another super Bantamweight fighter would have been out. Not Sanchez. He is a featherweight.
Sanchez's concentration and strategy worked into perfection. He was fresh and calm, picking his spots while Gomez looked beaten, tired, confused and bewildered. His face was not a good scene to see. It was a total mess! ..
Round eight came and it was the finale. Sanchez gave Gomez three wicked left hooks to Gomez's belly then pinned him to the ropes and a wicked right hand put Gomez in trouble. Another right, left, right combination and Gomez almost was thrown out through the ropes. He got up like a real warrior that doesn't give up at no circumstance. He was determined to continue even if it meant that his life was in danger. But, referee Carlos Padilla of the Philippines saw too much damage and stopped the contest.
The winner by TKO in 8 and still the WBC Featherweight Champion of the World! Salvador Sanchez!
He knew about Gomez's career. His record. His abilities. His condition as a champion. And for the most part, his 8-0 record against his countrymen. All of those wins were by knockout. But, in Sanchez's view, Gomez was a loudmouth boxer that he didn't like much.
And the reasons why was that Gomez tried to ridiculed Sanchez at every chance he got at press conferences. He had a disdain for the champion. And told Sanchez that he was going to be the next victim of countrymen thrashed by him. He also told Sanchez that Sanchez's mama would not recognize him when he finished with him. To look in a mirror before the fight and after it.
Sanchez's replied was that you talk with your mouth and fight with your fists. He didn't say much. He just concentrate to prepare himself in probably his greatest fight of his life. This was the greatest and much anticipated fight that all Mexico was waiting for. So does the island of Puerto Rico.
"The Battle of the Little Giants" came into fruition. Caesars Palace Sports Pavilion was packed of a scene of great Latin flavor. There has never been an atmosphere before that in that magnitude. Two Hispanic countries at the height of their rivalry: Mexico vs Puerto Rico.
Maybe, the Fight of the Millennium between superstars Oscar De La Hoya of Mexican American descent and Felix "Tito" Trinidad of Puerto Rico had the same reaction. But Sanchez versus Gomez was much more fierce.
A salsa music band, Roberto Roena's Apollo Sound of Puerto Rico were playing with congas, drums and horns accompanying Gomez. Then, a Mariachi traditional band from Mexico came with guitars and horns and even better dressed in black supporting Sanchez. It was something to see. Never ever something like that ever happened in the history of boxing.
The three national anthems were played of Mexico, Puerto Rico and United States. The introductions were set. A big roar happened when Gomez was introduced. And also a big roar in the part of Sanchez. Mexicans and Puerto Ricans in the stands. Who got more people? You couldn't tell.
Sanchez came confident and ready. He had that smile of confidence like saying this is the end of Gomez. He's going to pay for everything he told me in those press conferences. For all those nasty words and disrespect.
And Gomez? His confidence was clear. He saw it as another victim and give Puerto Rico the glory and greatest boxing triumph yet.
The bell rang and the tension in the air was electric. From the very first round both guys started trading blows. Gomez as usual, the attacker always pinning his opponent on the ropes, was no different this time against Sanchez. The only difference was that he got surprised with a terrific left hook by the champion for a flash knockdown. The Mexican crowd roared.
Gomez, wearing a trunk confected like the Puerto Rican flag, was floored with it on the canvas for the second time in his career. It was a surprising event for the 7-5 favorite.
And from thence, it was a massacre. Sanchez went at him throwing lefts and rights to Bazooka's face. Gomez is in bad shape. The Mexican crowd roared for every punch that Sanchez threw. Lefts, rights, uppercuts, right crosses. Gomez was getting a beat down. The bell saved him. It was a miracle moment because if given 20 more seconds, he would have been out.
The second round came and Gomez knew that this is business! It's time to get to work and press the action. But the more he pressed, the more leather he received.
If Gomez won two rounds in this fight, it was enough. Sanchez outclassed and dominated him like no fighter ever done to him. Gomez, a great puncher at 122lbs, wasn't weakening the featherweight champion at no time at all. Sanchez was even stronger in the exchanges and moved his head beautifully. Sanchez's jab was also the key. He was closing Gomez's eyes with it by each round.
In round seven, Gomez in desperation had the best round on his favor when he pinned the champ through the ropes and connected with a wicked right. Sanchez's knees buckled but he recovered in a hurry. That was the only mistake that Sanchez did the whole night. Another super Bantamweight fighter would have been out. Not Sanchez. He is a featherweight.
Sanchez's concentration and strategy worked into perfection. He was fresh and calm, picking his spots while Gomez looked beaten, tired, confused and bewildered. His face was not a good scene to see. It was a total mess! ..
Round eight came and it was the finale. Sanchez gave Gomez three wicked left hooks to Gomez's belly then pinned him to the ropes and a wicked right hand put Gomez in trouble. Another right, left, right combination and Gomez almost was thrown out through the ropes. He got up like a real warrior that doesn't give up at no circumstance. He was determined to continue even if it meant that his life was in danger. But, referee Carlos Padilla of the Philippines saw too much damage and stopped the contest.
The winner by TKO in 8 and still the WBC Featherweight Champion of the World! Salvador Sanchez!
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elmersalsa
- Heavyweight
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- Joined: 02 Feb 2003, 03:50
Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
It was one of boxing's greatest masterpieces of all-time. Salvador Sanchez became a national hero for Mexico and was considered as Mexico's greatest pound per pound fighter of all-time.
With this great and stunning win over the great Wilfredo "Bazooka" Gomez of Puerto Rico, Sanchez received all time pound per pound great boxing status at such a young age of 22. He was the co-winner of The Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year with the great Sugar Ray Leonard in 1981.
And Gomez? Well, he had to swallow this defeat like a man. But it was a big pill to swallow. He let his fans down. He didn't prepare himself correctly for such a great bout, even though he received the biggest payday of his career. He got $500,000 dollars! Sanchez made $750,000 dollars.
All now Gomez ever wants is a rematch with Sanchez. He said that this time, he was going to be in better shape.
The problem was, there was no rematch. Sanchez, at only 23 years old, died in a car crash accident in his native Mexico on August 12, 1982.
With this great and stunning win over the great Wilfredo "Bazooka" Gomez of Puerto Rico, Sanchez received all time pound per pound great boxing status at such a young age of 22. He was the co-winner of The Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year with the great Sugar Ray Leonard in 1981.
And Gomez? Well, he had to swallow this defeat like a man. But it was a big pill to swallow. He let his fans down. He didn't prepare himself correctly for such a great bout, even though he received the biggest payday of his career. He got $500,000 dollars! Sanchez made $750,000 dollars.
All now Gomez ever wants is a rematch with Sanchez. He said that this time, he was going to be in better shape.
The problem was, there was no rematch. Sanchez, at only 23 years old, died in a car crash accident in his native Mexico on August 12, 1982.
Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
Does Ted Kid Lewis make it into your Top Hundred?
