Vicente Saldivar - Revision history

Themaninblack03 at 05:33, 10 November 2022

2022-11-10T05:33:52Z

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 In between his fight with Crawford and his second return to the ring, the Featherweight division was once again seeing frequent changes. Kuniaki Shibata, the man that beat Saldivar for the title, had made 2 defenses of the WBC crown (including a draw against future champion, Ernesto Marcel) before losing it to another Mexican named [[Clemente Sanchez]] by 3rd round knockout. After being stripped of the title for not making weight, Sanchez would lose to former champion Jose Legra, getting knocked down 11 times en route to a 10th round TKO, and making Legra a two-time champion. But just like his last reign, Jose's time at the top would be brief as he would lose the title to another former champion in the form of Brazil's [[Eder Jofre]].
-Born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Eder, like other boxers born in central and south American countries, had been born into poverty to an Italian mother and Argentine father. Like Saldivar himself, it was his father that first got him into the sport of boxing, having been an amateur boxer back in Argentina. He began training Jofre who was three years old at the time; and it was then that a legend was born. Eder was a successful amateur, winning many championships and tournaments before qualifying to represent Brazil in the 1956 Olympics held in Melbourne, Australia. He would make it the the quarterfinals before losing to [[Claudio Barrientos]] of Chile. After the Olympics, Jofre turned professional in March of 1957; with his father as his trainer. From his debut to August of 1960, Eder fought 36 times, building up a record of 33-0-3; His most notable fights during that time being a quadrilogy with Argentine [[Ernesto Miranda]] (going 2 wins and 2 draws with him, the last two being for the South American Bantamweight title), and a rematch with the man who beat him in the Melbourne Olympics, Claudio Barrientos, winning by 8th round TKO.
+Born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil, *Work in Progress*
 =Career Factoids=

Artur128 at 09:53, 18 September 2022

2022-09-18T09:53:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:53, 18 September 2022
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	After the victory, Eder would take the rest of 1963 off, before returning to the ring in November of 1964 in Colombia, to defend his title against undefeated hometown hero, [[Bernardo Caraballo]]. Having turned pro in 1961, Bernardo had amassed a record of 29-0-1 (12 KOs), beating the likes of Ramon Arias twice, Pascual Perez, Piero Rollo, and Chartchai Chionoi. Work in Progress		After the victory, Eder would take the rest of 1963 off, before returning to the ring in November of 1964 in Colombia, to defend his title against undefeated hometown hero, [[Bernardo Caraballo]]. Having turned pro in 1961, Bernardo had amassed a record of 29-0-1 (12 KOs), beating the likes of Ramon Arias twice, Pascual Perez, Piero Rollo, and Chartchai Chionoi. Work in Progress












	=Career Factoids=		=Career Factoids=
			*Has defeated 6 opponents (5 by KO) in World Title fights.
	*Has a record of 9-2 (5 KO) in World Title fights.		*Has a record of 9-2 (5 KO) in World Title fights.
	*Has a record of 8-2 (3 KO) against former World Champions		*Has a record of 8-2 (3 KO) against former World Champions

Themaninblack03 at 19:38, 30 April 2021

2021-04-30T19:38:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:38, 30 April 2021
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	For Jofre's next two fights, he would be taking his title on the road to Asia, with his first opponent being the southpaw Japanese slugger, [[Katsutoshi Aoki]]. Having made his debut at the beginning of the decade, Aoki built up a record of 33-1-1 (with the one loss being at the hands of Hiroyuki Ebihara) and had stamped hid golden ticket to the title by defeating Eder's former opponent, Piero Rollo. From the first bell, Katsutoshi took the fight to the champion (who may have struggled to make the 118 pound limit based on reports), outworking him, pinning him against the ropes, moving in from different angles, and furiously throwing lefts and rights. At the end of round 2, Jofre sat in his stool, according to a judge from the fight: "Looking worried and puzzled". Little did they realize that ~~the look on his face~~ wasn't either of those two: It was ~~look of rage~~. ~~Rage~~ over Aoki's rough tactics in the head of battle. And Eder was going to make him PAY. Coming out for the 3rd round, the two fighters traded blows until suddenly, Jofre threw a left hook that dropped Katsutoshi. He got up from the canvas and threw some powerless punches in an effort to keep the raging Eder away, but the champion was hellbent on ending it, letting loose a left hook to the body so profound, Aoki dropped to the canvas as if he was shot. Amazingly, Katsutoshi managed to get up, but the referee saw no reason for him to continue on and stopped the fight, ~~and~~ giving Jofre his 6th successful defense of the Bantamweight title. On a side note, it was around this time that WBC formed, recognizing Jofre as Bantamweight Champion.		For Jofre's next two fights, he would be taking his title on the road to Asia, with his first opponent being the southpaw Japanese slugger, [[Katsutoshi Aoki]]. Having made his debut at the beginning of the decade, Aoki built up a record of 33-1-1 (with the one loss being at the hands of Hiroyuki Ebihara) and had stamped hid golden ticket to the title by defeating Eder's former opponent, Piero Rollo. From the first bell, Katsutoshi took the fight to the champion (who may have struggled to make the 118 pound limit based on reports), outworking him, pinning him against the ropes, moving in from different angles, and furiously throwing lefts and rights. At the end of round 2, Jofre sat in his stool, according to a judge from the fight: "Looking worried and puzzled". Little did they realize that he wasn't either of those two: He was enraged. Enraged over Aoki's rough tactics in the head of battle. And Eder was going to make him PAY. Coming out for the 3rd round, the two fighters traded blows until suddenly, Jofre threw a left hook that dropped Katsutoshi. He got up from the canvas and threw some powerless punches in an effort to keep the raging Eder away, but the champion was hellbent on ending it, letting loose a left hook to the body so profound, Aoki dropped to the canvas as if he was shot. Amazingly, Katsutoshi managed to get up, but the referee saw no reason for him to continue on and stopped the fight, giving Jofre his 6th successful defense of the Bantamweight title. On a side note, it was around this time that WBC formed, recognizing Jofre as Bantamweight Champion.

	Only a month later, Jofre crossed the pacific again. This time in The Philippines to defend his title against [[Johnny Jamito]]. With the home crowd behind him, Jamito fought the fight of his life; darting around in and out, peppering Eder with jabs, landing several good shots up close, and clinching or evading whenever Jofre tried to retaliate. It was working well for the first few rounds, but Johnny didn't know, was that he was falling into the same trap all of Eder's previous challengers had fallen into; That trap being Jofre would take it easy for the first few rounds, warming himself up and letting his opponent dictate the pace, until eventually the gears would start turning and Eder would rip them apart. That was exactly what happened here when in the 9th round, Jofre let loose with a vicious left hook, staggering Jamito. He managed to make it out of the round, but the fact of the matter was that it was merely a matter of time until he was out. That time came in the 11th round, when Eder once again let loose, this time with left-right combination, knocking Johnny onto his knees, completely out. The bell had rung before the referee had begun the count, but at this stage there was no point in letting Jamito continue, and so the corner stopped the fight. Jofre had successfully defended the title for the 7th time.		Only a month later, Jofre crossed the pacific again. This time in The Philippines to defend his title against [[Johnny Jamito]]. With the home crowd behind him, Jamito fought the fight of his life; darting around in and out, peppering Eder with jabs, landing several good shots up close, and clinching or evading whenever Jofre tried to retaliate. It was working well for the first few rounds, but what Johnny didn't know, was that he was falling into the same trap all of Eder's previous challengers had fallen into; That trap being Jofre would take it easy for the first few rounds, warming himself up and letting his opponent dictate the pace, until eventually the gears would start turning and Eder would rip them apart. That was exactly what happened here when in the 9th round, Jofre let loose with a vicious left hook, staggering Jamito. He managed to make it out of the round, but the fact of the matter was that it was merely a matter of time until he was out. That time came in the 11th round, when Eder once again let loose, this time with left-right combination, knocking Johnny onto his knees, completely out. The bell had rung before the referee had begun the count, but at this stage there was no point in letting Jamito continue, and so the corner stopped the fight. Jofre had successfully defended the title for the 7th time.

