Bob Foster vs. Jorge Ahumada

[Rover]

Mr. Rover,

This bout was held on Monday Night - June 17, 1974 at the University Arena - Albuquerque, New Mexico.

It was broadcast (on Saturday Night - June 22) on ABC-TV.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The first 4-Rounds were 'not' shown on ABC, and the bout was picked up in between Rounds 4 and 5.

Howard Cosell did the commentary, and Sal Marciano and Bud Furillo were the ABC-TV fight announcers.

The bout was held at the University Arena - Albuquerque, New Mexico with 14,000 in attendance.

The Referee (Jim Cleary) and 'both' Judges (Tim Kelleher and Stan Gallup) were all from New Mexico.

Thru 4-Rounds, the scoring was as follows.
* Referee- Jim Cleary ........ 39-38 (2-1-1 in Rounds) ... Bob Foster
* Judge - Stan Gallup ........ 39-38 (2-1-1 in Rounds) ... Jorge Ahumada
* Judge - Tim Kelleher ....... 40-39 (1-0-3 in Rounds) ... Bob Foster
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Asscoaiated Press ........... 39-38 (2-1-1 in Rounds) ... Bob Foster
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Facts;

Jorge Ahumada had a 'solid' Round 5, and snapped the Champion's head several times with booming
left hooks.

Bob Foster repeatedly 'thumbed' the Challenger in his left eye with snap left jabs during Rounds 6, 7 and 8.

Bob Foster landed a hard intentional thumb to Jorge Ahumada's left eye in Round 9, which caused the
area under the eye to swell.

One of Jorge Ahumada's handlers (Bernard Forbes) vehemently complained about the intentional thumbing after
Round 9. Referee - Jim Cleary did go to Bob Foster's corner, and warn him about the thumbing.

Fight Announcer - Bud Furillo had Jorge Ahumada up by 3-Points ... 88-85 (5-2-2 in Rounds) after 9-Rounds.

Jorge Ahumada backed up Bob Foster in Round 10, with a steady pressure attack. But Jorge landed a hard 'low-blow'
at the {2:30 Mark} while the Champion was backed up along the ropes. Referee - Jim Cleary called a halt to the bout,
and allowed Bob Foster a {1-Minute} recovery period, before having the action resume.

After the Round, Referee - Jim Cleary 'deducted' 1-Point from Jorge Ahumada for the 'low-blow'.

Up to that point in the bout, Jorge Ahumada had not been warned for any foul committed in the bout.

Controversy; Both Referee - Jim Cleary and Judge - Tim Kelleher deducted 1-Point from Jorge Ahumada in
Round 10, but Judge - Stan Gallup handed his card in, before he was told by Referee - Jim Cleary that he
was deducting a Point from the Challenger. Judge - Stan Gallup had scored Round 10 {10-10 Even}, and
that Scorecard was never changed.

Would it have impacted the fight result?

[Counter-puncher]

anyone seen Conteh - Ahumadah?

really tough fight

[Rover]

Mr. Rover,

No.

If Stan Gallup had deducted the '1-Point' for the low-blow in Round 10, Bob Foster would have
won by a Split-Decision.

Stan Gallup had scored Round 10 'Even' {10-10}.

According to Stan Gallup, he said he felt the 'low-blow' was 'accidental', and it was up to his 'discretion'
under New Mexico Boxing Rules - if he felt a 1-Point deduction was warranted.

He felt that a 'point deduction' was 'not' warranted.

Stan Gallup's 'final card' was 144-144 {6-6-3 in Rounds}.

It's now mandatory; no discretion.

[Rover]

February 18, 1974

Felt Forum - New York City, New York

"HEAVY-FISTED AHUMADA BELTS MCINTOSH OUT IN 5TH"

Jorge Ahumada, the #3 WBA-ranked Light Heavyweight - bloodied and battered Miami's Vernon McIntosh,
and then sent him reeling on his way to a TKO stoppage @ 1:11 of Round 5.

The 24 1/2 year-old Vernon McIntosh, also known as "The Sledgehammer', had come in with a reputation
as a 'take no prisoners' knockout artist with a record of 39-13-0 {38 KO's}. McIntosh had predicted a
knockout win, within 3-Rounds.