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elmersalsa
- Heavyweight
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- Joined: 02 Feb 2003, 03:50
Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
Britian's best for my money. Real name Gershon Mendaloff.-
elmersalsa
- Heavyweight
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- Joined: 02 Feb 2003, 03:50
Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
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elmersalsa
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 15648
- Joined: 02 Feb 2003, 03:50
Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
Now, this is the countdown so far:
100. Jersey Joe Walcott
99. Sonny Liston
98. Vicente Saldivar
97. Gene Fullmer
96. Mike Tyson
95. Eusebio Pedroza
94. Benny Lynch
93. Jack Britton
92. Tommy Ryan
91. Mike McCallum
90. James Toney
89. Tiger Flowers
88. Joe Brown
87. Ted "Kid" Lewis
86. Peter Jackson
85. Beau Jack
84. Lennox Lewis
83. Abe Attell
82. Holman Williams
81. Azumah Nelson
80. Erik "El Terrible" Morales
79. Luis Manuel Rodriguez
78. George Dixon
77. Ricardo "Finito" Lopez
76. Manuel Ortiz
75. Marco Antonio Barrera
74. Bob Foster
73. Pancho Villa
72. Jimmy Barry
71. Packey McFarland
70. Miguel Canto
69. Carlos Zarate
68. Wilfred Benitez
67. Carlos Ortiz
66. Jack "Kid" Berg
65. Freddie Miller
64. Battling Battalino
63. Wilfredo Gomez
100. Jersey Joe Walcott
99. Sonny Liston
98. Vicente Saldivar
97. Gene Fullmer
96. Mike Tyson
95. Eusebio Pedroza
94. Benny Lynch
93. Jack Britton
92. Tommy Ryan
91. Mike McCallum
90. James Toney
89. Tiger Flowers
88. Joe Brown
87. Ted "Kid" Lewis
86. Peter Jackson
85. Beau Jack
84. Lennox Lewis
83. Abe Attell
82. Holman Williams
81. Azumah Nelson
80. Erik "El Terrible" Morales
79. Luis Manuel Rodriguez
78. George Dixon
77. Ricardo "Finito" Lopez
76. Manuel Ortiz
75. Marco Antonio Barrera
74. Bob Foster
73. Pancho Villa
72. Jimmy Barry
71. Packey McFarland
70. Miguel Canto
69. Carlos Zarate
68. Wilfred Benitez
67. Carlos Ortiz
66. Jack "Kid" Berg
65. Freddie Miller
64. Battling Battalino
63. Wilfredo Gomez
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elmersalsa
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 15648
- Joined: 02 Feb 2003, 03:50
Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
The year 1982 was a good one for Wilfredo "Bazooka" Gomez of Puerto Rico. He fought 5 times in 1982, and won them all by knockout.
But, he would trade all those wins for a rematch with the great Salvador Sanchez, the WBC World Featherweight Champion of Mexico.
Well, the question at the time was, how could Bazooka return from such a thrashing provided by Sanchez? Did he underestimated the champion? Did he took Sanchez too lightly?
It was a big pill to swallow. But, the fact of the matter was that he lost. In his mind, he let his countrymen down big time. And the only way to redeem himself is to beat the same guy that beat you. But, it's not that he lost to Sanchez that was the case. It was about how he lost! Sanchez displayed that August night in Las Vegas his total brilliance. Wilfredo got really outclassed. How could he beat this phenom Sanchez? It was one of boxing's history most extraordinary performances ever seen on film.
Bazooka with all of his punching power, couldn't hurt Sanchez. He was out sped. He was outclassed. And Sanchez looked much more stronger. Did Gomez seriously trained for that fight?
Rumours had it that he was doing the ladies' man duties in yatches and discotheques instead of training for the biggest payday of his career. He was dating models and fine good looking mamas. He was eating well. Extremely well. He didn't take care of his body. And when the big fight came, it took its toll and there was the result. The playboy got played in the ring. It was all his fault. He didn't took it as a big responsibility. Was he totally overconfident?
Humbled and humiliated for the first time in the ring, his 32-KO winning streak was over. Also his undefeated record. Many Puerto Ricans left him as their #1 hero. He was not #1 in the Island to some anymore. Some stayed loyal.
It takes a lot of psychological search within after losing a fight of that manner. Is Sanchez really better than I? Can I beat him in a rematch if I come better prepared? Such loss take a lot of confidence in you. And at most times, your big circle leaves you. Even your own cat.
So what I got to do to start the people to believe in me again? What is next? Well, next is to start over. To be hungry again. And to train better each time. He is still young. He is 25. Still in the prime of his career.
Bazooka started the year blowing out two Mexican journeymen. He blew out Jose Luis Gonzalez in 7 and Jose Luis Soto in 2.
Gomez improves and little by little, the confidence in himself, at least, is back.
Gomez improves to 34-1-1, with 34 knockouts.
But, he would trade all those wins for a rematch with the great Salvador Sanchez, the WBC World Featherweight Champion of Mexico.
Well, the question at the time was, how could Bazooka return from such a thrashing provided by Sanchez? Did he underestimated the champion? Did he took Sanchez too lightly?
It was a big pill to swallow. But, the fact of the matter was that he lost. In his mind, he let his countrymen down big time. And the only way to redeem himself is to beat the same guy that beat you. But, it's not that he lost to Sanchez that was the case. It was about how he lost! Sanchez displayed that August night in Las Vegas his total brilliance. Wilfredo got really outclassed. How could he beat this phenom Sanchez? It was one of boxing's history most extraordinary performances ever seen on film.
Bazooka with all of his punching power, couldn't hurt Sanchez. He was out sped. He was outclassed. And Sanchez looked much more stronger. Did Gomez seriously trained for that fight?
Rumours had it that he was doing the ladies' man duties in yatches and discotheques instead of training for the biggest payday of his career. He was dating models and fine good looking mamas. He was eating well. Extremely well. He didn't take care of his body. And when the big fight came, it took its toll and there was the result. The playboy got played in the ring. It was all his fault. He didn't took it as a big responsibility. Was he totally overconfident?
Humbled and humiliated for the first time in the ring, his 32-KO winning streak was over. Also his undefeated record. Many Puerto Ricans left him as their #1 hero. He was not #1 in the Island to some anymore. Some stayed loyal.
It takes a lot of psychological search within after losing a fight of that manner. Is Sanchez really better than I? Can I beat him in a rematch if I come better prepared? Such loss take a lot of confidence in you. And at most times, your big circle leaves you. Even your own cat.
So what I got to do to start the people to believe in me again? What is next? Well, next is to start over. To be hungry again. And to train better each time. He is still young. He is 25. Still in the prime of his career.
Bazooka started the year blowing out two Mexican journeymen. He blew out Jose Luis Gonzalez in 7 and Jose Luis Soto in 2.
Gomez improves and little by little, the confidence in himself, at least, is back.