	After the victory, Eder would take the rest of 1963 off, before returning to the ring in November of 1964 in Colombia, to defend his title against undefeated hometown hero, [[Bernardo Caraballo]]. Work in Progress		After the victory, Eder would take the rest of 1963 off, before returning to the ring in November of 1964 in Colombia, to defend his title against undefeated hometown hero, [[Bernardo Caraballo]]. Having turned pro in 1961, Bernardo had amassed a record of 29-0-1 (12 KOs), beating the likes of Ramon Arias twice, Pascual Perez, Piero Rollo, and Chartchai Chionoi. Work in Progress

Themaninblack03 at 20:04, 27 April 2021

2021-04-27T20:04:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:04, 27 April 2021
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	For Jofre's next two fights, he would be taking his title on the road to Asia, with his first opponent being the southpaw Japanese slugger, [[Katsutoshi Aoki]]. Having made his debut at the beginning of the decade, Aoki built up a record of 33-1-1 (with the one loss being at the hands of Hiroyuki Ebihara) and had stamped hid golden ticket to the title by defeating Eder's former opponent, Piero Rollo. From the first bell, Katsutoshi took the fight to the champion (who may have struggled to make the 118 pound limit based on reports), outworking him, pinning him against the ropes, moving in from different angles, and furiously throwing lefts and rights. At the end of round 2, Jofre sat in his stool, according to a judge from the fight: "Looking worried and puzzled". Little did they realize that the look on his face wasn't either of those two: It was look of rage. Rage over Aoki's rough tactics in the head of battle. And Eder was going to make him PAY. Work in Progress		For Jofre's next two fights, he would be taking his title on the road to Asia, with his first opponent being the southpaw Japanese slugger, [[Katsutoshi Aoki]]. Having made his debut at the beginning of the decade, Aoki built up a record of 33-1-1 (with the one loss being at the hands of Hiroyuki Ebihara) and had stamped hid golden ticket to the title by defeating Eder's former opponent, Piero Rollo. From the first bell, Katsutoshi took the fight to the champion (who may have struggled to make the 118 pound limit based on reports), outworking him, pinning him against the ropes, moving in from different angles, and furiously throwing lefts and rights. At the end of round 2, Jofre sat in his stool, according to a judge from the fight: "Looking worried and puzzled". Little did they realize that the look on his face wasn't either of those two: It was look of rage. Rage over Aoki's rough tactics in the head of battle. And Eder was going to make him PAY. Coming out for the 3rd round, the two fighters traded blows until suddenly, Jofre threw a left hook that dropped Katsutoshi. He got up from the canvas and threw some powerless punches in an effort to keep the raging Eder away, but the champion was hellbent on ending it, letting loose a left hook to the body so profound, Aoki dropped to the canvas as if he was shot. Amazingly, Katsutoshi managed to get up, but the referee saw no reason for him to continue on and stopped the fight, and giving Jofre his 6th successful defense of the Bantamweight title. On a side note, it was around this time that WBC formed, recognizing Jofre as Bantamweight Champion.

			Only a month later, Jofre crossed the pacific again. This time in The Philippines to defend his title against [[Johnny Jamito]]. With the home crowd behind him, Jamito fought the fight of his life; darting around in and out, peppering Eder with jabs, landing several good shots up close, and clinching or evading whenever Jofre tried to retaliate. It was working well for the first few rounds, but Johnny didn't know, was that he was falling into the same trap all of Eder's previous challengers had fallen into; That trap being Jofre would take it easy for the first few rounds, warming himself up and letting his opponent dictate the pace, until eventually the gears would start turning and Eder would rip them apart. That was exactly what happened here when in the 9th round, Jofre let loose with a vicious left hook, staggering Jamito. He managed to make it out of the round, but the fact of the matter was that it was merely a matter of time until he was out. That time came in the 11th round, when Eder once again let loose, this time with left-right combination, knocking Johnny onto his knees, completely out. The bell had rung before the referee had begun the count, but at this stage there was no point in letting Jamito continue, and so the corner stopped the fight. Jofre had successfully defended the title for the 7th time.

			After the victory, Eder would take the rest of 1963 off, before returning to the ring in November of 1964 in Colombia, to defend his title against undefeated hometown hero, [[Bernardo Caraballo]]. Work in Progress

Themaninblack03 at 20:16, 23 April 2021

2021-04-23T20:16:15Z

Show changes

Themaninblack03 at 19:51, 23 March 2021

2021-03-23T19:51:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:51, 23 March 2021
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	Strangely following the victory over Ramos, Saldivar's next fight would be a defense of the Mexican Featherweight title which he still held, against Delfino Rosales. Rosales almost scored an upset as he dropped Vicente in the 1st round and had him in trouble for almost the entire fight. But Saldivar persevered and in the 11th round, behind on the scorecards, Vicente caught his man as he stopped him at 2:05 of the 11th. Following that fight, Saldivar vacated the Mexican title and would start his lengthy first reign as world champion. For his first defense, he decided to introduce himself to the American stage as he would fly out to California and take on the undefeated Mexican-American, [[Raul Rojas]].		Strangely following the victory over Ramos, Saldivar's next fight would be a defense of the Mexican Featherweight title which he still held, against Delfino Rosales. Rosales almost scored an upset as he dropped Vicente in the 1st round and had him in trouble for almost the entire fight. But Saldivar persevered and in the 11th round, behind on the scorecards, Vicente caught his man as he stopped him at 2:05 of the 11th. Following that fight, Saldivar vacated the Mexican title and would start his lengthy first reign as world champion. For his first defense, he decided to introduce himself to the American stage as he would fly out to California and take on the undefeated Mexican-American, [[Raul Rojas]].

	Born in San Pablo, California, and raised in Watts and East Los Angeles, Raul would be in and out of reform school more times than can be counted. He was part of a family of 12, 2 of his brothers were sent to San Quentin State Prison. Rojas was known as "Little Roy" and he led a gang appropriately named "Little Roy's Gang." One day, when the gang was hanging around a street corner, a shot was fired, and the boy next to Raul toppled over, dead. There was a chase, a fight, and more shooting. After it was over, Rojas was sent to the California Youth Authority. Upon his release in 1962, the warden told him if he got into any similar trouble again, it would probably mean the gas chamber at San Quentin. So instead, Raul decided to take up boxing, turning pro a year after his release and building up a record of 23-0-1 (16 KOs) before facing Saldivar at the Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles~~. Vicente had no serious problems with Rojas~~. After a comparatively slow 3 rounds, the action started to pick up until it became a bitterly fought affair, but one in which ~~Saldivar proved to be the better fighter~~, simply having too much for tough, free-swinging Rojas to handle. Upon the 15th and final round, ~~Vicente~~ came on like a train, battering the Los Angeles-based fighter and knocking him through the ropes when the referee [[Tommy Hart]] decided that Raul had had enough and stopped the fight.		Born in San Pablo, California, and raised in Watts and East Los Angeles, Raul would be in and out of reform school more times than can be counted. He was part of a family of 12, 2 of his brothers were sent to San Quentin State Prison. Rojas was known as "Little Roy" and he led a gang appropriately named "Little Roy's Gang." One day, when the gang was hanging around a street corner, a shot was fired, and the boy next to Raul toppled over, dead. There was a chase, a fight, and more shooting. After it was over, Rojas was sent to the California Youth Authority. Upon his release in 1962, the warden told him if he got into any similar trouble again, it would probably mean the gas chamber at San Quentin. So instead, Raul decided to take up boxing, turning pro a year after his release and building up a record of 23-0-1 (16 KOs) before facing Saldivar at the Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles. After a comparatively slow 3 rounds, the action started to pick up until it became a bitterly fought affair, but one in which Vicente had a clear lead, simply having too much for tough, free-swinging Rojas to handle. Upon the 15th and final round, Saldivar came on like a train, battering the Los Angeles-based fighter and knocking him through the ropes when the referee [[Tommy Hart]] decided that Raul had had enough and stopped the fight.