At the opening bell, 'The Sledgehammer' soon found himself on the defensive, as he was staggered by a flurry
left hooks and right hands from the 'strong' Argentinian.

In Rounds 2 and 3, both fighters went 'toe-to-toe' in a sluggers brawl, but soon Ahumuda was in complete
command.

In Round 4, Ahumuda opened up with an arsenal of heavy punches, and unloaded with every punch in the book,
that opened up a cut over McIntosh's right eye. A hard left hook and right hand buckled McIntosh's legs,
as Ahumada kept up his heavy attack throughout the Round.

Thunderous punches in Round 5 left McIntosh reeling about along the ropes, when Ahumuada then landed a hard
right hand smash that left Vernon near defenseless, forcing Referee - Petey D'Elia to halt the onslaught.

Jorge Ahumada now improves to 38-5-1 {22 KO's}. The victory was Ahumada's '6th-straight' and 5th by Knockout
since starting his campaign in New York in July 1973.

Manager - Gil Clancy said that Light Heavyweight Champion - Bob Foster will be unable to take the heavy-fists
of his fighter. "Jorge Ahumada will be the hardest punching Light Heavyweight that Bob Foster has ever faced. There
is no way he take his punches for 15-Rounds."

Champion - Bob Foster who recently pulled out of his February 16, 1974 bout with Argentinian and #1 WBA-ranked
Victor Galindez, stated that he has '5' potential Challengers lined up, including Jorge Ahumada.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q= ... Wtg3kwmOEQ

McIntosh had a hell of a KO record.

[Rover]

Vernon 'The Sledgehammer' McIntosh,

Had a bunch of 'Knockout' wins in Miami,

Sledgehammer Fists, but no endurance.

Went swinging for the 'Homerun' after the opening bell. Usually 'gassed' by Round 3.

Probably stopped a lot of softies too.

[Rover]

May 1, 1974

"BOB FOSTER TO FACE ARGENTINIAN - JORGE AHUMADA"

Manager - Gil Clancy got a surprise call from Lou Viscusi (Manager for World Light Heavyweight Champion - Bob Foster)
offering him a Championship bout for June 17, 1974 and in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Jorge Ahumuda, an Argentinian now based out of New York got the unexpected call, though he had been mentioned
as a possible Challenger earlier. The 28 1/2 year-old Ahumuda with a record of 40-5-1 {22 KO's} has gone unbeaten
in his last '13-Bouts' {12-0-1}, and has won all '9' of his bouts in New York by impressive fashion since moving
there in May of 1973.

Jorge Ahumuda is the #2 WBC and #3 WBA Light Heavyweight, and will set up an early training camp in McAfee, New Jersey
for 5-Weeks before heading to New Mexico on June 1, 1974. The 5' 11" 'burly' Argentinian has a tremendous left hook, and
the best body attack of any Light Heavyweight in the Division.

Both the WBA and WBC have sanctioned this bout, but each has added a provision.

The WBC has mandated that the winner of this bout face #1 WBC-ranked John Conteh (United Kingdom) on September 10, 1974
for a bout set in London, United Kingdom.

The WBA has mandated that the winner of this bout face #1 WBA-ranked Victor Galindez (Argentina) and within 6-Months
(by November 1, 1974).

Based on that he'd have been stripped by one of them no matter what.

[Rover]

It was pretty obvious that the WBC and WBA wanted to 'split up' the Light Heavyweight Championship.

'Sheriff Bob' was trying to 'milk it' for as much money as he could get get, before hitting the pasture.

Got to give Bob Foster his much needed credit, as he was a tremendous fighter at 175 lbs., despite his
below par efforts in 1973 and 1974.

His age {36 plus} and demand to get to 175 lbs. on that 6' 3"string-bean frame took its toll, and his
punching-power was no more. He still showed 'good legs' in his bout with Jorge Ahumada, despite what
the boxing pundits said.......

He was an excellent light heavy, agreed.

[Rover]

Wednesady - June 12, 1974

'JORGE AHUMADA ARRIVES IN NEW MEXICO'

#3 WBA Light Heavyweight Jorge Ahumada arrived from New York today, and will set up his daily sessions
at the Hilton Inn.

The tough Argentinian will be facing Duke City's 'Sheriff' Bon Foster on June 17th, Monday Night.

