1980+ World Champions

[Crimson]

JULY FIGHT REPORTS (continued)Issue 4; July 1980 ROUND 1

Featherweights
17# Paul Ferreri 63-7-5 (17) Australia vs. 19# Ruben Olivares 87-10-2 (76) Mexico (end)
Venue: Workers Club; Revesby, Australia
Date: Sat 28 June 1980
Television: Televised in Australia
Both fighters were fighting out of the 118 pound weight class, where they have done their best career work. Many were looking forward to this clash between Olivares, who has secured his place as one of the greatest fighters of all time over the course of his lengthy career, and Paul Ferreri. The Australian has done very well against domestic opposition, but lost in his biggest two fights against International competition. The first was when Carlos Zarate stopped him in 9 rounds, back in 1976 for the WBC bantamweight title, and the second was a 1978 decision loss against Welshman Johnny Owen.

The winner of this battle was hopeful of a future clash against a top 10 contender, which could then lead to a challenge of Eusebio Pedroza for the Featherweight World Championship. Olivares fought Pedroza in 1979 and was stopped in round 12.

Round 1: Olivares comes out chugging, but is unable to land with any of his bombs against the defense of the southpaw Ferreri. (Ferreri 12-6; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Aurelio Barrios: 10-10 Even)

Round 2: Boxing perfectly, Ferreri was too fast for Olivares and continued to beat him to the punch. The punches of Olivares were a half step behind Ferreri. By the rounds end the right eye of Olivares was badly swollen at 32% closed. (Ferreri 52-0; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Aurelio Barrios: 10-9 Ferreri; 20-19 Ferreri)

Round 3: Following the instructions of his trainer, Ambrose Palmer, Ferreri continued to utilize his jab, counter the Olivares misses, and tie him up when he got on the inside. A big hook by Olivares finally landed and hurt his Australian foe. (Olivares 30-18; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Aurelio Barrios: 10-9 Olivares; 29-29 Even)

Round 4: Ferreri fighting a very defensive round floors Olivares with what appeared to be an intentional headbutt. To the shock of all in attendance the referee (judgment 24 and “lenient” on fouls), disqualifies Ferreri on the spot!!!!!! (Even 18-18)
Ruben Olivares Wdq4 Paul Ferreri

Post-fight: The Ferreri camp was highly upset and disappointed with the disqualification call and pointed out that he had received no prior warnings for headbutting. The camp of Olivares pointed out that Ferreri was strongly warned in round 3 for the foul of “holding and hitting”. Managers of Olivares said they would be willing to grant Ferreri a rematch and if the money was right would be willing to return to Australia to do it as early as next month.

Undercard
· JM15 2# Rocky Mattioli 60-5-2 (47) Australia KO3 Alex Temelko 10-3-1 (7) Australia (pre) (Rocky Mattioli won the vacant AUS JM title with brutal dismantling of the vastly less experienced Alex Temelko. More importantly for Mattiolli is that he has signed a contract to challenge Maurice Hope for the JM World Championship this July in London, England. Mattioli has been looking for a rematch with Hope since losing to him byTKO9 last year in Italy.)
· LW15 AUS Billy Mulholland 35-9-2 (2) Australia (post) KO13 Barry Michael 28-9-2 (7) Australia
(Billy Mulholland surprisingly knocked out AUS LW champion, Barry Michael, in round 13. It was only the second KO win for Mulholland in 46 professional fights.)
· JM6 Ken Salisbury 10-0 (3) Australia (beg) Wu6 Ivan Terry 9-6-1 (7) Australia (pre)
· FW4 Lulu Villaverde 3-0 (0) Philippines (beg) Wm4 Ricky Duggan 4-1-2 (1) Australia (beg) JL
· MW4 Phil Kating 1-0 (1) Kanatua (beg) KO1 Gary Simpson 0-3 (0) Australia (beg)

Photo 1: Workers Club; Revesby, Australia
Photo 2: Paul Ferreri
Photo 3: Ruben Olivares

