Alexis Arguello "Chasing Samuel Serrano"

[Rover]

July 1977 -

Alexis was supposed to get a Championship Bout with WBC Champ - Alfredo Escalera next, and
in August - but Alfredo requested additional time to rest, recover and prepare - as he had a
rougher than expected time in his 9th Title Defense with #8 WBC- Carlos Becerril back on May 16, 1977.

And, WBA Super Featherweight Champion - Samuel Serrano had just defended his Championship
in Venezuela for a 'lucrative fight purse' over #2 WBA - Leonel Hernandez on June 26, 1977.

Serrano's Manager - Pepito Cordero would continue to use the WBA Officials as a shield to protect
the WBA Championship, as they suprisingly did not 'mandate' that the Champion Serrano to face Alexis.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr. Rover - On an Algerian note.

The #7 WBC Super Featherweight was Ould Makloufi, out of Algiers, Algeria. He fought in both Paris, France
and Algeria. He also was the African Lightweight Champion.

February 1977 - (Age 33 1/2) with a record of 45-9-2 (20 KO's).

How come we didn't know that.............

Didn't he fight Shibata?

[Rover]

Good Hunting,

Yes he did. Newspaper account said Ould Makloufi went the 'full' 15-rounds, but got a good old Japanese Beating.

The Algerian didn't win a round against the Champion in a March 1975 Championship Bout.

His last defense, too, I believe.

[Rover]

Wednesday Night - August 3, 1977

Madison Square Garden

'Teddy Brenner and Madison Square Garden bring back 'El Flacco' for another bout'

Teddy Brenner, Boxing Matchmaker for MSG has brought back, what he says is one of the
best fighters in the world today. Brenner believes that the 25 year-old Nicaraguan -
Alexis Arguello also known as the 'Explosive Thin Man' will win at least 'two' more World Titles.

Teddy Brenner, 'We have a bout lined up with WBC Super Featherweight Champion -
Alfredo Escalera for September, on the Muhammad Ali - Earnie Shavers undercard. After
that, we think we can put together a Duran - Arguello bout for 1978, if Roberto can get
by Esteban De Jesus again. Duran is having weight issues, and his days as a Lightweight
are dwindling. Escalera was supposed to fight Alexis tonight, but he's still recovering from
a cut he received in his May bout with Carlos Becerril, or so his manager says.

Alexis, with a record of 48-4-0 (40 KO's) is expected to come into the ring tonight at 132 lbs.,
which is the fight contract weight. Alexis will be facing 29 year-old veteran - Jose Fernandez,
a New York-based fighter from the Domincan Republic. Fernandez, is a cagey boxer who has a
record of 28-9-3 (12 KO's), and has a reputation as durable fighter who can dull his opponents
into a sleep-walk. Jose, is a former 1970 New York Golden Gloves Champion, and has only
lost to the best Super Featherweights, including a February 1976 Championship bout with
WBC Champion - Alfredo Escalera who stopped Jose by a TKO 13.

The Main Event will be a 15-Round bout between Wilfred Benitez and Ray Chavez Gierrero for
something called the NYSAC World Light Welterweight Championship, a MSG created Championship.

Brenner was right about Arguello.
I have the Fernandez fight; wipeout.

[Rover]

August 3, 1977

Jose Ferandez never had a chance, Alexis was 'primed and ready to blast off'.
He delivered vicious bombs from every angle. The only safe haven for Jose,
was to go to the canvas - where he couldn't be hit anymore.

Attendance (11,236)

Fight Purses that Night
* Wilfred Benitez.................$45,000
* Ray Chavez Guerrero.........$10,000

* Alexis Arguello..................$25,000
* Jose Fernandez..................$4000 (Ouch)

Very odd, just 'two-days' after blasting out (KO 1) Jose Fernandez, Alexis mentioned
to the Nicaraguan Press 'La Prensa' that he was contemplating retirement again.

Glad he didn't retire, though he should've after Pryor II.

[King Carlos]

Alexis definitely would've been doing a lot of "chasing" had that fight ever come off. Serrano was no speedster, though, and would've been poleaxed sooner or later.

[Rover]

Alexis definitely would've been doing a lot of "chasing" had that fight ever come off. Serrano was no speedster, though, and would've been poleaxed sooner or later.

Agreed, Uehara style.