Gomez improves to 34-1-1, with 34 knockouts.
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Ambling Alp II
- Super Middleweight
- Posts: 15097
- Joined: 04 Nov 2012, 18:31
Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
He wasn't "overconfident" going into the Sanchez fight. The crybaby excuses are beyond lame. Everyone has a life of distractions outside of the sport. He lost fair and square because Sanchez was a lot better than him.
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elmersalsa
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 15648
- Joined: 02 Feb 2003, 03:50
Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
Thanks for your input.Ambling Alp II wrote: ↑17 Feb 2024, 15:05 He wasn't "overconfident" going into the Sanchez fight. The crybaby excuses are beyond lame. Everyone has a life of distractions outside of the sport. He lost fair and square because Sanchez was a lot better than him.
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elmersalsa
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 15648
- Joined: 02 Feb 2003, 03:50
Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
Thanks for your input. Salvador Sanchez was the better boxer. I just can't see how could Wilfredo Gomez wins in a rematch after being dominated in that extraordinary fashion.Ambling Alp II wrote: ↑17 Feb 2024, 15:05 He wasn't "overconfident" going into the Sanchez fight. The crybaby excuses are beyond lame. Everyone has a life of distractions outside of the sport. He lost fair and square because Sanchez was a lot better than him.
Gomez could not hurt him. And Sanchez proved better in all the areas of boxing. He was superior.
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elmersalsa
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 15648
- Joined: 02 Feb 2003, 03:50
Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
Well, did I said that the great Wilfredo "Bazooka" Gomez fought 5 times in the year 1982?. That was not the case. He fought 6 times! And all of them were against Mexican boxers.
Did he had a vendetta against Mexican boxers this year after losing so badly against the great Salvador Sanchez the year before? I don't know.
But, Gomez fought for the third time on the year 1982. This time, against top contender and future world champion Juan "Kid" Meza, a Mexican boxer living in Hawthorne, CA.
On Saturday, March 27, 1982 at the Playboy Hotel and Casino venue in Atlantic City, NJ, Gomez defends his WBC World Super Bantamweight Championship for the 14th time.
Meza, 26, had a good record of 36-5, with 31 knockouts. He was an experienced top contender and the latest big threat for Gomez's crown.
Gomez vowed after the Sanchez's defeat to this time to take the sport of much more seriously and train much harder. All he got on his mind is a rematch with Sanchez.
And Gomez trained really hard for this title defense. He looked like the Bazooka people were custom to see. Sharp, fast and accurate punching. He was on point. So he is still in his prime. He is just 25 years old.
He also parted ways with his long time manager Yamil Chade. Gomez now was making his own decisions and calling his own shots.
The fight was a good fight. Meza came smoking in the first round. And won it in my view. But, from round 2 on it was all Wilfredo's. He was giving Meza the business with serious and murderous shots of lefts, rights, uppercuts and right crosses. He looked like the Bazooka of old. He really impressed in this fight.
Gomez was scoring heavily. Meza couldn't handle the pressure and the bumrush. In round 6 Gomez was hitting Meza in a corner at will. Defenseless, the referee saw enough and saved Meza from much more punishment.
Gomez successfully defends his WBC World Super Bantamweight Crown in convincing fashion. Is he back? Yes, he is!
Gomez extended the knockout record in consecutive title defenses with 14. And he dedicated this fight particularly for those people that didn't believe in him anymore after the Sanchez's massacre. He has another mandatory title defense next against a former victim Juan Antonio Lopez in June, and then, by year's end, a rematch with Salvador to prove critics that he is the better boxer and that the defeat was a fluke. Was it really?
Gomez improves to 35-1-1, with 35 knockouts. It's proven that at 122lbs, he is the real king of the division. He doesn't have nothing to prove at the Super Bantamweight division weight class.
Did he had a vendetta against Mexican boxers this year after losing so badly against the great Salvador Sanchez the year before? I don't know.
But, Gomez fought for the third time on the year 1982. This time, against top contender and future world champion Juan "Kid" Meza, a Mexican boxer living in Hawthorne, CA.
On Saturday, March 27, 1982 at the Playboy Hotel and Casino venue in Atlantic City, NJ, Gomez defends his WBC World Super Bantamweight Championship for the 14th time.
Meza, 26, had a good record of 36-5, with 31 knockouts. He was an experienced top contender and the latest big threat for Gomez's crown.
Gomez vowed after the Sanchez's defeat to this time to take the sport of much more seriously and train much harder. All he got on his mind is a rematch with Sanchez.
And Gomez trained really hard for this title defense. He looked like the Bazooka people were custom to see. Sharp, fast and accurate punching. He was on point. So he is still in his prime. He is just 25 years old.
He also parted ways with his long time manager Yamil Chade. Gomez now was making his own decisions and calling his own shots.
The fight was a good fight. Meza came smoking in the first round. And won it in my view. But, from round 2 on it was all Wilfredo's. He was giving Meza the business with serious and murderous shots of lefts, rights, uppercuts and right crosses. He looked like the Bazooka of old. He really impressed in this fight.
Gomez was scoring heavily. Meza couldn't handle the pressure and the bumrush. In round 6 Gomez was hitting Meza in a corner at will. Defenseless, the referee saw enough and saved Meza from much more punishment.
Gomez successfully defends his WBC World Super Bantamweight Crown in convincing fashion. Is he back? Yes, he is!
Gomez extended the knockout record in consecutive title defenses with 14. And he dedicated this fight particularly for those people that didn't believe in him anymore after the Sanchez's massacre. He has another mandatory title defense next against a former victim Juan Antonio Lopez in June, and then, by year's end, a rematch with Salvador to prove critics that he is the better boxer and that the defeat was a fluke. Was it really?
Gomez improves to 35-1-1, with 35 knockouts. It's proven that at 122lbs, he is the real king of the division. He doesn't have nothing to prove at the Super Bantamweight division weight class.
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elmersalsa
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 15648
- Joined: 02 Feb 2003, 03:50
Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
The question for this fight was, how much punishment can a guy takes? And what is like to take a lot of punishment from one of the greatest knockout artists of all time?
Juan Antonio Lopez of Mexico, a top contender for most of the 70s decade at bantamweight and super bantamweight divisions, was ranked #4 to challenge WBC World Super Bantamweight Champion Wilfredo "Bazooka" Gomez of Puerto Rico on Friday, June 11, 1982 at the Caesars Palace Outdoors Arena.
This was one of the undercard fights of the WBC World Heavyweight Championship fight between the great and undefeated champion Larry Holmes of Easton, PA and undefeated challenger Gerry Cooney of Long Island, NY.
This is the second time that Lopez challenges Wilfredo the champion. The first time was in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1978. Gomez won by a 7th round knockout.
Since then, and four more years later, Lopez won 15 fights in a row to be again in contention for a world title. My question was, why he didn't challenge Leonardo Cruz of the Dominican Republic for Cruz's WBA World Jr Featherweight Title, instead? Why go to the same pain?