Paul Ferreri vs. Carlos Zarate
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uoym1lP1P4A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QrR4WiGzaE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HZ9Lngb6Lw&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFmzTTxooBM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do0I8EM2vz4&feature=related
Ruben Olivares documentary
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fmt0wpgNGf0&translated=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pw5iand16lk&feature=fvw
Ruben Olivares vs. Lionel Rose
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOl5aoDEq6Y&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhUuZtgjdns&feature=related
Ruben Olivares vs. Churcho Castillo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qctouyEBWg&feature=related
Ruben Olivares vs. Danny Lopez
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RukLy_bGSY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YDFiG6G76w&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WB5h5Znass&feature=related
Ruben Olivares vs. Bobby Chacon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiTvwLaU4L4&feature=related
Ruben Olivares vs. Rafael Herrera
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvFZvrn70S0&feature=related

[Crimson]

JULY FIGHT REPORTS (continued)Issue 4; July 1980 ROUND 1

Middleweights
12# Marcos Geraldo 45-17 (27) Mexico (end) vs. 10# Sammy NeSmith 34-4 (30) IN (end)
Venue: Arena Naucalpan; Mexico City, Mexico
Date: Sat 28 June 1980
Television: CBS
Televised from Mexico on CBS, the power punching Sammy NeSmith of Indiana was expected to provide an exciting fight against long time middleweight contender Marcos Geraldo. The best days of Geraldo appeared to be in the past and at this point in his career he had become a gate keeper, separating the top middleweights from the rest of the pack.

In previous encounters with top ranked competition the chin of NeSmith had failed him (byKO10 Tony Chiaverini, byKO3 Gary Guidan, and byKO5 Sugar Ray Seales). However, with 30 KO’s in his 34 fights, the Indianapolis fighter had proven he knows how to punch. Last month he vaulted himself to a 10# world ranking with an upset KO win over the highly regarded contender Ronnie Harris.

Round 1: NeSmith came right after the slow starting Geraldo and landed several decent scoring blows. (NeSmith 33-12; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Lee A. Crooks: NeSmith 1-0)

Round 2: NeSmith was looking to land a crushing shot, but mostly
ate counter punches from Geraldo. (Geraldo 24-13; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Lee A. Crooks: Even; 1-0-1 NeSmith)

Round 3: Both fighters were struggling to land punches, but when a punch did land, NeSmith’s were the more damaging by far. (NeSmith 13-11; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Lee A. Crooks: NeSmith; 2-0-1 NeSmith)

Round 4: Crowd growing restless with the lack of activity by Geraldo, and overall lack of action in the fight. (NeSmith 21-12; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Lee A. Crooks: NeSmith; 3-0-1 NeSmith)

Round 5: A good round for Geraldo, who has finally warmed up and broken a sweat.
(34-14; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Lee A. Crooks: Geraldo; 3-1-1 NeSmith)

Round 6: An overhand right from NeSmith put Geraldo down for a 6 count.
(NeSmith 34-12; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Lee A. Crooks: NeSmith; 4-1-1NeSmith)

Round 7: Geraldo was put down again and on rubbery legs for the rest of the round. (NeSmith 26-0; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Lee A. Crooks: NeSmith; 5-1-1 NeSmith)

Round 8: Both fighters were dead tired, with little to separate one from the other during the round. (NeSmith 12-11; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Lee A. Crooks: NeSmith; 6-1-1 NeSmith)

Round 9: Geraldo was having a good round until he fell into a NeSmith uppercut, fell face first, and was counted out at 1:26.
Sammy NeSmith KO9 Marcos Geraldo

Undercard
· FY6 Jorge Cano 8-2-1 (3) Mexico (pre) Du4 Willy Salazar 2-0-1 (0) Mexico (beg)
· FW4 Javier Marquez 2-0 (0) Mexico (beg) Wm4 Eder Yam 1-3 (1) Mexico (beg) vs.
· JL4 Mauro Gutierrez 4-0 (1) Mexico (beg) Wu4 Mauricio Beltran 0-2 (0) Mexico (beg)
· LW4 Efrain Flores 2-2-2 (1) Mexico (beg) Dm4 Victor Nava 0-1-1 (0) Mexico (beg)
· LH4 Ariel Fabella 2-3 (1) Mexico (beg) KO2 Robert Robitalle 0-1 (0) CA (beg)