[Rover]

Saturday - August 27, 1977

Roberto Clemente Stadium - Puerto Rico

WBA Super Featherweight Champion - Samuel Serrano was supposed to defend his Title against
#1 WBA-ranked Alexis Arguello, but Serrano's Manager - Pepito Cordero offered Alexis' Manager
- Dr. Eduardo Roman 'step aside' money two weeks earlier.

The 'skinny' was that Dr. Eduardo Roman accepted $25,000 (cash), to allow Serrano to make one
more 'easy defense', before facing Alexis. Though it was thought that Alexis was going to fight
WBC Super Featherweight Champion - Alfredo Escalera, on the Muhammad Ali vs. Earnie Shavers
undercard, those negotiations had stalled.

So instead of making his '3rd' Title Defense against Alexis, Samuel Serrano got to chose the
'next' available WBA-ranked Challenger, who happened to be Japan's - Apollo Yoshio.

[Rover]

Boxing Politics 101,

Manager - Pepito Cordero gets his fighter Samuel Serrano an 'easy defense' against #5 WBA - Apollo Yoshio.

Saturday - Augist 27, 1977

Roberto Clemente Stadium - Puerto Rico
Attendance; 10,200

On the undercard - 5' 10" Alexis (133 3/4 lbs.) gets also gets a safe opponent in Puerto Rican - Super Featherweight
Benjamim 'Benji' Ortiz (129 1/2 lbs.), a 26 year-old 5' 5" 'fire-plug', with a record of 21-16-0.

In a 'no-harm/no foul' fight, Alexis goes through the motions in what could be called a 'modified' gym sparring session,
as he jabs his way through 10-Rounds, in sweeping every round enroute to a shut-out decision. Alexis does not open
up with any of his heavy bombs, and only throws an infrequent hard right hand. Benji Ortiz is only there to be a
durable opponent, and stays in survival-mode for the entire 'dull' fight.

Scorecards;
* 100-90
* 100-90
* 100-91

Fight Purse - Alexis Arguello received only $5000 for this 'walk-through' bout, but did accept the $25,000 step aside
money as previously metioned.

How much did Ortiz get?

[Rover]

The Fight Card was promoted by Salinas Promotions, who put up $151,000 for the Fight Card.

Bout 1;
Ernesto Espana (KO 3) Hector Rosas................(Espana $2500) - (Rosas $1500)
* Super Featherweight Bout

Bout 2;
Hector Carrasquilla (KO 3) Jesus Esparrogoza....(Carrasquilla $7500) - (Esparragoza $7500)
* This was a WBA Super Bantamweight Eliminator Bout

Bout 3
Angel Espada (W Dec 10) Sugar Ray Hammond.....(Espana $10,000) - (Hammond $5000)
* This was a WBA Welterweight Ratings Bout

Bout 4
Samuel Serrano (W Dec 15) Apollo Yoshio...........(Serrano $85,000) - (Yoshio $25,000)
* WBA Super Feathwerwight Championship

Bout 5 (Walk-Out Bout)
Alexis Arguello (W Dec 10) Benjamin Ortiz...........(Arguello ($5000) - (Ortiz $2000)
* Super Featherweight Bout

[Rover]

More on the Super Featherweight Championship Confusion Front,

Alfredo Escalera, who had been in negotiations with Alexis Arguello, opts to make another
Title Defense on Saturday Afternoon - September 10, 1977 in San Juan, Puerto Rico - and on
ABC -Television 'Wide World of Sports'

Alexis who had signed a contract with Madison Square Garden to appear on the September 29, 1977
Ali - Shavers undercard decided to stay with Teddy Brenner. Suprisingly, Arguello could have
taken the bout with Alfredo Escalera, but Alexis had a contract with Madison Square Garden.

So - Alfredo Escalera takes on #4 WBC Super Featherweight - Mexico's Sigfrido Rodriguez 28-8-1 (21 KO's),
a 25 year-old banger who just happened to be knocked out by Alexis Arguello (L KO 9) in October 1973,
and also by Alfredo Escalera (L KO 1) in March 1974. But, Sigfrido did turn it around, and came into the
bout by going 9-0-0 (7 KO's) during his recent run in 1976/1977.

At Ringside watching, will be Alexis Arguello - as Alfredo Escalera will be going for a World Record 10th
Title Defense.