	Following the win over Rojas, Saldivar's next foe would be the only man in the Featherweight division at the time, who could share the same claim of being the best Featherweight in the world. He was a man who was on such even ground with Vicente, that their trilogy would be the defining highlight of both men's careers. He was known as the Welsh Wizard, and His name was [[Howard Winstone]].		Following the win over Rojas, Saldivar's next foe would be the only man in the Featherweight division at the time, who could share the same claim of being the best Featherweight in the world. He was a man who was on such even ground with Vicente, that their trilogy would be the defining highlight of both men's careers. He was known as the Welsh Wizard, and His name was [[Howard Winstone]].
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	In the meantime, Vicente would continue to defend his title. For his next defense, he would have a homecoming fight as he would face Ghana's [[Floyd Robertson]] at the Monumental Plaza de Toros in Mexico City. Born in Accra, Robertson was a hardened veteran. Turning pro in 1956, Floyd won the Ghanaian and West African Featherweight titles 2 years later and then became the [[Commonwealth Featherweight Champion]] by beating [[Percy Lewis]] in November of 1960. He defended the title 2 times before he got his first shot at a world title against Saldivar's predecessor, Sugar Ramos in the comforts of home as the fight would be held in Accra. In a brutal war, Ramos would survive a late rally from Robertson and retain the title in a hotly disputed split decision. So disputed in fact, that the Ghanian Commission first ruled the bout a "no-contest," then decided to rule Floyd as the winner and new World Champion. He had fought only once before going into the Saldivar fight. The fight started slow, a pace that suited Floyd, who scored with some good jabs and seemed unfazed by Vicente's aggressive southpaw style. But in the 2nd round, which started at the same leisurely pace, the Mexican firecracker went off as he feinted a jab to Robertson's body & landed a huge left hand that staggered the Ghanaian. Floyd tried to clinch to survive but Saldivar was hellbent on ending it, fighting out of the clinch, he attacked Robertson with both hands. A right hook sent Floyd reeling and onto the canvas at the ropes. After taking the [[mandatory eight-count]], Vicente came out to greet him with a vicious onslaught. Robertson tried to fight back, tried to survive, but Saldivar was simply too much for him and a right shovel hook would drop him again. This time, Floyd wouldn't attempt to beat the count. Vicente had successfully defended his title for the 3rd time.		In the meantime, Vicente would continue to defend his title. For his next defense, he would have a homecoming fight as he would face Ghana's [[Floyd Robertson]] at the Monumental Plaza de Toros in Mexico City. Born in Accra, Robertson was a hardened veteran. Turning pro in 1956, Floyd won the Ghanaian and West African Featherweight titles 2 years later and then became the [[Commonwealth Featherweight Champion]] by beating [[Percy Lewis]] in November of 1960. He defended the title 2 times before he got his first shot at a world title against Saldivar's predecessor, Sugar Ramos in the comforts of home as the fight would be held in Accra. In a brutal war, Ramos would survive a late rally from Robertson and retain the title in a hotly disputed split decision. So disputed in fact, that the Ghanian Commission first ruled the bout a "no-contest," then decided to rule Floyd as the winner and new World Champion. He had fought only once before going into the Saldivar fight. The fight started slow, a pace that suited Floyd, who scored with some good jabs and seemed unfazed by Vicente's aggressive southpaw style. But in the 2nd round, which started at the same leisurely pace, the Mexican firecracker went off as he feinted a jab to Robertson's body & landed a huge left hand that staggered the Ghanaian. Floyd tried to clinch to survive but Saldivar was hellbent on ending it, fighting out of the clinch, he attacked Robertson with both hands. A right hook sent Floyd reeling and onto the canvas at the ropes. After taking the [[mandatory eight-count]], Vicente came out to greet him with a vicious onslaught. Robertson tried to fight back, tried to survive, but Saldivar was simply too much for him and a right shovel hook would drop him again. This time, Floyd wouldn't attempt to beat the count. Vicente had successfully defended his title for the 3rd time.

	Howard Winstone may be forever linked as Saldivar's rival, but that doesn't mean he was Vicente's only rival. There was yet another man in the Featherweight division that seemed to match him, if only for a short while: Japan's [[Mitsunori Seki]]. A fellow southpaw ~~and a former Flyweight~~, Seki had challenged ~~2 times~~ for a world title beforehand. The first time would be against Thailand legend [[Pone Kingpetch]] in 1961 for the world Flyweight title. he gave as good as he got in that fight, but would ultimately come up short as he would lose by split decision. the 2nd time he would fight for a world title would be 3 years and 2 divisions later at Featherweight against Sugar Ramos, once again coming up short, losing via 6th round TKO(In between his two title attempts, he fought future Flyweight champion, & another legend from Thailand, [[Chartchai Chionoi]], going 1-1 with him, as well as Mexican Bantamweight contender, [[Jose Medel]], losing by 5th round KO. he also won the [[OPBF]] Featherweight title). Now he was getting yet another title shot, at El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos in Mexico City, the site where Vicente had won the title, and he was hellbent on winning it this time. Mitsunori took the lead from the opening bell, scoring with jabs and straight lefts while Saldivar scored to the body trying to slow down Seki.		Howard Winstone may be forever linked as Saldivar's rival, but that doesn't mean he was Vicente's only rival. There was yet another man in the Featherweight division that seemed to match him, if only for a short while: Japan's [[Mitsunori Seki]]. A fellow southpaw, Seki had challenged twice for a world title beforehand. The first time would be against Thailand legend [[Pone Kingpetch]] in 1961 for the world Flyweight title. he gave as good as he got in that fight, but would ultimately come up short as he would lose by split decision. the 2nd time he would fight for a world title would be 3 years and 2 divisions later at Featherweight against Sugar Ramos, once again coming up short, losing via 6th round TKO(In between his two title attempts, he fought future Flyweight champion, & another legend from Thailand, [[Chartchai Chionoi]], going 1-1 with him, as well as Mexican Bantamweight contender, [[Jose Medel]], losing by 5th round KO. he also won the [[OPBF]] Featherweight title). Now he was getting yet another title shot, at El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos in Mexico City, the site where Vicente had won the title, and he was hellbent on winning it this time. Mitsunori took the lead from the opening bell, scoring with jabs and straight lefts while Saldivar scored to the body trying to slow down Seki.

	The fight was even throughout the first 3 rounds, despite Vicente being confused by the southpaw style of Mitsunori when suddenly in the 4th, Seki exploded with a vicious ~~assault~~, ~~backing~~ Saldivar to ~~ropes and then dropping him with a right hook~~. He got up quickly, but Vicente was groggy and hurt, knowing this, Mitsunori turned up the heat and unleashed a vicious barrage. For the next 2 rounds, Seki was pressuring Saldivar and was seemingly hurting him at will, on top of that, Vicente's left eye was swollen shut. Despite that, Saldivar persevered and in the 7th, Vicente seemed to regain his strength and tore into Mitsunori, dropping him to his knees. He rose to his feet, but his edge was gone now. Now it was Saldivar trying to knock Seki out, battering him around the ring from pillar to post, rocking him at will with right hooks and left hands. It was a complete role reversal of the 4th round, and just like the 4th, the bell would save the battered Mitsunori. Despite the beating he took, the brave Japanese warrior decided to continue. By the 12th round, Vicente had taken command of the fight, but Seki refused to quit, firing back at Saldivar and standing his ground. By the end of the battle, both men were bruised and battered, Vicente's left eye was completely swollen shut, Mitsunori had cut under his left eye and was covered in bruises. In the end, Saldivar retained the title by unanimous decision.		The fight was even throughout the first 3 rounds, despite Vicente being confused by the southpaw style of Mitsunori when suddenly in the 4th, Seki exploded with a vicious left hand, dropping Saldivar to the seat of his pants. He got up quickly, but Vicente was groggy and hurt, knowing this, Mitsunori turned up the heat and unleashed a vicious barrage. For the next 2 rounds, Seki was pressuring Saldivar and was seemingly hurting him at will, on top of that, Vicente's left eye was swollen shut. Despite that, Saldivar persevered and in the 7th, Vicente seemed to regain his strength and tore into Mitsunori, dropping him to his knees. He rose to his feet, but his edge was gone now. Now it was Saldivar trying to knock Seki out, battering him around the ring from pillar to post, rocking him at will with right hooks and left hands. It was a complete role reversal of the 4th round, and just like the 4th, the bell would save the battered Mitsunori. Despite the beating he took, the brave Japanese warrior decided to continue. By the 12th round, Vicente had taken command of the fight, but Seki refused to quit, firing back at Saldivar and standing his ground. By the end of the battle, both men were bruised and battered, Vicente's left eye was completely swollen shut, Mitsunori had cut under his left eye and was covered in bruises. In the end, Saldivar retained the title by unanimous decision.