Photo 1: Arena Naucalpan; Mexico City, Mexico
Photo 2: Sammy NeSmith
Photo 3: Marcos Geraldo

Marcos Geraldo vs. Thomas Hearns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYAlxnqVewM&feature=related
Marcos Geraldo vs. Marvin Hagler
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Apt3xoPdWmU&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIi74FND3aI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raRT6TFO7I0&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raRT6TFO7I0&feature=related

[Crimson]

4) JUNE FIGHT RESULTS (Issue 4; July 1980 ROUND 1)

HEAVYWEIGHT
· HW12 7# Bernardo Mercado 28-2 (24) Columbia TKO2 Domingo D’Elia 24-2-3 (11) Argentina
· HW10 21# Joe Frazier 34-4 (29) PA (end) KO4 22# Stan Ward 12-4-1 (5) CA
· HW10 16# Eddie Lopez 19-2-2 (17) CA TKO9 Mike Koranicki 22-8-2 (13) OH (post)
· HW 19# George Foreman 47-2 (46) TX TKO1 23# Marty Monroe 22-2-1 (14) CA
· 1# USBA Mike Weaver 24-9 (16) CA (end) Wu12 Chuck Wepner 36-16-2 (18) NJ (end)
· 2# Gerry Cooney 25-0 (21) NY vs. Ron Stander 38-18-2 (28) NE (end)
· 5# Leon Spinks 11-2-2 (7) MO (pre) Wu10 Randy Cobb 17-1 (16) TX
· 17# George Chaplin 16-2-2 (8) MD vs. Duane Bobick 49-4 (42) MN (end)
· 11# Leroy Jones 25-1-1 (12) CO Wu10 John Denis 36-6-1 (17) MA
· HW10 Jerry Quarry 52-8-4 (32) CA (end) TKO3 Jody Ballard 26-13 (16) TX (post)
· HW10 James Quick Tillis 17-0 (15) OK KO4 Abraham Meneses 5-11 (5) Mexico (pre)
· HW10 Mate Parlov 26-3-2 (13) Yugoslavia KO4 HW Big Tuna Jordan 12-46-2 (1) MI (end)
· HW10 SPA Felipe Rodriguez 18-3-1 (11) Spain Wu10 Ali Lukasa 7-3 (5) Spain (beg)
· HW10 Al Migliorato 37-4-2 (32) FL (end) Wu10 Randy Stephens 10-9 (5) TX (end)
· HW8 Scott Frank 14-0 (10) NJ (pre) Wu8 HW Rodell Dupree 11-13-4 NJ (end)
· HW8 Mario Baruzzi 39-13 (25) Italy (end) KO3 Austin Okoye 8-8 (5) England (pre)
· HW8 Greg Sorrentino 19-5-1 (2) NY Wu8 Rahim Muhammad 6-6 (1) NY (pre)
· HW8 Jimmy Abbott 17-1-1 (13) South Africa Wu8 Ishaq Hussein 14-10 (5) England (end)
· HW8 Charly Graf 15-3-1 (10) Germany Wu8 Horst Lang 11-40-3 (2) Germany (end)
· HW8 Alfredo Evangelista Spain 35-5-2 (27) Spain (post) KO5 Fausto Constantino 2-11-2 (0) Italy (pre)
· HW8 Mircea Simon 13-1-1 (11) CA/Romania (pre) TKO1 Henry Hearns 6-3 (4) CA (beg)
· HW8 Marty Cappasso 13-1 (7) PA (pre) TKO2 Randy Mack 12-4-2 (7) PA (pre)
· HW6 Mark Gastineau 10-0 (9) AZ (pre) TKO3 Gary Clancy 1-1 (1) NY (beg)
· HW6 Jeff Podgorski 9-1-1 (6) NV (pre) Wu6 HW Lee Holloman 1-18-2 (0) TX (end)
· HW6 Ron Harry 1-3 (1) FL (beg) TKO4-cut Mark Gastineau 10-1 (9) AZ (pre)
· HW6 Marvis Frazier 5-0 (3) PA (beg) KO1 Ali Allen 6-4 (2) NJ (beg)
· HW4 Sylvester Stallone 2-0 (2) PA (beg) KO2 Joey Little 0-5 (0) FL (beg)