A record which, interestingly enough, Serrano tied fewer than three years later. Mitchell broke it, I believe.

[Rover]

Thursday Night - September 29, 1977

Madison Square Garden

Capacity; 21,0000 - (Attendance; 14,613)

Alexis Arguello ~ 50-4- (41 KO's) ~ Age 25 ~ Height 5' 10" ~ Weight 134 3/4 lbs.
vs.
Jerome Artis ~ 16-1-4 (7 KO's) ~ Age 25 1/2 ~ Height ~ 5' 9" ~ Weight 130 lbs.

Alexis Arguello, in his '3rd-Bout' for Teddy Brenner and Madison Square Garden, fights on the
undercard of the Muhammad Ali vs. Earnie Shavers Heavyweight Championship.

Alexis who is ranked as the #1 WBA Super Featherweight and #3 WBC Super Featherweight, is taking
what he belives is his final tune-up bout before going after a World Title. Jerome Artis, a swift-boxing
'southpaw' fighter from Philadelphia who goes by the moniker of 'The North Philly Flash' is looking to
make a name for himself. Artis is ranked as the #9 WBC Super Featherweight, and believes that his style
of jumping in quickly, and then 'bang-and-move' with his speed will be the 'Formula' to beat the
Explosive Thin Man.

Jerome Artis was the 1972 National AAU Featherweight Champion, and holds an amateur win over
Ray Leonard. Jerome is a 'little chirpy', and states that Alexis will be one of his easier fights, as he
labels Alexis as 'slow and predictable'.

Both camps had signed to a 132 lb. weight contract, but Alexis has come in over the agree'd upon weight,
and will forfeit a portion of his fight purse to Jerome Artis.

Jerome, Jerome, how wrong you were.

[Rover]

Alexis Arguello vs. Jerome Artis

The Fight,

'The North Philly Flash' was very courageous, until he got hit with a hard left hook in the 1st-Round,
then you could see the 'fear' in his eyes, as if to say 'What have I gotten myself into'.

It didn't last long in Round 2, as Alexis drove the southpaw to the canvas with a heavy barrage,
leaving Jerome looking like he definitely wanted to be elsewhere.

Upon rising and trying to continue, Jerome gave 'no effort' as he was dropped by another salvo,
and then gave Referee - Lew Eskin the look of 'I don't want to be here'. Lew Eskin stopped the
bout at 2:00 of Round 2.

Note: Alexis received a fight purse of $25,000 - but had to forfeit 10% ($2500) to Jerome Artis
for coming in (2 3/4 lbs.) over the fight contract weight.

Note: Jerome Artis received $10,000 plus an additional $2500.

Note; Teddy Brenner of MSG had promised Jerome Artis a November 1977 bout with WBC Lightweight
Champion - Esteban De Jesus if he had defeated Alexis Arguello or lasted the 10-Round distance.

No Soup For You Jerome......

I've been looking for this fight for years but can't find a copy of it.
Jerome should've demanded 20% of the purse ($5,000).

[Rover]

Mr. Rover,

I believe Teddy Brenner promised Jerome a November 18, 1977 bout for the WBC Lightweight Championship
with Esteban De Jesus - who wanted one more tune-up Defense before facing Roberto Duran in January 1978.

As per the agreement, if Jerome went the distance with Alexis Arguello - and/or looked good even if he lost
- he was guaranteed the bout and a $25,000 fight purse.

I guess Jerome believed he would have no trouble with Alexis. In the New York Daily News before the bout,
Jerome said "I can't believe that they actually picked me to fight Arguello. This guy is made for me.
I might even knock him out."

Delusional.

I've been looking for that fight for years. I have dozens of Arguello fights but surprisingly can't find this one.

[Rover]

1977 - Fight Purses

Alexis Arguello
* 2/19/77.........$28,000.........vs (NR) - Godfrey Stevens ($3500)..............Nicaragua.......(Estadio Roberto Clemente)
* 5/14/77.........$25,000.........vs. (#8 SF) - Alberto Herrera ($7000)..........Nicaragua.......(Estdaio Roberto Clemente)
* 6/22/77.........$25,000.........vs. (#4 SF) - Ezequiel Sanchez ($6500)........New York.......(Main Event)
* 8/3/77...........$25,000.........vs. (NR) - Jose Fernandez ($4000)..............New York.........(On the Benitez - Chavez undercard)
* 8/27/77..........$5000...........vs. (NR) - Benjamin Ortiz ($2500)...............Puerto Rico......(On the Serrano - Yoshio undercard)
* 9/29/77.........$25,000..........vs. (#9 SF) - Jerome Artis ($10,000)............New York.......(On the Ali - Shavers undercard)

Note; Alexis Arguello signed a 3-Bout / $75,000 contract with Madison Square Garden in June 1977.