Asked for a prediction, Jorge Ahumada said he expected the fight to go a full 15-Rounds, and the that
the Champion was a very good fighter.

The 28 year-old Ahumada, with a record of 40-5-1 {22 KO's} will be working out with local Phoenix fighter,
Bobby Rascon as his primary sparring partner.

Trainer - Bernard Forbes said that his fighter (Jorge Ahumada) will have to get inside, to off-set the Champion's
4" height advanatge and 5" reach advantage. We must put the pressure on Bob, to take away his 36 year-old legs.
I don't think that Bob can take Jorge's body punches, and once his legs go Jorge may take him out.

Why didn't Clancy train him?

[Rover]

Mr. Rover,

You are 'On the Ball'........

Gil Clancy was the Manager and Trainer for Jorge Ahumada, but Gil stayed in New York to help work with
Jerry Quarry for the June 17th Monday Night bout with Joe Frazier at Madison Square Garden.

Bernard Forbes handled Jorge while he was out in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

In Jorge Ahumada's first 3-Round gym session with sparring partner - Bobby Rascon, Jorge found himself on
the canvas in the 1st Round, courtesy of a short right hand to the chin from Rascon.

Bobby Rascon, a 32 year-old Light Heavyweight from Phoenix 42-28-1 {15 KO's} was a veteran 'scrappy-banger'
who said Jorge Ahumada was 'strong' but had 'limited skills'.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

June 13, 1974

Boxing Pundit - Chip Donahue of 'The Daliy Enterprise' predicts Jorge Ahumada will end the reign of Light Heavyweight
Champion - Bob Foster. The boxing writer says that Jorge Ahumada is too rugged for the now 36 year-old Foster.

Chip Donahue, "Too many ring wars, and wear and tear on that 'thin frame'. I look for Bob's legs to go out somewhere
just past the middle rounds, due to a strong body attack of the Argentinian, who has as a wicked left hook to the body
that I have ever seen. I will not be surprised if Ahumada scores a TKO win by Round 11."

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q= ... SUx3AU0wdQ

I've never heard of the Daily Enterprise.

[Rover]

Chip Donahue, a sportswriter out of Boston.

Saturday - June 15, 1974

Both fighters in excellent condition for Monday's Showdown.

Champion - Bob Foster already at 174 lbs., and has looked good in sparring. As he has been
working with Heavyweight - Jody Ballard. Bob working on a double left hook, a punch combination
that he delivered well in earlier fights, but had not used in his last several bouts.

Foster has had second thougts about retiring, as many had figured this would be his last bout.

Bob Foster, "They have been pressing me about fighting John Conteh next (September 10, 1974).
There is still a 'Million Dollars' out there waiting for me, with fights against John Conteh,
Victor Galindez and Len Hutchins. I may hang around for another two-years."

Fight Purses were announced by Fight Promoter - Pete Ashlock.

Bob Foster will receive $200,000 - the same amount he was paid for his last defense in South Africa
when he defeated Pierre Fourie.

Jorge Ahumada, will receive $50,000 plus the ancillary rights to the International Television broadcast
to South America, which could net the Argentinian another $15,000.

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

Glad he retired. Toobad he didn't stay retired.

[Rover]

Duce,
Who would've given Foster more problems: Conteh or Galindez?

[Rover]

Gil Clancy, who was the Manager/Trainer for Jorge Ahumada, was not at the bout, as he was in
New York for the Joe Frazier vs. Jerry Quarry bout.

Gil immediately filed a protest with both the WBA and WBC, claiming that the scoring was unfair,
becuase all '3' Officials were from New Mexico, and there was not any 'Neutral Officials'.

Gil claimed that the Decison was 'fixed', and questioned the integrity of the New Mexico Boxing
Commission.

KO Mundial called the Decision 'absurd', and they would recognize Jorge Ahumada as the Light
Heavyweight Champion.

The Associated Press scored the bout {145-144} or 6-5-4 in Rounds for Bob Foster, stating that
the fight was 'on-the-line' in the Final Round, and that Bob Foster edged Jorge Ahumada in Round 15
to retain his Championship.