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
· LH Bobby Cassidy 60-16-3 (28) NY (end) TKO4 Matt Ross 15-6 (8) MA (end)
· LH10 James Salerno 25-1 (16) FL KO8 Frank Kolovart 32-23-2 (16) OH (end)
· LH10 Christy Elliot 26-6-2 (18) Ireland/NJ (post) KO3 LH Manny Freitas 20-27-2 (17) MA (end)

MIDDLEWEIGHTS
· 2# NABF Dwight Davison 29-0 (22) MI KO11 17# David Love 32-18 (12) CA (end)
· MW10 10# Sammy NeSmith 35-4 (31) IN (end) KO9 12# Marcos Geraldo 45-18 (27) Mexico (end)
· MW8 Roberto Manoni 16-2 (6) Italy Wu8 Nelson Bosso 1-3-1 (0) Zimbabwe (beg)
· MW12 Fulgencio Obelmejias 26-0 (24) Venezuela Wu12 Rodrigo Valdez 62-9-2 (41) Columbia (post)
· MW12 8# ARG Hugo Corro 48-3-1 (25) Argentina KO1 Ricardo Arce 17-4-3 (9) Argentina (post)
· MW10 Danny Long 18-0 (12) MA KO8 Tyrone Phelps 13-34-3 (5) NY (end)
· MW8 Norberto Cabrera 23-9-7 (14) Argentina KO4 Gil Rosario 5-7 (1) NJ (pre)
· MW8 Josef Kossmann 5-18-4 (0) Germany (end) Ws8 Rudiger Bitterling 10-1 (3) Germany (pre)

Jr. MIDDLEWEIGHTS
· JM15 2# Rocky Mattioli 60-5-2 (47) Australia KO3 Alex Temelko 10-3-1 (7) Australia (pre)
· JM10 Gary Guiden 30-5 (24) IN KO3 19# Andoni Amana 35-2 (22) Spain
· JM 25# Rocky Fratto 24-0 (10) NY KO8 12# Nick Ortiz 21-9 (19) CT (end)
· JM10 Oscar Albarado 52-7-1 (40) TX TKO8 Luigi Minchillo 28-2 (18) Italy
· JM10 Sean Mannion 16-2 (6) MA Wu10 Steve Michalerya 15-9 (6) PA (end)
· JM10 Eckard Dagge 24-4-1 (16) Germany TKO3 Joel Bonnetz 31-12-1 (8) France (end)
· JM8 David Braxton 13-0 (7) MI (pre) KO2 Frank Lawson 4-6-1 (4) TX (pre)

WELTERWEIGHTS
· WW12 AFR Minoun Mohatar 33-24-6 (18) Morocco Ds12 14# SAF Harold Volbrecht 22-3-2 (4) South Africa (post)
· WW8 Ronnie Gibbons 21-3-1 (15) NY (post) Wu8 Frank Minnigan 5-17 (2) NY (end)
· WW8 Jimmy Heair 81-20-1 (52) TN Wu8 Bruce Strauss 32-15-2 (23) OK (end)

Jr. WELTERWEIGHTS
· JW World ChampionWBCAntonio Cervantes 87-10-3 (41) Columbia (post) Ws15 1# WBA Saoul Mamby 27-13-5 (13) New York
· JW 4# OPBF Sang-Hyun Kim 32-3-1 (19) Korea Wu12 10# Saensak Muangsurin 15-5 (12) Thailand
· JW10 Lawrence Austin 24-9-2 (8) Australia TKO10-cut Hector Hernandez 37-7-4 (17) Argentina
· JW8 Willie Rodriguez 23-7 (7) PA Wu8 Dave Bolden 6-20 (3) NY (end)
· JW8 Kristian Hoydahl 19-6-1 (9) Norway (post) Wu8 Larry Stanton 23-13-2 (12) NY