He could beat Cruz, then possibly but well farfetched, unify the crowns with Gomez for an undisputed world championship. Maybe, that's too much to ask than to challenge Gomez for the second time.
Plus, Lopez is 30 years old. His time in boxing is coming to an end. With a professional record of 57-8, with 42 knockouts, (the ABC and Don King Promotions TV coverage had Lopez with a record of 70-8 with 60 knockouts) Lopez had a lot of wear and tear as a fighter since his pro debut in 1971.
Everybody in the arena knew that Gomez was the absolute favorite. How big of a favorite? I don't know. But, it would take a great miracle for Lopez to take the crown from Bazooka.
The first round came, and Bazooka hit Lopez with a vicious right hand. The fight was over from thence. Lopez took an 8-count. Instead of wilting, he kept going.
At least, with not much boxing technique, he was very game. He had heart. Because I have never seen a man taking so much brutal punishment under the Vegas sun and heat, and still standing.
For 9 rounds, Gomez was beating up this unnecessary challenger from post to post. All what Lopez did was covering himself from punishment. The fight should have been stopped a long time earlier. Lopez was like a punching bag. His face was all cut and bruised up. And Bazooka was hitting him with gusto. So much he was hitting Lopez that the ABC announcers were questioning if Bazooka is worn out of throwing punches.
This wasn't Muhammad Ali's rope a dope. This was a shellacking dope. Lopez wasn't throwing anything back to keep Wilfredo off from him.
Probably, in Bazooka's mind was, well, I am not going to get tired by hitting this fella, so if the referee doesn't stop it, I am still here and glad to keep punching him. That's how it looked in the small screen.
Gomez again looked very impressive and overpowering for his weight class at 122lbs. But, in ABC Sports announcer Howard Cossell's view was that Gomez wasn't the same guy after the Salvador Sanchez's fight. That Sanchez took a lot of him. I didn't see it that way. I think that the extreme heat conditions and fighting under the sun can debilitate somebody if not trained properly.
Gomez trained properly for this fight. Why not he? He got to show the public that he deserves a rematch with Sanchez. The playing time and womanizing days are over for now until at least the rematch.
As for Lopez, he trained hard, but was not a match for Bazooka. Round 10 came and Gomez gave Lopez a terrific left hook to the solar plexus and down went Lopez. In pain, he didn't get up for the count. And when the count was over, he got up and rushed on to Gomez, but the fight was over. Lopez was kind of glad that the fight was over. The arm-weary Gomez was glad, too. And also the crowd. Because I couldn't picture 15 rounds of more of this. It was a punching bag festival where one was doing all the punching, and the other was just covering up for his life.
Gomez improves to 36-1-1, with 36 knockouts.
It was Lopez's last chance for a title shot.
Juan Antonio Lopez of Mexico, a top contender for most of the 70s decade at bantamweight and super bantamweight divisions, was ranked #4 to challenge WBC World Super Bantamweight Champion Wilfredo "Bazooka" Gomez of Puerto Rico on Friday, June 11, 1982 at the Caesars Palace Outdoors Arena.
This was one of the undercard fights of the WBC World Heavyweight Championship fight between the great and undefeated champion Larry Holmes of Easton, PA and undefeated challenger Gerry Cooney of Long Island, NY.
This is the second time that Lopez challenges Wilfredo the champion. The first time was in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1978. Gomez won by a 7th round knockout.
Since then, and four more years later, Lopez won 15 fights in a row to be again in contention for a world title. My question was, why he didn't challenge Leonardo Cruz of the Dominican Republic for Cruz's WBA World Jr Featherweight Title, instead? Why go to the same pain?
He could beat Cruz, then possibly but well farfetched, unify the crowns with Gomez for an undisputed world championship. Maybe, that's too much to ask than to challenge Gomez for the second time.
Plus, Lopez is 30 years old. His time in boxing is coming to an end. With a professional record of 57-8, with 42 knockouts, (the ABC and Don King Promotions TV coverage had Lopez with a record of 70-8 with 60 knockouts) Lopez had a lot of wear and tear as a fighter since his pro debut in 1971.
Everybody in the arena knew that Gomez was the absolute favorite. How big of a favorite? I don't know. But, it would take a great miracle for Lopez to take the crown from Bazooka.
The first round came, and Bazooka hit Lopez with a vicious right hand. The fight was over from thence. Lopez took an 8-count. Instead of wilting, he kept going.
At least, with not much boxing technique, he was very game. He had heart. Because I have never seen a man taking so much brutal punishment under the Vegas sun and heat, and still standing.
For 9 rounds, Gomez was beating up this unnecessary challenger from post to post. All what Lopez did was covering himself from punishment. The fight should have been stopped a long time earlier. Lopez was like a punching bag. His face was all cut and bruised up. And Bazooka was hitting him with gusto. So much he was hitting Lopez that the ABC announcers were questioning if Bazooka is worn out of throwing punches.
This wasn't Muhammad Ali's rope a dope. This was a shellacking dope. Lopez wasn't throwing anything back to keep Wilfredo off from him.
Probably, in Bazooka's mind was, well, I am not going to get tired by hitting this fella, so if the referee doesn't stop it, I am still here and glad to keep punching him. That's how it looked in the small screen.
Gomez again looked very impressive and overpowering for his weight class at 122lbs. But, in ABC Sports announcer Howard Cossell's view was that Gomez wasn't the same guy after the Salvador Sanchez's fight. That Sanchez took a lot of him. I didn't see it that way. I think that the extreme heat conditions and fighting under the sun can debilitate somebody if not trained properly.
Gomez trained properly for this fight. Why not he? He got to show the public that he deserves a rematch with Sanchez. The playing time and womanizing days are over for now until at least the rematch.
As for Lopez, he trained hard, but was not a match for Bazooka. Round 10 came and Gomez gave Lopez a terrific left hook to the solar plexus and down went Lopez. In pain, he didn't get up for the count. And when the count was over, he got up and rushed on to Gomez, but the fight was over. Lopez was kind of glad that the fight was over. The arm-weary Gomez was glad, too. And also the crowd. Because I couldn't picture 15 rounds of more of this. It was a punching bag festival where one was doing all the punching, and the other was just covering up for his life.
Gomez improves to 36-1-1, with 36 knockouts.
It was Lopez's last chance for a title shot.
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elmersalsa
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 15648
- Joined: 02 Feb 2003, 03:50
Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
Wilfredo "Bazooka" Gomez, the great WBC World Super Bantamweight Champion from Puerto Rico couldn't receive worse news.
On the night of August 12, 1982, in Mexico, Salvador Sanchez, the great WBC World Featherweight Champion and only conqueror to date, lost his life in an automobile accident in a highway driving his Porsche and struck an incoming truck.
The International Boxing news are in disbelief and in mourning for such a great loss. At 23, Sanchez, a world boxing superstar that captivated audiences with his complete counter punching style, was no more.