Note; Alexis Arguello accepted $25,000 'step-aside' money from Samuel Serrano's Fight Promoter -
Pepito Cordero on August 10, 1977 - so Serrano could defend his Championship on August 27, 1977
against Japan's - Apollo Yoshio. Alexis would fight the 'walk-out bout' as part of the undercard.

Note; Alexis forfeited {$2500} of his fight purse to Jerome Artis, because he could not make the fight
contract weight of 132 lbs.

Note; Following his 'one-sided' blow-out over Jerome Artis, Alexis returned home to Nicaragua with plans
of announcing his retirement.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alfredo Escalera (WBC Super Featherweight Champion)
* 3/17/77..........$75,000.........vs. (#10 SF) - Ronnie McGarvey ($15,000)....Puerto Rico...............(On the Foreman - Young underard)
* 5/16/77..........$75,000.........vs. (#7 SF) - Carlos Becceril ($15,000)..........Baltimore, Maryland....(On the Ali - Evangelista undercard)
* 9/10/77..........$100,000........vs. (#4 SF) - Sigfrido Rodriguez ($25,000)....Puerto Rico................(ABC-TV Wide World of Sports)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Samuel Serrano (WBA Super Featherweight Champion)
* 1/15/77..........$125,000.........vs. (#8 SF) - Alberto Herrera ($25,000)........Ecuador...................(Main Event)
* 6/26/77..........$125,000.........vs. (#2 SF) - Leonel Hernandez ($30,000).....Venezuela................(Main Event)
* 8/27/77..........$85,000...........vs. (#5 SF) - Apollo Yoshio ($25,000)...........Puerto Rico..............(Main Event as part of a WBA Elimination Fight Card)
* 11/19/77........$50,000...........vs. (#7 SF) - Tae-Ho Kim ($15,000).............Puerto Rico...............(Undercard of the Cuevas - Espada II Bout)

Why did Serrano's purses while Escalera's increased?

[Rover]

Dr. Rover,

I knew you'd ask that.

A) Don King signed up Alfedo Escalera, who recognized 'El Salsero' was an exciting fighter
who had a big following in Puerto Rico with his charismatic style and ring theatrics of entering
the ring with snake around his neck.

B) Don King put Alfredo on 'two' of his early-1977 TV Promotions, and the other bout was with ABC-TV
Wide World of Sports (September bout with Sigfrido Rodriguez) who put up the good fight purse
for the TV rights.

C) Samuel Serrano received a 'crazy' fight purse by the Ecuadorian Promoters to go to Eduador to fight
their National Hero (Alberto Herrera) at the time.

D) Venezuela connection Ramiro Machado had access to alot of fight money, and they offered Serrano
$125,000 to come to Venezuela to fight their popular fighter Leonel Hernandez. They were competing
with Alexis Arguello's fight promoter Roger Rugiero, and outbid him to get Serrano to come to Venezuela
in June 1977 - instead of Nicaragua.

E) Samuel Serrano accepted an $85,000 fight purse to fight Apollo Yoshio, which they felt was a 'no-risk bout'.
Remember, Pepito Cordero also paid Alexis Arguello $25,000 'step-aside-money' so this bout could go through,
which may have been part of Serrano's original fight purse.

F) Samuel Serrano vs. Tae-Ho Kim was an undercard Championship bout, and I'm pretty sure they thought
this was a quick way to make a fast $50,000 in another 'semi low-risk' bout against another Oriental-based fighter
with limited skills. Of course, Tae-Ho Kim was tougher than expected, and put a scare into the Serrano Camp.

More to Come,,,,,,,,,,,,

Escalera/McGarvey is another fight I'd like to get my hands on.

[Rover]

Basically,

Samuel Serrano was 'overpaid' by several fight promoters to get him to travel to the
other fighter's country to defend his WBA Championship.