	The fight with Seki was close enough to warrant a rematch, and that's exactly what happened 5 months later at the same site as the 1st one. This time around, Vicente knew he had a point to prove to his critics from the previous encounter with Mitsunori, so in the rematch, Saldivar went after Seki guns blazing. Using his punishing body attack and several left hands, Vicente refused to let Mitsunori do what he did in the first fight and battered him mercilessly. The end came in the 7th round when Saldivar caught Seki with a right hook, hurting him. Vicente went after Mitsunori, firing off a flurry that sent the Japanese challenger reeling into the ropes, then a right hook that dropped him to the canvas. Just like the first fight, he bravely rose and carried on, but the Mexican champion was simply too much for him now and the referee [[Marty Denkin]] stopped the fight. Saldivar had beaten Seki for the 2nd time and had successfully defended the title for the 5th time.		The fight with Seki was close enough to warrant a rematch, and that's exactly what happened 5 months later at the same site as the 1st one. This time around, Vicente knew he had a point to prove to his critics from the previous encounter with Mitsunori, so in the rematch, Saldivar went after Seki guns blazing. Using his punishing body attack and several left hands, Vicente refused to let Mitsunori do what he did in the first fight and battered him mercilessly. The end came in the 7th round when Saldivar caught Seki with a right hook, hurting him. Vicente went after Mitsunori, firing off a flurry that sent the Japanese challenger reeling into the ropes, then a right hook that dropped him to the canvas. Just like the first fight, he bravely rose and carried on, but the Mexican champion was simply too much for him now and the referee [[Marty Denkin]] stopped the fight. Saldivar had beaten Seki for the 2nd time and had successfully defended the title for the 5th time.

Themaninblack03 at 21:02, 22 March 2021

2021-03-22T21:02:59Z

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	Born as Ultiminio Ramos Zaquiera in Matanzas, Cuba, Ramos was a natural-born fighter with ring savvy, skills to pay the bills, and a hell of a right hand to boot. He turned pro in 1957 and won the Cuban Featherweight Championship 3 years later. But during this time, the Cuban Revolution was just about wrapping up, and when Fidel Castro came to power, Ramos decided to leave Cuba, fleeing to Mexico City. It was in Mexico that Ramos would build up his historic career. He fought 14 times and build his record up to 38-1-3 (29 KOs), when he was given his shot at the Featherweight crown, at the time being held by [[Davey Moore]]. The fight was part of a tripleheader at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. In the main event, Mexico's [[Battling Torres]] was knocked out in the first round by [[Roberto Cruz]] of The Philippines for the [[WBA]] Junior Welterweight Championship, and in the first championship match of the card, fellow Cuban [[Luis Manuel Rodriguez]] won the Welterweight Championship from [[Emile Griffith]] of the Virgin Islands, Ramos vs Moore was sandwiched in between the two. Moore won the first 2 rounds, but after that, the fight turned into a brutal war, and as the fight wore on, Ramos started to take control. Then in the 10th round, Ultiminio hit Davey with a left hook, knocking him on the seat of his pants, his head hitting the bottom rope of the ring. Moore would get up, only to meet an onslaught from the Cuban-Mexican. The bell rang just as Moore was halfway out of the ring. After the round ended, Moore's trainer told the referee that Moore couldn't continue, and with that, Ultiminio "Sugar" Ramos was the new Featherweight Champion of the world		Born as Ultiminio Ramos Zaquiera in Matanzas, Cuba, Ramos was a natural-born fighter with ring savvy, skills to pay the bills, and a hell of a right hand to boot. He turned pro in 1957 and won the Cuban Featherweight Championship 3 years later. But during this time, the Cuban Revolution was just about wrapping up, and when Fidel Castro came to power, Ramos decided to leave Cuba, fleeing to Mexico City. It was in Mexico that Ramos would build up his historic career. He fought 14 times and build his record up to 38-1-3 (29 KOs), when he was given his shot at the Featherweight crown, at the time being held by [[Davey Moore]]. The fight was part of a tripleheader at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. In the main event, Mexico's [[Battling Torres]] was knocked out in the first round by [[Roberto Cruz]] of The Philippines for the [[WBA]] Junior Welterweight Championship, and in the first championship match of the card, fellow Cuban [[Luis Manuel Rodriguez]] won the Welterweight Championship from [[Emile Griffith]] of the Virgin Islands, Ramos vs Moore was sandwiched in between the two. Moore won the first 2 rounds, but after that, the fight turned into a brutal war, and as the fight wore on, Ramos started to take control. Then in the 10th round, Ultiminio hit Davey with a left hook, knocking him on the seat of his pants, his head hitting the bottom rope of the ring. Moore would get up, only to meet an onslaught from the Cuban-Mexican. The bell rang just as Moore was halfway out of the ring. After the round ended, Moore's trainer told the referee that Moore couldn't continue, and with that, Ultiminio "Sugar" Ramos was the new Featherweight Champion of the world

	But with the victory came a tragedy. After returning to his dressing room and talking to the press for a while, Davey Moore suddenly collapsed. Two days after the fight, he passed away from his injuries. For boxing, it would be the 2nd major ring fatality as the year before [[Benny (Kid) Paret]] died from his injuries from his 3rd fight with Emile Griffith. It was also a major hit for Ramos, as it marked the second time an opponent had died after fighting him. 4 years earlier Ramos had knocked out Jose "Tigre" Blanco, who would also die afterward from his injuries. Davey Moore's death was devastating, but Ramos decided ~~that life goes~~ on. Over the next two years, Ultiminio fought 6 times, 3 of them being title defenses. Vicente would be defense #4. The fight would be 15 rounds, at El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos in Mexico City. Most experts chose Ramos to win the fight, believing Ultiminio's experience would win the day over Saldivar's raw aggression and power. However, in an epic and thrilling war between the 2 men fighting out of Mexico City, Saldivar surprised many by taking the initiative and wearing down the Cuban-Mexican with his vicious body attack. It was simply too much for Ramos, and after the 11th round, Ultimino retired on his stool. '''Vicente Saldivar''' was now the new WBA and [[WBC Featherweight Champion]].		But with the victory came a tragedy. After returning to his dressing room and talking to the press for a while, Davey Moore suddenly collapsed. Two days after the fight, he passed away from his injuries. For boxing, it would be the 2nd major ring fatality as the year before [[Benny (Kid) Paret]] died from his injuries from his 3rd fight with Emile Griffith. It was also a major hit for Ramos, as it marked the second time an opponent had died after fighting him. 4 years earlier Ramos had knocked out Jose "Tigre" Blanco, who would also die afterward from his injuries. Davey Moore's death was devastating, but Ramos decided to continue on. Over the next two years, Ultiminio fought 6 times, 3 of them being title defenses. Vicente would be defense #4. The fight would be 15 rounds, at El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos in Mexico City. Most experts chose Ramos to win the fight, believing Ultiminio's experience would ultimately win the day over Saldivar's raw aggression and power. However, in an epic and thrilling war between the 2 men fighting out of Mexico City, Saldivar surprised many by taking the initiative and wearing down the Cuban-Mexican with his vicious body attack. It was simply too much for Ramos, and after the 11th round, Ultimino retired on his stool. '''Vicente Saldivar''' was now the new WBA and [[WBC Featherweight Champion]].

	Strangely following the victory over Ramos, Saldivar's next fight would be a defense of the Mexican Featherweight title which he still held against Delfino Rosales. Rosales almost scored an upset as he dropped Vicente in the 1st round and had him in trouble for almost the entire fight. But Saldivar persevered and in the 11th round, behind on the scorecards, Vicente caught his man as he stopped him at 2:05 of the 11th. Following that fight, Saldivar vacated the Mexican title and would start his lengthy first reign as world champion. For his first defense, he decided to introduce himself to the American stage as he would fly out to California and take on the undefeated Mexican-American, [[Raul Rojas]].		Strangely following the victory over Ramos, Saldivar's next fight would be a defense of the Mexican Featherweight title which he still held, against Delfino Rosales. Rosales almost scored an upset as he dropped Vicente in the 1st round and had him in trouble for almost the entire fight. But Saldivar persevered and in the 11th round, behind on the scorecards, Vicente caught his man as he stopped him at 2:05 of the 11th. Following that fight, Saldivar vacated the Mexican title and would start his lengthy first reign as world champion. For his first defense, he decided to introduce himself to the American stage as he would fly out to California and take on the undefeated Mexican-American, [[Raul Rojas]].