The year 1982 was a sad year in boxing when it comes to the face of boxing. First, Sugar Ray Leonard, the world's greatest boxer retires because of a detached retina. And now, Sanchez's death.
Sanchez's loss to boxing was a big pill to swallow. He left us with what could have beens.
The one that got hurt the most of Sanchez's rivals, was Wilfredo. He really wanted a rematch to show the world that he was better. But now, he can't prove it in the ring. Sanchez is gone forever.
Gomez wanted that rematch......Bad! That was the only fight that he wanted. Would Bazooka win the rematch now that he was taking training much more seriously? We don't know the answer.
Gomez flew to Santiago Tiangustengo, Mexico, Sanchez's hometown to give his condolences and respects. It was a nice gesture seen by the Mexican boxing fans that was accepted. He went to the funeral to pay respects to the only man that has ever beaten him in 38 fights.
So, his scheduled title defense against challenger Roberto Rubaldino of Mexico had to be still on. It was a week after Sanchez's death.
So on Wednesday, August 18, 1982 at the Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico Gomez makes his 16th title defense as scheduled of all things transpiring.
Rubaldino, 28, a rough and tough southpaw, already challenged twice for the WBA World Bantamweight Crown that was held by Jorge Lujan of Panama. He lost to Lujan on both title tries.
But, in 1981, Rubaldino got his revenge from Lujan beating him by decision in a non title bout. Another highlight of Rubaldino was that he beat the only man that has beaten Sanchez, Antonio Becerra by knockout in ten rounds. He was coming from a 13-fight winning streak since 1979. Rubaldino came to San Juan with a record of 52-5, with 34 knockouts. A good record indeed.
But, in the ring, he was not good enough for Gomez. Like always, Gomez attacks and be on top of his opponents because of his stronger upper body. This fight was no different. And it was just a matter of time. Rubaldino was no match at all for Gomez. He was getting a shellacking from post to post. All Rubaldino did was stay on the ropes receiving leather. The fight was stopped in the corner of Rubaldino in the 7th round.
The winner by TKO in 7th round and still the WBC World Super Bantamweight Champion! Wilfredo "Bazooka" Gomez.
As for Gomez's performance. He looked very good as expected in his own weight class. He looked like he was in shape and taking the sport much more seriously in training. He improved to 37-1-1 with 37KOs.
Gomez doesn't have nothing to prove at 122lbs. He has beaten almost every fighter on that weight class. He is too strong for that weight class. The only thing is that he got to move up in weight. But, Sanchez is no longer there. Well, what else can he do? Stay at super Bantamweight for ever? He can't. He is making it very difficult each time to make weight.
So boxing is strange, Becerra beats Sanchez. Rubaldino beats Becerra. Gomez beats Rubaldino. And Sanchez beats Gomez. How about that?
On the night of August 12, 1982, in Mexico, Salvador Sanchez, the great WBC World Featherweight Champion and only conqueror to date, lost his life in an automobile accident in a highway driving his Porsche and struck an incoming truck.
The International Boxing news are in disbelief and in mourning for such a great loss. At 23, Sanchez, a world boxing superstar that captivated audiences with his complete counter punching style, was no more.
The year 1982 was a sad year in boxing when it comes to the face of boxing. First, Sugar Ray Leonard, the world's greatest boxer retires because of a detached retina. And now, Sanchez's death.
Sanchez's loss to boxing was a big pill to swallow. He left us with what could have beens.
The one that got hurt the most of Sanchez's rivals, was Wilfredo. He really wanted a rematch to show the world that he was better. But now, he can't prove it in the ring. Sanchez is gone forever.
Gomez wanted that rematch......Bad! That was the only fight that he wanted. Would Bazooka win the rematch now that he was taking training much more seriously? We don't know the answer.
Gomez flew to Santiago Tiangustengo, Mexico, Sanchez's hometown to give his condolences and respects. It was a nice gesture seen by the Mexican boxing fans that was accepted. He went to the funeral to pay respects to the only man that has ever beaten him in 38 fights.
So, his scheduled title defense against challenger Roberto Rubaldino of Mexico had to be still on. It was a week after Sanchez's death.
So on Wednesday, August 18, 1982 at the Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico Gomez makes his 16th title defense as scheduled of all things transpiring.
Rubaldino, 28, a rough and tough southpaw, already challenged twice for the WBA World Bantamweight Crown that was held by Jorge Lujan of Panama. He lost to Lujan on both title tries.
But, in 1981, Rubaldino got his revenge from Lujan beating him by decision in a non title bout. Another highlight of Rubaldino was that he beat the only man that has beaten Sanchez, Antonio Becerra by knockout in ten rounds. He was coming from a 13-fight winning streak since 1979. Rubaldino came to San Juan with a record of 52-5, with 34 knockouts. A good record indeed.
But, in the ring, he was not good enough for Gomez. Like always, Gomez attacks and be on top of his opponents because of his stronger upper body. This fight was no different. And it was just a matter of time. Rubaldino was no match at all for Gomez. He was getting a shellacking from post to post. All Rubaldino did was stay on the ropes receiving leather. The fight was stopped in the corner of Rubaldino in the 7th round.
The winner by TKO in 7th round and still the WBC World Super Bantamweight Champion! Wilfredo "Bazooka" Gomez.
As for Gomez's performance. He looked very good as expected in his own weight class. He looked like he was in shape and taking the sport much more seriously in training. He improved to 37-1-1 with 37KOs.
Gomez doesn't have nothing to prove at 122lbs. He has beaten almost every fighter on that weight class. He is too strong for that weight class. The only thing is that he got to move up in weight. But, Sanchez is no longer there. Well, what else can he do? Stay at super Bantamweight for ever? He can't. He is making it very difficult each time to make weight.
So boxing is strange, Becerra beats Sanchez. Rubaldino beats Becerra. Gomez beats Rubaldino. And Sanchez beats Gomez. How about that?
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elmersalsa
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 15648
- Joined: 02 Feb 2003, 03:50
Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
Now that the great Salvador Sanchez is gone, now what? What's next for the great WBC World Super Bantamweight Champion Wilfredo "Bazooka" Gomez of Puerto Rico?
Would he move up to featherweight? Or retire as an undefeated champion at super bantamweight?
Because at this point, and at 26 years of age, it's proven that he is the greatest boxer that ever stepped into the ring in that 122lbs class division. He proved that he's the best ever. No matter what.
But, champions as they fight along, always have challenges. And this challenge is not any ordinary challenge from any ordinary man. This challenge is a challenge from one of the best fighters in the world right then in Lupe Pintor of Mexico, the WBC World Bantamweight Champion since 1979.
As we know, both fighters, Gomez and Pintor, were the only boxers to defeat the great Carlos Zarate of Mexico in Zarate's prime. Gomez thrashed Zarate in only 5 rounds in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The other, Pintor, took the crown from Zarate in a controversial 15 rounds decision win in Las Vegas, NV. It was so controversial that Zarate retired from boxing the next day.