Many thouht he was a 'weak Champion', but the guy knew how to win with that box,
jab, clinch and hold style. He dominated the shorter guys with that clever ruse.

More of the Skinny,

After Alexis defeated Jerome Artis (September 29, 1977) he left to go back to Nicaragua.
He was the #1 WBA Super Featherweight Challenger and was supposed to fight
Samuel Serrano next on November 19, 1977 in Puerto Rico on the Cuevas - Espada
undercard. But Alexis was 'in a 'state-of-depression' and was in no condition to train or get
ready for that bout.

That is where (#7 WBA) Tae-Ho Kim gets selected, as more-or-less a replacement Challenger.

Dr. Eduardo Roman (Manager for Alexis Arguello) offered up another one his Nicaraguan fighters
Mario Martinez as the replacement Challenger, but the WBA said no - because #7 WBA Tae-Ho Kim
was the next highest-rated available Challenger.

As an agreement, the WBA mandated that the winner of the Samuel Serrano vs Tae-Ho Kim would have
to defend against #1 WBA - Alexis Arguello within 90-Days (by February 20, 1978). In the meantime
Dr. Eduardo Roman was also negotiating with Don King to have Alexis fight Alfredo Escalera, for more
money than he would get by fighting Samuel Serrano.

Well, Martinez ended up getting a shot anyway.

[Rover]

'Arguello Back Home, Scores KO Over Puerto Rican 'Quirque'

Sunday - December 18, 1977

Alexis Arguello back home in Managua, Nicaragua, returned to the ring after a brief 80-Day
retirement. The tall 'Explosive Thin Man' scored a knockout (KO 5) over Enrique 'Quirque' Solis
after '4' entertaining rounds, as both fighters banged away with hard punches.

Arguello was cheered as he entered the Estadio Somoza Ballfield in front of 18,000 cheering
fans. The Nicaraguan National Hero was greeted in the ring by President Anastasio Somoza
and other Nicaraguan officials.

The 25 year-old former WBA Featherweight Champion at (133 1/4 lbs.) looked to be in perfect
physical conditon, despite his 5' 10" slender frame. His opponent, Enrique Solis of Puerto Rico
a 22 year-old 5' 8" fighter from the popular National Gym in San Juan and with a record of
20-6-2 (6 KO's) weighed in at (132 lbs.).

The Fight,

Alexis got off to a bit of a slow start, as he found 'Quirque' very elusive, as the Puerto Rican boxer
jabbed fast and moved quickly. Solis took Round 1, and held the Nicaraguan 'even' in Round 2.

In Round 3, the bout opened up, as Alexis and Solis got into several heavy exchanges at center-ring.
Both fighters landed good right hands, but the hand-speed of the Puerto Rican still threw Alexis off.

In Round 4, Alexis was able to get better range, as 'Quirque' was willing to abandon his box-and-move
strategy, and attempted to slug with the 'Explosive Thin Man'. In the best Round of the fight, both
fighters exchanged good punches. Alexis was landing the harder blows, but the fast-handed Puerto
Rican was landing more punches. Several of Solis' right-hands landed on Alexis' chin, snapping
his head side-ways a couple of times.

In Round 5, Alexis wasted little time in going after his opponent, and attacked fast with a heavy salvo
that shook Solis. A double left hook to the body drove Solis into a 'neutral-corner' where he smartly took
a knee at the (0:27 Mark). After taking the Mandatory 8-Count, Solis got up and immediately went into
a circling-mode to stay away from another assault. But, Alexis stalked and trapped Solis on the opposite
side of the ring, where he unleashed a 12-Punch Barrage that put him down again. This time 'Quirque'
didn't get up, and was counted out at (1:09) of Round 5.

The victory improved Alexis record to 52-4-0 (43 KO's) and he was now ranked as the #1 Super Featherweight
by both the WBA and WBC.

Enrique 'Quirque' Solis dropped to 20-7-2. Solis was ranked as the #6 WBC Super Featherweight, following an
'upset' Decision win over #7 WBC Lightweight - Hector Julio Medina on July 11, 1977.