	Born in San Pablo, California, and raised in Watts and East Los Angeles, Raul would be in and out of reform school more times than can be counted. He was part of a family of 12, 2 of his brothers were sent to San Quentin State Prison. Rojas was known as "Little Roy" and he led a gang appropriately named "Little Roy's Gang." One day, when the gang was hanging around a street corner, a shot was fired, and the boy next to Raul toppled over, dead. There was a chase, a fight, and more shooting. After it was over, Rojas was sent to the California Youth Authority. Upon his release in 1962, the warden told him if he got into any similar trouble again, it would probably mean the gas chamber at San Quentin. So instead, Raul decided to take up boxing, turning pro a year after his release and building up a record of 23-0-1 (16 KOs) before facing Saldivar at the Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles. Vicente had no serious problems with Rojas. After a comparatively slow 3 rounds, the action started to pick up until it became a bitterly fought affair, but ~~nowhere~~ in ~~that affair did Raul have a lead.~~ Saldivar simply ~~had~~ too much for tough, free-swinging Rojas to handle. Upon the 15th and final round, Vicente came on like a train, battering the Los Angeles-based fighter and knocking him through the ropes when the referee [[Tommy Hart]] decided that Raul had had enough and stopped the fight.		Born in San Pablo, California, and raised in Watts and East Los Angeles, Raul would be in and out of reform school more times than can be counted. He was part of a family of 12, 2 of his brothers were sent to San Quentin State Prison. Rojas was known as "Little Roy" and he led a gang appropriately named "Little Roy's Gang." One day, when the gang was hanging around a street corner, a shot was fired, and the boy next to Raul toppled over, dead. There was a chase, a fight, and more shooting. After it was over, Rojas was sent to the California Youth Authority. Upon his release in 1962, the warden told him if he got into any similar trouble again, it would probably mean the gas chamber at San Quentin. So instead, Raul decided to take up boxing, turning pro a year after his release and building up a record of 23-0-1 (16 KOs) before facing Saldivar at the Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles. Vicente had no serious problems with Rojas. After a comparatively slow 3 rounds, the action started to pick up until it became a bitterly fought affair, but one in which Saldivar proved to be the better fighter, simply having too much for tough, free-swinging Rojas to handle. Upon the 15th and final round, Vicente came on like a train, battering the Los Angeles-based fighter and knocking him through the ropes when the referee [[Tommy Hart]] decided that Raul had had enough and stopped the fight.

	Following the win over Rojas, Saldivar's next foe would be the only man in the Featherweight division at the time, who could share the same claim of being the best Featherweight in the world. He was a man who was so even with Vicente, that their trilogy would be the defining highlight of both men's careers. He was known as the Welsh Wizard, and His name was [[Howard Winstone]].		Following the win over Rojas, Saldivar's next foe would be the only man in the Featherweight division at the time, who could share the same claim of being the best Featherweight in the world. He was a man who was on such even ground with Vicente, that their trilogy would be the defining highlight of both men's careers. He was known as the Welsh Wizard, and His name was [[Howard Winstone]].

	Born in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, Winstone(like Saldivar) was a highly successful amateur, holding a record of 83-3, winning the Amateur Boxing Association Bantamweight title, and a gold medal in 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games. During his early amateur days, Howard was more of a brawler, but while working at a toy factory, he would lose the tips of three fingers on his right hand in an accident. He recovered, but the accident would reduce the power of his right hand, so he had to change his style from a double-handed brawler to a beautiful boxer with an ability to move his head at the right moment, his left jab becoming a sword-like weapon that would bruise and bewilder his opponents. He turned pro in 1959 and 2 years later, in 1961 he would beat [[Terry Spinks]] for the [[BBBofC]] Featherweight Championship. From the victory against Spinks in May of 1961 to June of 1965, Winstone would fight 30 times, going 27-2 (11 KOs), defending the BBBofC title 3 times and unifying it with the [[EBU]] Featherweight title. In between defenses, Howard would fight some world-ranked & local European Featherweights, among them, would be former Saldivar opponent, Baby Luis. By the time he had reached the world level, he had become an idol in Wales and many believed he could and would become Featherweight Champion, but there was an obstacle on his way to superstardom~~, a thorn in his side~~, a whirlwind of a man who refused to give what Howard wanted; That man was Saldivar.		Born in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, Winstone(like Saldivar) was a highly successful amateur, holding a record of 83-3, winning the Amateur Boxing Association Bantamweight title, and a gold medal in 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games. During his early amateur days, Howard was more of a brawler, but while working at a toy factory, he would lose the tips of three fingers on his right hand in an accident. He recovered, but the accident would reduce the power of his right hand, so he had to change his style from a double-handed brawler to a beautiful boxer with an ability to move his head at the right moment, his left jab becoming a sword-like weapon that would bruise and bewilder his opponents. He turned pro in 1959 and 2 years later, in 1961 he would beat [[Terry Spinks]] for the [[BBBofC]] Featherweight Championship. From the victory against Spinks in May of 1961 to June of 1965, Winstone would fight 30 times, going 27-2 (11 KOs), defending the BBBofC title 3 times and unifying it with the [[EBU]] Featherweight title. In between defenses, Howard would fight some world-ranked & local European Featherweights, among them, would be former Saldivar opponent, Baby Luis. By the time he had reached the world level, he had become an idol in Wales and many believed he could and would become Featherweight Champion, but there was an obstacle on his way to superstardom, a whirlwind of a man who refused to give what Howard wanted; That man was Saldivar.

	The two would fight each other 3 times over 2 years, all following the relatively same pattern: Winstone would out-box Vicente for the first few rounds, Howard would tire out, and then Saldivar would turn up the heat and punish Winstone enough to get a points decision. Their first fight would be at Earls Court Arena in London, with Saldivar winning the fight on points, but this obviously wouldn't be the last time the 2 would meet each other.		The two would fight each other 3 times over 2 years, all following the relatively same pattern: Winstone would out-box Vicente for the first few rounds, Howard would tire out, and then Saldivar would turn up the heat and punish Winstone enough to get a points decision. Their first fight would be at Earls Court Arena in London, with Saldivar winning the fight on points, but this obviously wouldn't be the last time the 2 would meet each other.

	In the meantime, Vicente would continue to defend his title. For his next defense, he would have a homecoming fight as he would face Ghana's [[Floyd Robertson]] at the Monumental Plaza de Toros in Mexico City. Born in Accra, Robertson was a hardened veteran. Turning pro in 1956, Floyd won the Ghanaian and West African Featherweight titles 2 years later and then became the [[Commonwealth Featherweight Champion]] by beating [[Percy Lewis]] in November of 1960. He defended it 2 times before he got his first shot at a world title against Saldivar's predecessor, Sugar Ramos in the comforts of home as the fight would be held in Accra. In a brutal war, Ramos would survive a late rally from Robertson and retain the title in a hotly disputed split decision. So disputed in fact, that the Ghanian Commission first ruled the bout a "no-contest," then decided to rule Floyd as the winner and World Champion. He had fought only once before going into the Saldivar fight. The fight started slow, a pace that suited Floyd, who scored with some good jabs and seemed unfazed by Vicente's aggressive southpaw style. But in the 2nd round, which started at the same leisurely pace, the Mexican firecracker went off as he feinted a jab to Robertson's body & landed a huge left hand that staggered the Ghanaian. Floyd tried to clinch to survive but Saldivar was hellbent on ending it, fighting out of the clinch, he attacked Robertson with both hands. A right hook sent Floyd reeling and onto the canvas at the ropes. After taking the [[mandatory eight-count]], Vicente came out to greet him with a vicious onslaught. Robertson tried to fight back, tried to survive, but Saldivar was simply too much for him and a right shovel hook would drop him again. This time, Floyd wouldn't attempt to beat the count. Vicente had successfully defended his title for the 3rd time.		In the meantime, Vicente would continue to defend his title. For his next defense, he would have a homecoming fight as he would face Ghana's [[Floyd Robertson]] at the Monumental Plaza de Toros in Mexico City. Born in Accra, Robertson was a hardened veteran. Turning pro in 1956, Floyd won the Ghanaian and West African Featherweight titles 2 years later and then became the [[Commonwealth Featherweight Champion]] by beating [[Percy Lewis]] in November of 1960. He defended the title 2 times before he got his first shot at a world title against Saldivar's predecessor, Sugar Ramos in the comforts of home as the fight would be held in Accra. In a brutal war, Ramos would survive a late rally from Robertson and retain the title in a hotly disputed split decision. So disputed in fact, that the Ghanian Commission first ruled the bout a "no-contest," then decided to rule Floyd as the winner and new World Champion. He had fought only once before going into the Saldivar fight. The fight started slow, a pace that suited Floyd, who scored with some good jabs and seemed unfazed by Vicente's aggressive southpaw style. But in the 2nd round, which started at the same leisurely pace, the Mexican firecracker went off as he feinted a jab to Robertson's body & landed a huge left hand that staggered the Ghanaian. Floyd tried to clinch to survive but Saldivar was hellbent on ending it, fighting out of the clinch, he attacked Robertson with both hands. A right hook sent Floyd reeling and onto the canvas at the ropes. After taking the [[mandatory eight-count]], Vicente came out to greet him with a vicious onslaught. Robertson tried to fight back, tried to survive, but Saldivar was simply too much for him and a right shovel hook would drop him again. This time, Floyd wouldn't attempt to beat the count. Vicente had successfully defended his title for the 3rd time.

