Richard Savala

Name: Richard Savala
Alias: Mr. K.O.
Birth Name: Richard Anthony Savala
Hometown: Sacramento, California, USA
Birthplace: Woodland, California, USA
Stance: Orthodox
Height: 173cm
Pro Boxer: Record
Amateur Boxer: Record

Throwing a body shot against Joey Phillips

California State Jr. lightweight title against Renan Morata - 12 rounds unamimous decision

With parents Trino and Mary Savala

The son of Trino Savala he turned pro in the spring of 1979. Undefeated in his first 21 fights scoring 13 KOs he acquired the nickname of "Mr. KO". Despite new interests in drugs and women he continued to win until until he failed to finish off an opponent he had on the floor three times. Rising from the canvas Savala had suffered his first pro loss, a fourth round knockout. By now drugs had taken over and boxing served as the means of getting money to buy them. Five years after a disappointing end to a once promising boxing career Savala's was imprisoned. After serving twelve years he was released in 2000.

He married the daughter of a former police officer and found employment as a bondsman for former world champion Tony Lopez in Sacramento. Savala has also worked for several years as a drug counselor in the hopes of preventing youngsters in the community from repeating the same mistakes that almost ruined his life.

Richard was inducted into the California boxing hall of fame on June 25th 2011. He is the brother of Mario and Danny Savala.

External Links

• An in-depth history of Savala's life, Requiem for a Featherweight by Chrisanne Beckner.
• "Richard 'Mr. KO' Savala: Descent into Hell" by Austin Killeen: [1]