LIGHTWEIGHTS
· LW10 2# Johnny Lira 19-1-1 (12) IL TKO2 Simmie Black 19-78-4 (4) AR (end)
· LW10 Jose Antonio Garcia 15-3-2 (9) Spain Wu10 Andre Holyk 34-7-3 (14) France
· LW10 Frankie Moultrie 15-4 (6) FL KO4 LW Jean LaPointe 22-10-2 (12) Canada (end)
· LW15 AUS Billy Mulholland 35-9-2 (2) Australia (post) KO13 Barry Michael 28-9-2 (7) Australia
· LW8 Domenick Monaco 25-8-2 (13) NY Wu8 Frankie Moltrie 14-4 (5) FL

Jr. LIGHTWEIGHTS
· JL8 Pedro Gutierrez 14-3-4 (3) Argentina Wu8 Alain Le Fol 15-20-3 France

FEATHERWEIGHTS
· FW10 19# Ruben Olivares 88-10-2 (76) Mexico (end) Wdq4 17# Paul Ferreri AUS 63-8-5 (17) Australia
· FW10 Pedro Jimenez 51-8-3 (26) Spain Wu10 Nestor Jimenez 68-16-2 (22) Columbia (end)

Jr. FEATHERWEIGHTS
None

BANTAMWEIGHTS
None

FLYWEIGHTS
· FY10 Prudencio Cardona 26-5 (15) Columbia Wu10 Peter Mathebula 29-6 (14) South Africa
· FY10 Venice Borkhorsor 49-8 (36) Thailand TKO2 Masaru Fuji 16-15-1 (3) Japan (end)

FIGHTER of the MONTH: ANTONIO CERVANTES
Antonio Cervantes win over Saoul Mamby wasn’t without controversy, but unifying the WBA and WBC titles, while defending his Jr. Welterweight World Championship was not an easy feat. Cervantes jumped out to an early lead on the scorecards and had to rise from a knockdown in round 12. Cervantes then did enough down the stretch to get the win. Showing the fighting spirit of true Champion, Cervantes agreed immediately in the ring to grant Mamby another shot at the World Championship. It was tough fight for Cervantes, but he pulled out the win and Fighter of the Month honors along with it.

Photo 1: Antonio Cervantes in action.

[Crimson]

5) WORLD RANKINGS (Issue 4; July 1980 ROUND 1)

“ROUND 1” WORLD RaNKings July 1, 1980

HEAVYWEIGHTS
WORLD CHAMPION
LARRY HOLMES Easton, PA WBC WBA
1. Mike Weaver Los Angeles, CA USBA
2. Gerry Cooney Huntington, NY
3. Gerrie Coetzee South Africa
4. Leon Spinks St. Louis, MO
5. Bernardo Mercado Columbia SAM
6. Michael Dokes Akron, OH
7. Earnie Shavers Warren, OH
8. John Gardner England BRI, EBU
9. Muhammad Ali Lexington, KY
10. Scott LeDoux Crosby-Ironton, MN


11. Leroy Jones Denver, CO NABF
12. George Foreman Houston, TX
13. Trevor Berbick Canada CAN
14. Joe Frazier Philadelphia, PA
15. John Tate Knoxville, TN
16. Eddie Lopez Los Angeles, CA
17. George Chaplin Baltimore, MD
18. Ossie Ocasio Puerto Rico
19. Greg Page Louisville, KY
20. Pinklon Thomas Pontiac, MI

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
WORLD CHAMPION
MATTHEW SAAD MUHAMMAD Philadelphia, PA WBC WBA
1. Eddie M. Muhammad Brooklyn, NY
2. Jerry Martin Philadelphia, PA USBA, NABF
3. Victor Galindez Argentina
4. Marvin Johnson Indianapolis, IN
5. James Scott Rahway, NJ
6. Lotte Mwale Zambia BRI
7. Michael Spinks St. Louis, MO
8. Marvin Camel Missoula, MT
9. Yaqui Lopez Stockton, CA
10. Mike Rossman Turnersville, NJ