The fight was set for Friday, December 3, 1982 at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, LA. It was part of the same bill of the great WBC World Super Welterweight Champion Wilfred Benitez of Puerto Rico defending his crown against the great Thomas "The Hitman" Hearns of Detroit, MI.
But, what's was the 411 about Pintor? At age 27, was a seasoned professional of over 54 fights, winning 49 and losing 5, with 38 knockouts. A solid champion, but not spectacular in the eyes of many. But, the guy can fight. Even his counterpart, WBA World Bantamweight Champion, "Joltin'' Jeff Chandler of Philadelphia, PA was considered by many at the time as the best bantamweight in the world. As a matter of fact, Pintor wasn't even as popular of the realm of Mexican greatest champions. And to be Sanchez's successor, he must win this fight at least. He was looking forward for the recognition and money that other boxing super stars were making.
About his highlights, El Grillo de Cuajimalpa had some setbacks and also some good wins on him. From March 1976 to March 1978, Pintor won 21 fights in a row. The streak was broken by Leo Cruz of Dominican Republic, a former WBA World Jr Featherweight Champion and also a Gomez's victim. Cruz beat Pintor by a ten round decision in April 1978.
But, since then, Pintor only lost twice in 19 bouts, and has not lost a fight since December of 1979. Exactly 3 years.
Since becoming WBC World Bantamweight Champion, Pintor has defended the crown 8 times successfully. The most memorable and tragic one was in September 19, 1980 at the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles, CA in a title defense. Pintor won by knockout in 12 brutal rounds against brilliant challenger Johnny Owen from Wales. Owens died of the injuries of that title defense days later. A day that Pintor really wants to forget.
Pintor, besides the Zarate win, had other solid ones like Willie Jensen (WTKO7), Orlando Amores (WKO1), Gerald Hayes (W10), Antonio Becerra (W10) (who was the only man to beat Sanchez), Alberto Sandoval (WTKO12), Jovito Rengifo (WKO8) and an avenged win against Alberto Davila (W15) on a title defense and a ten round decision win against former bantam king Jorge Lujan of Panama.
Having problems to make weight at 118lbs, and no title unification big money fight with Chandler, Pintor went up to the challenge of Gomez for fame and fortune.
Would he move up to featherweight? Or retire as an undefeated champion at super bantamweight?
Because at this point, and at 26 years of age, it's proven that he is the greatest boxer that ever stepped into the ring in that 122lbs class division. He proved that he's the best ever. No matter what.
But, champions as they fight along, always have challenges. And this challenge is not any ordinary challenge from any ordinary man. This challenge is a challenge from one of the best fighters in the world right then in Lupe Pintor of Mexico, the WBC World Bantamweight Champion since 1979.
As we know, both fighters, Gomez and Pintor, were the only boxers to defeat the great Carlos Zarate of Mexico in Zarate's prime. Gomez thrashed Zarate in only 5 rounds in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The other, Pintor, took the crown from Zarate in a controversial 15 rounds decision win in Las Vegas, NV. It was so controversial that Zarate retired from boxing the next day.
The fight was set for Friday, December 3, 1982 at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, LA. It was part of the same bill of the great WBC World Super Welterweight Champion Wilfred Benitez of Puerto Rico defending his crown against the great Thomas "The Hitman" Hearns of Detroit, MI.
But, what's was the 411 about Pintor? At age 27, was a seasoned professional of over 54 fights, winning 49 and losing 5, with 38 knockouts. A solid champion, but not spectacular in the eyes of many. But, the guy can fight. Even his counterpart, WBA World Bantamweight Champion, "Joltin'' Jeff Chandler of Philadelphia, PA was considered by many at the time as the best bantamweight in the world. As a matter of fact, Pintor wasn't even as popular of the realm of Mexican greatest champions. And to be Sanchez's successor, he must win this fight at least. He was looking forward for the recognition and money that other boxing super stars were making.
About his highlights, El Grillo de Cuajimalpa had some setbacks and also some good wins on him. From March 1976 to March 1978, Pintor won 21 fights in a row. The streak was broken by Leo Cruz of Dominican Republic, a former WBA World Jr Featherweight Champion and also a Gomez's victim. Cruz beat Pintor by a ten round decision in April 1978.
But, since then, Pintor only lost twice in 19 bouts, and has not lost a fight since December of 1979. Exactly 3 years.
Since becoming WBC World Bantamweight Champion, Pintor has defended the crown 8 times successfully. The most memorable and tragic one was in September 19, 1980 at the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles, CA in a title defense. Pintor won by knockout in 12 brutal rounds against brilliant challenger Johnny Owen from Wales. Owens died of the injuries of that title defense days later. A day that Pintor really wants to forget.
Pintor, besides the Zarate win, had other solid ones like Willie Jensen (WTKO7), Orlando Amores (WKO1), Gerald Hayes (W10), Antonio Becerra (W10) (who was the only man to beat Sanchez), Alberto Sandoval (WTKO12), Jovito Rengifo (WKO8) and an avenged win against Alberto Davila (W15) on a title defense and a ten round decision win against former bantam king Jorge Lujan of Panama.
Having problems to make weight at 118lbs, and no title unification big money fight with Chandler, Pintor went up to the challenge of Gomez for fame and fortune.
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elmersalsa
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 15648
- Joined: 02 Feb 2003, 03:50
Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
A very confident, but humble Mexican, WBC World Bantamweight Champion Lupe Pintor trained as hard to get his second title.
Wilfredo Gomez, at 26, is fighting for the 6th time in the year 1982. He is trying his very best to redeem himself from the Salvador Sanchez's loss.
In the arena, on television, the images of the crowd was non existent. It was a dark background. One could not see the crowd.
It was Mexico vs Puerto Rico once again. Two great champions and future hall of fame boxers going at it again for the glory of God and country. Will the fight come up to its billing?
Round one starts and it was Gomez doing all the punching. He peppered Pintor with jabs and combinations.
The action heated up in round 3. Gomez, as always the bigger guy, had Pintor on the ropes. Pintor was playing possum. Gomez hit Pintor whenever he wanted to. Jabs, right crosses, left hooks, uppercuts. The whole works. It was a clear round for Bazooka at the moment. But, Pintor didn't go anywhere. He was still standing right there. And then, Pintor does the unthinkable by turning the tide and stealing the round.
In round 6, a point was taken off from Gomez by legendary American referee Arthur Mercante of New York. Gomez was hitting Pintor with the elbows.
Gomez was so exhausted by punching Pintor's face. By round 9, Gomez's both cheekbones started to swell badly. In that same round, Pintor was taken a point off from Mercante because of low blows.