The Daily Enterprise (Chris Donahue) wrote, "Jorge Ahumada had the Title in his hands at the end
of Round 9. Then inexplicably, stopped fighting in Rounds 10, 11, 12 and 13 - and allowed the crafty
36 year-old Bob Foster to 'Steal his way back into the Fight'."

You mean Chip?

[Rover]

Mr Rover,,,,,,,

Always with the 'Magnifying Glass'...........

Gil Clancy cried 'Unfair Decision' so loud, he didn't even need a telephone to be heard in Albuquerque.

Bob Arum of Top Rank immediately 'swooped' in, and tried to put a rematch together between
Bob Foster and Jorge Ahumada set for either Madison Square Garden or Las Vegas.

Bob Arum tried to 'out-hustle' Tito Lecture (Rep for Victor Galindez) and Mickey Duff (Rep for John Conteh) -
and tried to squeeze one more from 'Sheriff Bob'.

(at the magnifying glasses part)
As for a rematch, I think it was only fair that one of the mandatories be given a shot first.

[Rover]

Tuesday - June 25, 1984

Gil Clancy claims there was a heist in Albuquerque.

Gil Clancy; 'It was a flat out robbery. What they did to Jorge, was hold him up at gun-point. I talked to
everyone who was there, and they all had my guy up by at least 2-Points. I was assured that there would
be at least 'one' Neutral Judge, and one from South America. That Boxing Commission should be
embarrassed."

Jorge Leyes, Manager and Brother In-Law of Challenger - Jorge Ahumada said, 'That his brother in-law is
upset, and felt that he did enough to win. He just missed the Kayo punch at the end of Round 8, and he
hurt the Champion with the harder punches during most the bout.'

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q= ... Ud9xowLuVg

What did Foster's brother-in-law have to say?

[Rover]

Mr. Rover.......

Jorge Ahumada,..........No Speaky English,,,,,,,needed his Brother In-Law for the Interpreter...

Bob Foster's Brother In Law...........Jerome Carter........Said, regarding the rematch...... 'Show Me The Money'

Ah, so he was just interpreting; gotcha.

[Rover]

June 19, 1974

"AHUNADA WANTS A REMTACH"

A disheartened Jorge Ahumada wants a rematch. The Challenger thought the bout on Monday Night
was close, but thought that he had done more than enough to take the crown from the Champion -
Bob Foster.

Still Champion - Bob Foster said he did not give his best effort in the ring Monday Night, and was not
prepared for Jorge Ahumada who is a converted southpaw.

Manager - Lou Viscusi said he would was not aware that Ahumada was a southpaw, as they give
his fighter a difficult time with their awkward style. Viscusi added, "Bob's timing was off and he
just couldn't get into the flow of the fight during the first 10-Rounds."

Bob Foster did add, that he thought Jorge Ahumada was one of best Light Heavyweights that he has
ever faced, and without a doubt the strongest.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q= ... R5DOYd-Egw
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

'REMATCH OFFER MADE FOR FOSTER -AHUMADA II'

Bob Arum of Las Vegas has made on offer to Lou Viscusi, Manager for Light Heavyweight Champion Bob Foster
to make another defense of his Championship.

Teddy Brenner of Madison Square Garden has also made on offer to Lou Viscusi, with the Champion to receive
a fight purse guarantee of $200,000 against 40% of the Live Gate, plus ancillary rights.

Lou Viscusi, "We are looking at all offers. Somebody even offered us a bout with former Heavyweight Champion -
Floyd Patterson."

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q= ... CGKUJS3U8A

Why wouldn't Foster's camp have known about Ahumada's having been a southpaw?

[Rover]

I'm surprised Las Vegas was being considered for Conteh/Ahumada.

[Rover]

I'm surprised Las Vegas was being considered for Conteh/Ahumada.

Mickey Duff had booked Wembley for September 10, 1974 way back in February 1974, expecting
Bob Foster vs. John Conteh.

Bob Arum even got into the picture, trying to book Bob Foster vs. Jorge Ahumada 'The Rematch'
in either Las Vegas or New York for September 1974.

Teddy Brenner also chirped in with an offer for the Bob Foster vs. Jorge Ahumada 'Rematch' at
Madison Square Garden.

Everybody wanted the 'old' Sheriff Bob.

I'm just surprised Ahumada/Conteh was planned (or proposed) for Vegas.