11. Jesse Burnett Los Angeles, CA
12. John Conteh England
13. Mustapha Wasaijia Uganda/Denmark
14. Carlos DeLeon Puerto Rico
15. Richie Kates Bayonne, NJ
16. Hocine Tafer France
17. Eddie Davis Hempstead, NY
18. Rudi Koopmans Netherlands
19. Bobby Cassidy Levittown, NY
20. James Salerno Orlando, FL


MIDDLEWEIGHTS
WORLD CHAMPION
MARVELOUS MARVIN HAGLER Brockton, MA WBC WBA
1. Alan Minter England
2. Dwight Davison Detroit, MI NABF
3. Mustafa Hamsho Syria
4. Vinnie Curto Boston, MA USBA
5. Curtis Parker Philadelphia, PA
6. Sammy NeSmith Indianapolis, IN
7. Fulgencio Obelmijias Venezuela SAM
8. Hugo Corro Argentina ARG
9. Vito Antuofermo Brooklyn, NY
10. Kevin Finnegan England EBU


11. Ronnie Harris Akron, OH
12. Mike Colbert Portland, OR
13. Tony Sibon England BRI
14. Norberto Cabrera Argentina
15. Wilford Scypion Port Arthur, TX
16. Ray Seales Tacoma, WA
17. Loucif Hamani France
18. Gratien Tonna Tunisia
19. Marcos Geraldo Mexico
20. Danny Long Boston, MA


Jr. MIDDLEWEIGHTS
WORLD CHAMPION
MAURICE HOPE England WBCWBA
1. Rocky Mattioli Australia AUS
2. Ayub Kalule Uganda
3. Sandy Torres Puerto Rico USBA, PUR
4. Tony Chiaverini Kansas City, MO
5. Kenny Bristol Guyana BRI
6. Mashahi Kudo Japan
7. Scott Clark Orlando, FL NABF
8. Tyrone Rackley Phoenix, AZ
9. Marijan Benes Yugoslavia EBU
10. Steve Delgado Las Vegas, NV


11. Rocky Mosley Jr. Las Vegas, NV
12. Rocky Fratto Syracuse, NY
13. Walter Gomez Argentina
14. Zeferino Gonzalez Mexico
15. Carlos Herrera Argentina
16. Tadashi Mihara Japan OPBF
17. Gary Guiden Muncie, IN
18. Babs McCarthy Stockton, CA
19. Steve Gregory Columbus, OH
20. Charlie Weir South Africa


WELTERWEIGHTS
WORLD CHAMPION
ROBERTO DURAN Panama WBC WBA
1. Sugar Ray Leonard Palmer Park, MD
2. Wilfred Benitez Puerto Rico
3. Thomas Hearns Detroit, MI USBA
4. Pipino Cuevas Mexico
5. Randy Shields N. Hollywood, CA NABF
6. Andy Price Los Angeles, CA
7. Pete Ranzany Sacramento, CA
8. Adolph Viruet Hoboken, NJ
9. Jeff Malcolm Australia AUS
10. Larry Bonds Denver, CO


11. Jorgen Hansen Denmark
12. Josef Nsubuga Uganda
13. Harold Weston Jr. New York, NY
14. Clint Jackson Nashville, TN
15. Luis Resto Bronx, NY
16. Johnny Turner Brooklyn, NY
17. Greg Stephens San Diego, CA
18. David Green England
19. Colin Jones Wales BRI
20. Minoun Mohatar Morocco AFR


Jr. WELTERWEIGHTS
WORLD CHAMPION
ANTONIO CERVANTES Columbia WBC WBA
1. Sang-Hyun Kim Korea OPBF
2. Joe Kimpuani Zaire EBU
3. Saoul Mamby New York, NY
4. Esteban DeJesus Puerto Rico
5. Bruce Curry Los Angeles, CA NABF
6. Miguel Montilla Dominican Republic
7. Lennox Blackmoore Guyana
8. Juan Jose Giminez Spain
9. Tony Petronelli Brockton, MA USBA
10. Aaron Pryor Cincinnati, OH