	Howard Winstone may be forever linked as Saldivar's rival, but that doesn't mean he was Vicente's only rival. There was yet another man in the Featherweight division that seemed to match him, if only for a short while: Japan's [[Mitsunori Seki]]. A fellow southpaw and a former Flyweight, Seki had challenged 2 times for a world title beforehand. The first time would be against Thailand legend [[Pone Kingpetch]] in 1961 for the world Flyweight title. he gave as good as he got in that fight, but would ultimately come up short as he would lose by split decision. the 2nd time he would fight for a world title would be 3 years and 2 divisions later at Featherweight against Sugar Ramos, once again coming up short, losing via 6th round TKO(In between his two title attempts, he fought future Flyweight champion, & another legend from Thailand, [[Chartchai Chionoi]], going 1-1 with him, as well as Mexican Bantamweight contender, [[Jose Medel]], losing by 5th round KO. he also won the [[OPBF]] Featherweight title). Now he was getting yet another title shot, at El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos in Mexico City, the site where Vicente had won the title, and he was hellbent on winning it this time. Mitsunori took the lead from the opening bell, scoring with jabs and straight lefts while Saldivar scored to the body trying to slow down Seki.		Howard Winstone may be forever linked as Saldivar's rival, but that doesn't mean he was Vicente's only rival. There was yet another man in the Featherweight division that seemed to match him, if only for a short while: Japan's [[Mitsunori Seki]]. A fellow southpaw and a former Flyweight, Seki had challenged 2 times for a world title beforehand. The first time would be against Thailand legend [[Pone Kingpetch]] in 1961 for the world Flyweight title. he gave as good as he got in that fight, but would ultimately come up short as he would lose by split decision. the 2nd time he would fight for a world title would be 3 years and 2 divisions later at Featherweight against Sugar Ramos, once again coming up short, losing via 6th round TKO(In between his two title attempts, he fought future Flyweight champion, & another legend from Thailand, [[Chartchai Chionoi]], going 1-1 with him, as well as Mexican Bantamweight contender, [[Jose Medel]], losing by 5th round KO. he also won the [[OPBF]] Featherweight title). Now he was getting yet another title shot, at El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos in Mexico City, the site where Vicente had won the title, and he was hellbent on winning it this time. Mitsunori took the lead from the opening bell, scoring with jabs and straight lefts while Saldivar scored to the body trying to slow down Seki.

Themaninblack03 at 20:01, 22 March 2021

2021-03-22T20:01:52Z

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	<boxer>011594</boxer>		<boxer>011594</boxer>
	=Biography=		=Biography=
	When it comes to Mexican Featherweight Champions, the first person that usually comes to mind is [[Salvador Sanchez]], and with good reason. Sanchez was only 23 years old when he died in a car accident in 1982, and he had already made 9 defenses of his [[WBC]] Featherweight title at that time, so there's no telling what he could've been. But before Salvador, there was another Mexican Featherweight Champion~~, and it wasn't [[Ruben Olivares]]~~. He came from a Mexico City ghetto and bulldozed his way to the top of the Featherweight division. And after he had seemed to call it a day, he came back and made it to the top again. He was known as "El Zurdo de Oro"(The Golden Lefty) and his name was '''Vicente Saldivar'''.		When it comes to Mexican Featherweight Champions, the first person that usually comes to mind is [[Salvador Sanchez]], and with good reason. Sanchez was only 23 years old when he died in a car accident in 1982, and he had already made 9 defenses of his [[WBC]] Featherweight title at that time against fighters that would eventually become champions, and/or HOF-ers, so there's no telling what he could've been. But before Salvador, there was another great Mexican Featherweight Champion. He came from a Mexico City ghetto and bulldozed his way to the top of the Featherweight division. And after he had seemed to call it a day, he came back and made it to the top again. He was known as "El Zurdo de Oro"(The Golden Lefty) and his name was '''Vicente Saldivar'''.

	Born in one of the barrios on the outskirts of Mexico City, Saldivar at an early age would often get into fights both on the streets and in school, developing a reputation around the area. Fearing that Vicente would head down the wrong path, his father decided to try to guide his energy into the sport where you could get recognition and praise for fighting: Boxing. So he took Vicente into a boxing gym where he ~~would meet a veteran trainer, Jose Moreno. Saldivar~~ would fall in love with ~~boxing~~ and became a successful amateur, winning the Mexican [[Golden Gloves]] as a Bantamweight. That victory would grant the 17-year-old Saldivar a spot on the Mexican Olympic team for the 1960 Olympics in Rome(The same Olympics where a young man named [[Cassius Clay]] would win a gold medal at Light Heavyweight). His Olympic dream wouldn't last long as he would be eliminated in the first round of the tournament against [[Ernst Chervet]] of Switzerland.		Born in one of the barrios on the outskirts of Mexico City, Saldivar at an early age would often get into fights both on the streets and in school, developing a reputation around the area. Fearing that Vicente would head down the wrong path, his father decided to try to guide his energy into the sport where you could get recognition and praise for fighting: Boxing. So he took Vicente into a boxing gym where he would fall in love with the sport and became a successful amateur, winning the Mexican [[Golden Gloves]] as a Bantamweight. That victory would grant the 17-year-old Saldivar a spot on the Mexican Olympic team for the 1960 Olympics in Rome(The same Olympics where a young man named [[Cassius Clay]] would win a gold medal at Light Heavyweight). His Olympic dream wouldn't last long as he would be eliminated in the first round of the tournament against [[Ernst Chervet]] of Switzerland.

	After the Olympics, Vicente decided to make a risky decision and the year after the Olympic loss, he turned professional ~~in 1961~~ now as a Featherweight, where he would fight for the majority of his career. At 5'3"(five foot, three inches) and being a southpaw, Saldivar was as a dynamic as a fighter as there could be. He could box with the same beauty and grace as another Featherweight legend [[Willie Pep]] or could brawl with the same brutality as 3-weight champ [[Henry Armstrong]]. And just like Armstrong, Saldivar has an unusually slow heart-rate, allowing him to have an incredible amount of stamina, which would prove useful as he scored 7 KOs after the 7th round.		After the Olympics, Vicente decided to make a risky decision and the year after the Olympic loss, he turned professional, now as a Featherweight, where he would fight for the majority of his career. At 5'3"(five foot, three inches) and being a southpaw, Saldivar was as a dynamic as a fighter as there could be. He could box with the same beauty and grace as another Featherweight legend [[Willie Pep]] or could brawl with the same brutality as 3-weight champ [[Henry Armstrong]]. And just like Armstrong, Saldivar has an unusually slow heart-rate, allowing him to have an incredible amount of stamina, which would prove useful as he scored 7 KOs after the 7th round.