Note; Enrique Solis was the main sparring partner for WBC Champion - Alfredo Escalera, and I'm sure he
was there to test Alexis and report back. Enrique was also accompanied by Victor Valle, who was also
the trainer for Alfredo Escalera.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On the undercard, Alexis' stablemate and main sparring partner - 25 year-old Mario Martinez won the Central
American Super Featherweight Championship by 'defeating' (W Dec 12) Humberto Caicedo of Panama which
would earn him a Championship against Samuel Serrano for February 1978, by way of Alexis going after
WBC Champion - Alfredo Escalera.

The win moved Mario Martinez up to the #8 WBA Super Featherweight, though the Nicaraguan was hardly
'world class material'.

[Rover]

"ARGUELLO TAKES TITLE AWAY FROM ESCALERA"

Nicaraguan - Alexis Arguello took away the WBC Super Featherweight Championship away
from Puerto Rican - Alfredo Escalera by a TKO 13, in a bout billed as 'The Duel in the Sunset'.

The Juan Ramon Loubriel Baseball Sadium drew a record crowd of 17,000 and with it
a record 'live gate' for Puerto Rico.

Immediately after winning the Championship, Arguello stated that he wanted to fight
Roberto Duran for the World Lightweight Championship. Arguello, 'I have two promotion
options with Promoter - Don King, and after that I want to fight Duran. The next thing I
want to do is help prepare my countryman and stable-mate Mario Martinez defeat WBA
Champion - Samuel Serrano next month. Imagine, Nicaragua having 'two' Champions in
the same division.'

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

Fight Purse,
* Alfredo Escalera..........$125,000
* Alexis Arguello.............$75,000

Alexis was a 10-8 Betting-Favorite

Didn't work out too well for Mario.

[Rover]

Always 'Funny Business' with the WBA

New WBA President - Fernando 'Mandry' Galindez of Venezuela liked to 'play ball' as long as there was cash
to be put in his pocket, plus all the ammenites that went along with being in charge of a corrupt boxing
association.

Mario Martinez, a 25 year-old Nicaraguan Super Featherweight, with a record of 31-4-0 (9 KO's) built up by
winning a string of bouts against 'Third-Rate' Central American fighters of (Taxi Cab Drivers and Dish-Washers).

Only one win on his record was of any importance, a disputed, controversial and home-town (W Dec 12) over
Panamanian - Humberto Caicedo of Panama on December 18, 1977 in Nicaragua - for the Central American
Super Featherweight Championship. That win, and being the main sparring partner for Alexis Arguello, as
well as having the same Manager (Dr. Eduardo Roman) got Mario Martinez a #8 WBA-ranking in January 1978.

Also, not being a very good fighter, cemented Mario Martinez as being qualified as another 'safe opponent'
for WBA Champion - Samuel Serrano.

On Saturday Night - February 18, 1978 - Samuel Serrano would make his '5th' Title Defense against
the Nicaraguan, with all of the WBA Officials in attendance and the recipients of First-Class accomodations
from Pepito Cordero of Salinas Promotions. Also on hand, was Alexis Arguello, who will watch his stable-mate
attempt to do the impossible of not only winning, but by doing it with '3' Puerto Rican Officials scoring the bout.

Boxrec is missing a ton of Martinez's fights.

[Rover]

Yes, they are missing a bunch from Central America.

Mario Martinez was born in November 1952.

He started fighting as a professional in Nicaragua in 1970.

On October 27, 1971 - the (18 year, 11 month) - Mario Martinez (130 lbs.) was 11-0-0 (4 KO's)
when he fought Miguel Mayan at the Silver Slipper in Las Vegas.

He was listed as a Central American prospect from Nicaragua. He got stopped by (L KO 2).......

He must have done something right between November 1971 and November 1974 - because he
is listed as having a record of 27-1-0 (9 KO's) when he came with Alexis Arguello to The Forum
on November 23, 1974.

Mario fought Sigrfrido Rodriguez on the undercard of the Ruben Olivares vs. Alexis Arguello WBA Featherweight bout.

Yes,,,,,,,,,,,Mario got 'flattened' again.

[Rover]

Mario Martinez fought on more than few of the Alexis Arguello undercards at the
* Estadio Cranshaw (1970 and 1971)
* Arena Kennedy (1972 thru 1974)
* Estadio Roberto Clemente (1974)

The 22 year-old got to 27-1-0 (9 KO's), and was ranked #9 by the WBA at Super Featherweight
by November 1974. No chance at challenging WBA Super Featherweight Champion - Ben Villaflor.