It was a see saw battle between two fantastic and great champions. The climax came in round 12 when Gomez spent all his energy and power on Pintor on the ropes. And Pintor wasn't going anywhere. By the end of the round, about 5 seconds left, Pintor hit Gomez with a right. Gomez was on queer street. The bell saved him. If there were at least 20 seconds left in the round, Gomez would have gone down for the count. He was exhausted and in bad shape from Pintor's right hand. So bad was Gomez out that one of his handlers went to fetch him from Pintor's corner, only to carry him across the ring to the champ's corner. It was brutal.
Pintor seemed stronger as the fight progressed. In round 13, he took command. The fight had to be won by heart, will and who wanted it the most. Pintor wanted to show what he was made of. Gomez didn't want to lose again. Not now. Not against another Mexican. Gomez's eyes were almost shut. Memories of the fight with the great Salvador Sanchez of Mexico.
In round 14th, in a heavy exchange, Bazooka out of nowhere recovered strength and gave Pintor a wicked left hook in Pintor's ribs. A right hand followed. Pintor went down in the first knockdown of the fight. After an 8-count, another barrage of lefts, rights and lefts put Pintor down again. Pintor, wilted, exhausted and hurt, decided to stay down and down he stayed. The referee wisely stopped it.
The winner and still WBC Super Bantamweight Champion of the World!: Wilfredo "Bazooka" Gomez!
It was probably Gomez's most courageous performance in which he had to show heart and determination to win. It was a great fight. One of the greatest fights in the super Bantamweight division and one of the greatest fights ever seen at any weight class. It was a unforgettable slugfest of an unforgettable decade of great fights.
It was Bazooka's last title defense at 122lbs. His 17th and last. All by knockout! He improves to 38-1-1 with 38 knockouts. It's time to move up to featherweight.
It was also Gomez's 6th fight for the year 1982. He won them all by knockout. All of them, ironically, against Mexican boxers. But, we all know that he would have traded all those wins for a rematch and a win with Sanchez. Unfortunately, it didn't happened.
Wilfredo Gomez, at 26, is fighting for the 6th time in the year 1982. He is trying his very best to redeem himself from the Salvador Sanchez's loss.
In the arena, on television, the images of the crowd was non existent. It was a dark background. One could not see the crowd.
It was Mexico vs Puerto Rico once again. Two great champions and future hall of fame boxers going at it again for the glory of God and country. Will the fight come up to its billing?
Round one starts and it was Gomez doing all the punching. He peppered Pintor with jabs and combinations.
The action heated up in round 3. Gomez, as always the bigger guy, had Pintor on the ropes. Pintor was playing possum. Gomez hit Pintor whenever he wanted to. Jabs, right crosses, left hooks, uppercuts. The whole works. It was a clear round for Bazooka at the moment. But, Pintor didn't go anywhere. He was still standing right there. And then, Pintor does the unthinkable by turning the tide and stealing the round.
In round 6, a point was taken off from Gomez by legendary American referee Arthur Mercante of New York. Gomez was hitting Pintor with the elbows.
Gomez was so exhausted by punching Pintor's face. By round 9, Gomez's both cheekbones started to swell badly. In that same round, Pintor was taken a point off from Mercante because of low blows.
It was a see saw battle between two fantastic and great champions. The climax came in round 12 when Gomez spent all his energy and power on Pintor on the ropes. And Pintor wasn't going anywhere. By the end of the round, about 5 seconds left, Pintor hit Gomez with a right. Gomez was on queer street. The bell saved him. If there were at least 20 seconds left in the round, Gomez would have gone down for the count. He was exhausted and in bad shape from Pintor's right hand. So bad was Gomez out that one of his handlers went to fetch him from Pintor's corner, only to carry him across the ring to the champ's corner. It was brutal.
Pintor seemed stronger as the fight progressed. In round 13, he took command. The fight had to be won by heart, will and who wanted it the most. Pintor wanted to show what he was made of. Gomez didn't want to lose again. Not now. Not against another Mexican. Gomez's eyes were almost shut. Memories of the fight with the great Salvador Sanchez of Mexico.
In round 14th, in a heavy exchange, Bazooka out of nowhere recovered strength and gave Pintor a wicked left hook in Pintor's ribs. A right hand followed. Pintor went down in the first knockdown of the fight. After an 8-count, another barrage of lefts, rights and lefts put Pintor down again. Pintor, wilted, exhausted and hurt, decided to stay down and down he stayed. The referee wisely stopped it.
The winner and still WBC Super Bantamweight Champion of the World!: Wilfredo "Bazooka" Gomez!
It was probably Gomez's most courageous performance in which he had to show heart and determination to win. It was a great fight. One of the greatest fights in the super Bantamweight division and one of the greatest fights ever seen at any weight class. It was a unforgettable slugfest of an unforgettable decade of great fights.
It was Bazooka's last title defense at 122lbs. His 17th and last. All by knockout! He improves to 38-1-1 with 38 knockouts. It's time to move up to featherweight.
It was also Gomez's 6th fight for the year 1982. He won them all by knockout. All of them, ironically, against Mexican boxers. But, we all know that he would have traded all those wins for a rematch and a win with Sanchez. Unfortunately, it didn't happened.
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elmersalsa
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 15648
- Joined: 02 Feb 2003, 03:50
Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
As for Lupe Pintor, he jumped up to super bantamweight and won the WBC World Super Bantamweight Championship in 1985 from champion Juan "Kid" Meza by decision.
Pintor drops to 45-6-1, with 38 knockouts.
Pintor drops to 45-6-1, with 38 knockouts.
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elmersalsa
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 15648
- Joined: 02 Feb 2003, 03:50
Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
It was a fact that the great champion Wilfredo "Bazooka" Gomez could not make the weight at 122lbs limit anymore.
It was also a fact that he didn't need to prove nothing in that weight class. Almost every fighter that were a top contender or champion at WBA World Jr Featherweight counterpart were beaten by Wilfredo in some time or way or another.
And also, it was proven that Bazooka at super bantamweight was the real king. It's time to move up to featherweight and make some serious fights and money, even though that the only man that beat him, the great Salvador Sanchez of Mexico was no longer around.
But, there are some lucrative fights that could be made at featherweight. First, there's WBC World Featherweight Champion Juan La Porte, his country man from Guayama, but lives in Brooklyn, NY.
There's also the great WBA World Featherweight Champion, the aging Eusebio Pedroza of Panama that has been champion since 1978. That could be another big money fight. Pedroza had 18 consecutive title defenses of his crown.
And also, there's rising star Azumah Nelson of Ghana, that made himself lucrative by giving Sanchez the biggest and most courageous fight of his life in August 1982. Sanchez won by a 15th round technical knockout. It was Sanchez last fight.
Gomez has a lot of options. Who will he fight at featherweight for the title? Pedroza or Laporte?
But, before he tastes the waters at featherweight, he had to make some tune ups.