	In his first few years as a pro, Saldivar built up a record of 16-0 (13 KOs) before he would suffer defeat at the hands of Cuba's Baby Luis via DQ in 1962. The following year he fixed the wrong ~~and knocked~~ out Luis in the 8th round. He fought 3 more times that same year before, in 1964 he would get a chance to win the Mexican Featherweight title against Juan Ramirez, knocking him out in 2 rounds. He had defended the title once when he got an opportunity he couldn't refuse, a fight with future Lightweight Champion, [[Ismael Laguna]] of Panama, with the winner receiving a shot at the title.		In his first few years as a pro, Saldivar built up a record of 16-0 (13 KOs) before he would suffer defeat at the hands of Cuba's Baby Luis via DQ in 1962. The following year he fixed the wrong by knocking out Luis in the 8th round of their rematch. He fought 3 more times that same year before, in 1964 he would get a chance to win the Mexican Featherweight title against Juan Ramirez, knocking him out in 2 rounds. He had defended the title once when he got an opportunity he couldn't refuse, a fight with future Lightweight Champion, [[Ismael Laguna]] of Panama, with the winner receiving a shot at the title.

	Laguna was from a family of nine and was born in a fishing village near Colon, Panama. Like many other people from these poor areas, Ismael would sell newspapers and shine shoes to make a living. He soon learned that boxing was his thing and after a few amateur fights, he turned pro in 1960 at the age of 17. By the time he faced Vicente, his record was at 34-1 and had won the Panamanian Featherweight title. In the battle of 2 Featherweight prospects, Saldivar would take a 10 round decision. With the victory, Saldivar had received his shot at the world title, and so that same year, he would fight the then WBC and [[WBA Featherweight Champion]], Cuban-Mexican [[Sugar Ramos]].		Laguna was from a family of nine and was born in a fishing village near Colon, Panama. Like many other people from these poor areas, Ismael would sell newspapers and shine shoes to make a living. He soon learned that boxing was his thing and after a few amateur fights, he turned pro in 1960 at the age of 17. By the time he faced Vicente, his record was at 34-1 and had won the Panamanian Featherweight title. In the battle of 2 Featherweight prospects, Saldivar would take a 10 round decision. With the victory, Saldivar had received his shot at the world title, and so that same year, he would fight the then WBC and [[WBA Featherweight Champion]], Cuban-Mexican [[Sugar Ramos]].

	Born as Ultiminio Ramos Zaquiera in Matanzas, Cuba, Ramos was a natural with ring savvy, skills to pay the bills, and a hell of a right hand to boot. He turned pro in 1957 and won the Cuban Featherweight Championship 3 years later. But during this time, ~~revolution~~ was ~~happening in Cuba~~ and when Fidel Castro came to power, Ramos decided to leave Cuba ~~and fled~~ to Mexico City. It was in Mexico that Ramos would build up his historic career. He fought 14 times when he was given his shot at the Featherweight crown ~~against then-champion~~, [[Davey Moore]] ~~in Los Angeles~~. The fight was part of a tripleheader at Dodger Stadium. In the main event, Mexico's [[Battling Torres]] was knocked out in the first round by [[Roberto Cruz]] of The Philippines for the [[WBA]] Junior Welterweight Championship, and in the first championship match of the card, fellow Cuban [[Luis Manuel Rodriguez]] won the Welterweight Championship from [[Emile Griffith]] of the Virgin Islands, Ramos vs Moore was sandwiched in between the two. Moore won the first 2 rounds, but after that, the fight turned into a brutal war~~. During~~ the ~~war~~, Ramos started to take control ~~of the fight~~. Then in the 10th round, Ultiminio hit Davey with a left hook, knocking him on the seat of his pants, his head hitting the bottom rope of the ring. Moore would get up, only to meet an onslaught from the Cuban-Mexican. The bell rang just as Moore was halfway out of the ring. After the round ended, Moore's trainer told the referee that Moore couldn't continue, and with that, Ultiminio "Sugar" Ramos was the new Featherweight Champion of the world		Born as Ultiminio Ramos Zaquiera in Matanzas, Cuba, Ramos was a natural-born fighter with ring savvy, skills to pay the bills, and a hell of a right hand to boot. He turned pro in 1957 and won the Cuban Featherweight Championship 3 years later. But during this time, the Cuban Revolution was just about wrapping up, and when Fidel Castro came to power, Ramos decided to leave Cuba, fleeing to Mexico City. It was in Mexico that Ramos would build up his historic career. He fought 14 times and build his record up to 38-1-3 (29 KOs), when he was given his shot at the Featherweight crown, at the time being held by [[Davey Moore]]. The fight was part of a tripleheader at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. In the main event, Mexico's [[Battling Torres]] was knocked out in the first round by [[Roberto Cruz]] of The Philippines for the [[WBA]] Junior Welterweight Championship, and in the first championship match of the card, fellow Cuban [[Luis Manuel Rodriguez]] won the Welterweight Championship from [[Emile Griffith]] of the Virgin Islands, Ramos vs Moore was sandwiched in between the two. Moore won the first 2 rounds, but after that, the fight turned into a brutal war, and as the fight wore on, Ramos started to take control. Then in the 10th round, Ultiminio hit Davey with a left hook, knocking him on the seat of his pants, his head hitting the bottom rope of the ring. Moore would get up, only to meet an onslaught from the Cuban-Mexican. The bell rang just as Moore was halfway out of the ring. After the round ended, Moore's trainer told the referee that Moore couldn't continue, and with that, Ultiminio "Sugar" Ramos was the new Featherweight Champion of the world

	But with the victory came a tragedy. After returning to his dressing room and talking to the press for a while, Davey Moore suddenly collapsed. Two days after the fight, he passed away from his injuries. For boxing, it would be the 2nd major ring fatality as the year before [[Benny (Kid) Paret]] died from his injuries from his 3rd fight with Emile Griffith. ~~For~~ Ramos, it ~~was~~ second time an opponent had died after fighting him. 4 years earlier Ramos had knocked out Jose "Tigre" Blanco, ~~Blanco~~ would also die afterward from his injuries. Davey Moore's death was devastating, but Ramos decided that life goes on. Over the next two years, Ultiminio fought 6 times, 3 of them being title defenses. Vicente would be defense #4. The fight would be 15 rounds, at El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos in Mexico City. Most experts chose Ramos to win the fight, believing Ultiminio's experience would win the day over Saldivar's raw aggression and power. However, in an epic and thrilling war between the 2 men fighting out of Mexico City, Saldivar surprised many by taking the initiative and wearing down the Cuban-Mexican with his vicious body attack. It was simply too much for Ramos, and after the 11th round, Ultimino retired on his stool. '''Vicente Saldivar''' was now the new WBA and [[WBC Featherweight Champion]].		But with the victory came a tragedy. After returning to his dressing room and talking to the press for a while, Davey Moore suddenly collapsed. Two days after the fight, he passed away from his injuries. For boxing, it would be the 2nd major ring fatality as the year before [[Benny (Kid) Paret]] died from his injuries from his 3rd fight with Emile Griffith. It was also a major hit for Ramos, as it marked the second time an opponent had died after fighting him. 4 years earlier Ramos had knocked out Jose "Tigre" Blanco, who would also die afterward from his injuries. Davey Moore's death was devastating, but Ramos decided that life goes on. Over the next two years, Ultiminio fought 6 times, 3 of them being title defenses. Vicente would be defense #4. The fight would be 15 rounds, at El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos in Mexico City. Most experts chose Ramos to win the fight, believing Ultiminio's experience would win the day over Saldivar's raw aggression and power. However, in an epic and thrilling war between the 2 men fighting out of Mexico City, Saldivar surprised many by taking the initiative and wearing down the Cuban-Mexican with his vicious body attack. It was simply too much for Ramos, and after the 11th round, Ultimino retired on his stool. '''Vicente Saldivar''' was now the new WBA and [[WBC Featherweight Champion]].