Got blasted out (L KO 5) by Sigfrido Rodriguez on the November 23, 1974 - Olivares vs. Arguello
undercard.= at the Forum in California.

Went back to Nicaragua, and returned on March 21, 1975 - and lost in Nicaragua to 21 year-old
Panamanian - Humberto 'El Hipico' Caiceda 14-0-0 (7 KO's).

Quit boxing as a professional, and stayed on as a sparring-partner for Alexis Arguello over the
next 2-Years.

Returned to the ring on February 19, 1977 on the Alexis Arguello - Godfrey Stevens undercard, and
scored a (W Dec 10) over Costa Rican - Casper Torres 9-5-1 (2 KO's).

Appeared again on the May 14, 1977 Alexis Arguello - Alberto Herrera undercard, and scored a
(W Dec 10) over Colombian - Jorge Durango 17-7-2 (4 KO's).

That put Mario Martinez at 29-3-0 (9 KO's), and in position to fight for the WBC FECARBOX Super
Featherweight Championship.

Estadio Cranshaw?
Arena Kennedy?
Interesting names for venues in Nicaragua.

[Rover]

Estadio Cranshaw (Thomas Cranshaw Stadium)

A 'soccer field' in Managua, with a small grandstand that could hold approximately 2000 people.

Promoter - Roger Riguero would set up bouts for Saturday Nights (after the Soccer Matches),
with a boxing ring and over-head lights. Usually packed them in, with ($5 U.S. Dollar Seats) around
ringside with 400 folding chairs. And '2000' $2 Grandstand Seats.

Usual attendance (around 2400) with a 'Live Gate' of approximately $6000.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Arena Kennedy (John F. Kennedy High School Arena).

The 'big-time in Managua', a 4000 seat Arena. Usually Saturday or Sunday Night bouts, with the better
name fighters. Seats cost $7 at Ringside, and $2 for the Perimeter Seating for 'non-title' regularly
scheduled bouts.

With decent-name fighters, it would sell out also. Live Gate = $10,000

Why were they named like that in Nicaragua?

[Rover]

Spanish Language

Estadio always comes first, then the proper name.

ie; Estadio Roberto Clemente or Estadio Nacionale'.

No, I mean why would Nicaraguan stadiums be named after Kennedy and Thomas Cranshaw?

[Rover]

Thomas Cranshaw........'Mr. Cranshaw'

He was born in England in 1892, but moved to Granada, Nicaragua in 1917.

He was a big advocate for organized sports in Nicaragua, primarily 'soccer'.

In 1926, he started the first organized Soccer League in Nicaragua. Then later
he was responsible for putting together 'the popular' Sunday Late-Afternoon
Boxing Matches in Nicaragua.

In the 1930's he was part of the Nicaraguan Boxing Commision, and staged
bouts for the up-and-coming 'pugilists' who liked to immitate the American
Boxers.

Though he moved to Costa Rica in 1956 to become the National Soccer Coach,
he was still held in high regard in Nicaragua.

In 1960, the 'Estadio Cranshaw' soccer field was built in Managua, Nicaragua
in Honor of 'Mr. Cranshaw' with a grandstand that could seat 2000. Lights were
later installed, so Soccer Matches could be played at night.

Also, boxing matches were staged there, where Alexis Arguello and Mario Martinez
fought several of their early bouts. Promoter - Roger Riguero would stage the
events, and 'unfortunately' only paid the Nicaraguan Boxers small fight purses,
sometimes as little as 50 Cordobas ($7 U.S. Dollars) for a 6-Round bout.

The better name more popular fighters received 300 Cordobas ($40 U.S. Dollars)
which was 'big money' back then.

By the 1970's, the fighters were getting paid better, usually 2000 Cordobas
($300 U.S. Dollars) to 5000 Cordobas ($700) depending on the 'venue' at the
soccer field.

The Estadio Cranshaw was strictly for the young up-and-coming Nicaraguan fighters
who were learning their trade, before moving up to 'Arena Kennedy'.

Very interesting.

[elmersalsa]

The great Alexis Arguello beat Alfredo Escalera in January '78. Escalera was the better champ in that 130lbs. Samuel Serrano defenses were against tomato cans. Arguello would have blasted him easily.