In March 1983, Gomez finally relinquished the 122lbs belt. To start his campaign at featherweight, he had two tune up fights before the title fight. He fought in Ponce, Puerto Rico against Ivan Samuco of Curacao stopping him in 3. And another fight also in Puerto Rico but this time in San Juan against Eladio Santana of Panama in December '83, stopping the journeyman in 2.
Why the big gap between April and December? He could have had at least 2 more fights in that gap? Was fighting these journeymen the way to get to a title shot? Why he didn't fight a top notch featherweight contender to see if he really got it at that weight?
It was also a fact that he didn't need to prove nothing in that weight class. Almost every fighter that were a top contender or champion at WBA World Jr Featherweight counterpart were beaten by Wilfredo in some time or way or another.
And also, it was proven that Bazooka at super bantamweight was the real king. It's time to move up to featherweight and make some serious fights and money, even though that the only man that beat him, the great Salvador Sanchez of Mexico was no longer around.
But, there are some lucrative fights that could be made at featherweight. First, there's WBC World Featherweight Champion Juan La Porte, his country man from Guayama, but lives in Brooklyn, NY.
There's also the great WBA World Featherweight Champion, the aging Eusebio Pedroza of Panama that has been champion since 1978. That could be another big money fight. Pedroza had 18 consecutive title defenses of his crown.
And also, there's rising star Azumah Nelson of Ghana, that made himself lucrative by giving Sanchez the biggest and most courageous fight of his life in August 1982. Sanchez won by a 15th round technical knockout. It was Sanchez last fight.
Gomez has a lot of options. Who will he fight at featherweight for the title? Pedroza or Laporte?
But, before he tastes the waters at featherweight, he had to make some tune ups.
In March 1983, Gomez finally relinquished the 122lbs belt. To start his campaign at featherweight, he had two tune up fights before the title fight. He fought in Ponce, Puerto Rico against Ivan Samuco of Curacao stopping him in 3. And another fight also in Puerto Rico but this time in San Juan against Eladio Santana of Panama in December '83, stopping the journeyman in 2.
Why the big gap between April and December? He could have had at least 2 more fights in that gap? Was fighting these journeymen the way to get to a title shot? Why he didn't fight a top notch featherweight contender to see if he really got it at that weight?
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elmersalsa
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 15648
- Joined: 02 Feb 2003, 03:50
Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
Well, former WBC World Super Bantamweight Champion, Wilfredo "Bazooka" Gomez of Puerto Rico opted to challenge his country man WBC World Featherweight Champion Juan La Porte instead of the great WBA World Featherweight Champion Eusebio Pedroza of Panama.
Was it a good move? Was he ducking the real champion Pedroza? We never could tell. But, Pedroza was the lineal and real champion of the featherweights. Plus, he beat Laporte 2 years earlier in a foul-infested title defense battle that LaPorte never forgot about it.
The match with LaPorte was set on Saturday night of March 31, 1984 at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
It was the second time in the history of Puerto Rican boxing that two fighters were fighting for the world title. But, it was the first time in the Island that there were two countrymen fighting for it.
But, first, who was LaPorte? Juan LaPorte was born in Guayama, Puerto Rico but had his residency in Brooklyn, NY.
He first came into the scene when he challenged the great WBC World Featherweight Champion, Salvador Sanchez of Mexico in December 1980, losing to the champ by unanimous decision in 15 rounds.
He regrouped after that defeat and stopped top notch contender and future world champion Rocky Lockridge of McAfee, NJ in 2 rounds.
That win gave himself another opportunity to challenge Pedroza for the WBA crown in January 1982, but lost to the champ in a foul-infested fight in 15 rounds decision.
In August 1982, Sanchez was supposed to defend #1 top contender Mario Miranda of Colombia. But, because of his untimely death in a car accident, Sanchez left us with the crown vacant.
So, in September 15, 1982 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, LaPorte, the #2 contender fought Miranda for the vacant WBC Featherweight Title.
It proved to be a complete mismatch in which LaPorte dominated from start to the tenth round where Miranda went down and had enough. He didn't come out for the eleventh. It was LaPorte's greatest victory to date.
Then, Laporte had two successful title defenses against top contenders Ruben Castillo of California and Johnny De La Rosa of Dominican Republic, beating both of them by decision.
But, in November 1983, he lost on points to journeyman Gerald Hayes of United States. Hayes had a record of 23-19-4.
Before losing to Hayes, LaPorte was in a 5-fight winning streak.
It was an electric night in San Juan. The Island was divided in the betting room. There was never an event like it in Puerto Rico of this magnitude. And it has never surpassed that thrilling affair again in that Island.
With a record of 24-4, with 13 knockouts, LaPorte entered the ring to defend his crown against the legendary Bazooka. The winner would be the Island of Puerto Rico greatest boxer, no matter what.
Was it a good move? Was he ducking the real champion Pedroza? We never could tell. But, Pedroza was the lineal and real champion of the featherweights. Plus, he beat Laporte 2 years earlier in a foul-infested title defense battle that LaPorte never forgot about it.
The match with LaPorte was set on Saturday night of March 31, 1984 at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
It was the second time in the history of Puerto Rican boxing that two fighters were fighting for the world title. But, it was the first time in the Island that there were two countrymen fighting for it.
But, first, who was LaPorte? Juan LaPorte was born in Guayama, Puerto Rico but had his residency in Brooklyn, NY.
He first came into the scene when he challenged the great WBC World Featherweight Champion, Salvador Sanchez of Mexico in December 1980, losing to the champ by unanimous decision in 15 rounds.
He regrouped after that defeat and stopped top notch contender and future world champion Rocky Lockridge of McAfee, NJ in 2 rounds.
That win gave himself another opportunity to challenge Pedroza for the WBA crown in January 1982, but lost to the champ in a foul-infested fight in 15 rounds decision.
In August 1982, Sanchez was supposed to defend #1 top contender Mario Miranda of Colombia. But, because of his untimely death in a car accident, Sanchez left us with the crown vacant.
So, in September 15, 1982 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, LaPorte, the #2 contender fought Miranda for the vacant WBC Featherweight Title.
It proved to be a complete mismatch in which LaPorte dominated from start to the tenth round where Miranda went down and had enough. He didn't come out for the eleventh. It was LaPorte's greatest victory to date.
Then, Laporte had two successful title defenses against top contenders Ruben Castillo of California and Johnny De La Rosa of Dominican Republic, beating both of them by decision.
But, in November 1983, he lost on points to journeyman Gerald Hayes of United States. Hayes had a record of 23-19-4.
Before losing to Hayes, LaPorte was in a 5-fight winning streak.
It was an electric night in San Juan. The Island was divided in the betting room. There was never an event like it in Puerto Rico of this magnitude. And it has never surpassed that thrilling affair again in that Island.
With a record of 24-4, with 13 knockouts, LaPorte entered the ring to defend his crown against the legendary Bazooka. The winner would be the Island of Puerto Rico greatest boxer, no matter what.