	Strangely following the victory over Ramos, Saldivar's next fight would be a defense of the Mexican Featherweight title which he still held against Delfino Rosales. Rosales almost scored an upset as he dropped Vicente in the 1st round and had him in trouble for almost the entire fight. But Saldivar persevered and in the 11th round, behind on the scorecards, Vicente caught his man as he stopped him at 2:05 of the 11th. Following that fight, Saldivar vacated the Mexican title and would start his lengthy first reign as world champion. For his first defense, he decided to introduce himself to the American stage as he would fly out to California and take on the undefeated Mexican-American, [[Raul Rojas]].		Strangely following the victory over Ramos, Saldivar's next fight would be a defense of the Mexican Featherweight title which he still held against Delfino Rosales. Rosales almost scored an upset as he dropped Vicente in the 1st round and had him in trouble for almost the entire fight. But Saldivar persevered and in the 11th round, behind on the scorecards, Vicente caught his man as he stopped him at 2:05 of the 11th. Following that fight, Saldivar vacated the Mexican title and would start his lengthy first reign as world champion. For his first defense, he decided to introduce himself to the American stage as he would fly out to California and take on the undefeated Mexican-American, [[Raul Rojas]].

Themaninblack03 at 21:10, 2 December 2020

2020-12-02T21:10:06Z

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	For Jofre's next two fights, he would be taking his title on the road to Asia, with his first opponent being the southpaw Japanese slugger, [Katsutoshi Aoki]]. Having made his debut at the beginning of the decade, Aoki built up a record of 33-1-1 (with the one loss being at the hands of Hiroyuki Ebihara) and had stamped hid golden ticket to the title by defeating Eder's former opponent, Piero Rollo. From the first bell, Katsutoshi took the fight to the champion (who may have struggled to make the 118 pound limit based on reports), outworking him, pinning him against the ropes, moving in from different angles, and furiously throwing lefts and rights. Work in Progress		For Jofre's next two fights, he would be taking his title on the road to Asia, with his first opponent being the southpaw Japanese slugger, [[Katsutoshi Aoki]]. Having made his debut at the beginning of the decade, Aoki built up a record of 33-1-1 (with the one loss being at the hands of Hiroyuki Ebihara) and had stamped hid golden ticket to the title by defeating Eder's former opponent, Piero Rollo. From the first bell, Katsutoshi took the fight to the champion (who may have struggled to make the 118 pound limit based on reports), outworking him, pinning him against the ropes, moving in from different angles, and furiously throwing lefts and rights. Work in Progress

Themaninblack03 at 20:44, 20 November 2020

2020-11-20T20:44:46Z

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	After two non-title fights, Jofre travelled to Venezuela to defend the title his title against [[Ramon Arias]]. Arias had a bit of history behind him as 3 years earlier, in 1958, Arias had been the first Venezuelan to fight for a world title, losing a decision to ironically, the first Argentine to win a world title, Flyweight legend, [[Pascual Perez]]. Ramon was reportedly in the best form of career, giving a good account of himself in the fight by managing to maintain a high pace. It was Eder's body blows that were ultimately his undoing, getting dropped twice in the 7th round and being unable to beat the count after the second knockdown, resulting in a 7th round knockout victory for the defending champion. After one more non-title fight, Jofre went on an absolute tear in the division. His next fight would be against the undefeated and former Olympic Bronze Medalist, [[Johnny Caldwell]]. Ironically, Caldwell was recognized by the [[New York State Athletic Commission]], the BBBofC, and The EBU as Bantamweight Champion after beating former champion, [[Alphonse Halimi]]. With Eder being recognized as Champion by the NBA and [[The Ring Magazine]], the fight would determine who was the true king of the Bantamweight division. After a feeling out round that was won by the Englishmen, Jofre battered the poor boy. Drawing blood from his nose in the third, and knocking him down in the fifth, before finally, making his corner throw in the towel in the 10th. With the victory, Jofre was finally recognized the world over as the king of Bantamweights.		After two non-title fights, Jofre travelled to Venezuela to defend the title his title against [[Ramon Arias]]. Arias had a bit of history behind him as 3 years earlier, in 1958, Arias had been the first Venezuelan to fight for a world title, losing a decision to ironically, the first Argentine to win a world title, Flyweight legend, [[Pascual Perez]]. Ramon was reportedly in the best form of career, giving a good account of himself in the fight by managing to maintain a high pace. It was Eder's body blows that were ultimately his undoing, getting dropped twice in the 7th round and being unable to beat the count after the second knockdown, resulting in a 7th round knockout victory for the defending champion. After one more non-title fight, Jofre went on an absolute tear in the division. His next fight would be against the undefeated and former Olympic Bronze Medalist, [[Johnny Caldwell]]. Ironically, Caldwell was recognized by the [[New York State Athletic Commission]], the BBBofC, and The EBU as Bantamweight Champion after beating former champion, [[Alphonse Halimi]]. With Eder being recognized as Champion by the NBA and [[The Ring Magazine]], the fight would determine who was the true king of the Bantamweight division. After a feeling out round that was won by the Englishmen, Jofre battered the poor boy. Drawing blood from his nose in the third, and knocking him down in the fifth, before finally, making his corner throw in the towel in the 10th. With the victory, Jofre was finally recognized the world over as the king of Bantamweights.

	Four months later, Eder would return to California, only this time to the Bay Area, where he would face [[Herman Marques]]. Originally from Sonora, Mexico, Marques fought out of Stockton, California and had won the North American Bantamweight title. Herman didn't give Jofre an easy night, staggering the champion twice in rounds 8 & 9 and being ahead of the scorecards before getting caught with a right uppercut in 10th; Eder then dropped in him in the neutral corner. Marques got up at three, and Jofre pounced on him and dropped him again with a left hook. The referee didn't bother counting. Another four months later, an old friend came knocking on Eder's door. In the time between their first match to the second, Jose Medel had gone on an tear, having fought 10 times in those 2 years with the only blemish being a draw, and 5 of those victories being knockouts. Among the victories was a win over Herman Marques for the North American Bantamweight title, and a 5th round knockout over a young Mitsunori Seki. Many predicted that the rematch (Held in Jofre's hometown of Sao Paulo) would be another barn burner, but instead the fight followed a very different ebb and flow, one that was much more one-sided than the last. After feeling each other out for the first few rounds, Jofre began to pick Jose apart, slipping his punches, anticipating his counter shots, and threw shots meant to hurt with little opening he saw. Needless to say, Eder dominated the fight, capping it all off was knocking Medel down near the end of the fifth, and then knocking him out in sixth with a hard right to the chin. Work in Progress		Four months later, Eder would return to California, only this time to the Bay Area, where he would face [[Herman Marques]]. Originally from Sonora, Mexico, Marques fought out of Stockton, California and had won the North American Bantamweight title. Herman didn't give Jofre an easy night, staggering the champion twice in rounds 8 & 9 and being ahead of the scorecards before getting caught with a right uppercut in 10th; Eder then dropped in him in the neutral corner. Marques got up at three, and Jofre pounced on him and dropped him again with a left hook. The referee didn't bother counting. Another four months later, an old friend came knocking on Eder's door. In the time between their first match to the second, Jose Medel had gone on an tear, having fought 10 times in those 2 years with the only blemish being a draw, and 5 of those victories being knockouts. Among the victories was a win over Herman Marques for the North American Bantamweight title, and a 5th round knockout over a young Mitsunori Seki. Many predicted that the rematch (Held in Jofre's hometown of Sao Paulo) would be another barn burner, but instead the fight followed a very different ebb and flow, one that was much more one-sided than the last. After feeling each other out for the first few rounds, Jofre began to pick Jose apart, slipping his punches, anticipating his counter shots, and threw shots meant to hurt with little opening he saw. Needless to say, Eder dominated the fight, capping it all off was knocking Medel down near the end of the fifth, and then knocking him out in sixth with a hard right to the chin.


			For Jofre's next two fights, he would be taking his title on the road to Asia, with his first opponent being the southpaw Japanese slugger, [Katsutoshi Aoki]]. Having made his debut at the beginning of the decade, Aoki built up a record of 33-1-1 (with the one loss being at the hands of Hiroyuki Ebihara) and had stamped hid golden ticket to the title by defeating Eder's former opponent, Piero Rollo. From the first bell, Katsutoshi took the fight to the champion (who may have struggled to make the 118 pound limit based on reports), outworking him, pinning him against the ropes, moving in from different angles, and furiously throwing lefts and rights. Work in Progress