11. Teo Ozuna Dominican Republic
12. Monroe Brooks Los Angeles, CA
13. Saensak Muangsurin Thailand
14. Roberto Alfaro Argentina
15. Willie Rodriguez Allentown, PA
16. Hugo Luero Argentina
17. Sammy Ayala San Antonio, TX
18. Hugo Rengifo Venezuela
19. Obisia Nwakpa Nigeria
20. Lawrence Austin Australia


LIGHTWEIGHTS
WORLD CHAMPION
HILMER KENTY Detroit, MI WBA WBC
1. Jim Watt Scotland
2. Johnny Lira Chicago, IL
3. Howard Davis Glen Cove, NY
4. Sean O’ Grady Oklahoma City, OK USBA
5. Ernesto Espana Venezuela
6. Vilomar Fernandez Dominican Republic
7. Andy Ganigan Waipahu, HI NABF
8. Edwin Viruet Puerto Rico
9. Claude Noel Trinidad
10. Rodolfo Gonzalez Mexico


11. Diabilito Valdez Dominican Republic/NY
12. Leonardo Asprilla Columbia
13. Bubba Busceme Beaumont, TX
14. Charlie Nash N. Ireland
15. Herman Montes Los Angeles, CA
16. Gonzallo Montellano Bakersfield, CA
17. Ken Buchanan Scotland
18. Hogan Jimoh Nigeria BRI
19. Billy Mulholland Australia AUS
20. Cornelius Boza-Edwards Uganda


Jr. LIGHTWEIGHTS
WORLD CHAMPION
ALEXIS ARGUELLO Nicaragua WBCWBA
1. Bobby Chacon Los Angeles, CA NABF
2. Frankie Baltazar Los Angeles, CA USBA
3. Sammy Serrano Puerto Rico
4. Bazooka Limon Mexico
5. Greg Coverson Columbus, OH
6. Roberto Elizondo Corpus Christi, TX
7. Victor Echegaray Argentina
8. Idelfonso Bethelmy Venezuela
9. Oscar Arnal Venezuela
10. Rodolfo Sanchez Spain


11. Leonel Hernandez Venezuela
12. Pat Ford Guyana
13. Ruben Riani Argentina
14. Johnny Aba Papa New Guinea
15. Rolando Navaratte Philippines
16. Nkosana Mgxaji South Africa
17. Arturo Leon Tucson, AZ
18. Carlos Hernandez Spain
19. Gerald Hayes Newark, NJ
20. Alfredo Escalera Puerto Rico


FEATHERWEIGHTS
WORLD CHAMPION
EUSEBIO PEDROZA Panama WBCWBA
1. Salvador Sanchez Mexico
2. Wilfredo Gomez Puerto Rico
3. Danny Lopez Alhambra, CA
4. Ruben Castillo Bakersfield, CA
5. Rocky Lockridge Newark, NJ USBA
6. Rolando Navarette Philippines
7. David Ramalho Lowell, MA
8. Juan LaPorte New York, NY
9. Roberto Castanon Spain EBU
10. Eddie Ndukwu Nigeria BRI


11. Luis Avila Puerto Rico
12. Juan Malvarez Argentina
13. Pat Ford Guyana
14. Juan Escobar Mexico
15. Ruben Olivares Mexico
16. Paul Ferrari Australia AUS
17. Pedro Jimenez Spain
18. Sa-Wang Kim Korea
19. Guillermo Morales Mexico
20. Royal Kobayashi Japan OPBF


Jr. FEATHERWEIGHTS
WORLD CHAMPION
WILFREDO GOMEZ Puerto Rico WBC WBA
1. Sergio Palma Argentina
2. Leo Randolph Tacoma, WA USBA
3. Leo Cruz Dominican Republic
4. Juan Kid Meza Los Angeles, CA
6. Mike Ayala San Antonio, TX NABF
5. Ricardo Cardona Columbia
6. Nicky Perez Tucson, AZ
7. Soon-Hyun Chung Korea OPBF
8. Jose Caba Dominican Republic
9. Jose Cervantes Columbia
10. Derrick Holmes New Carrolton, MD


11. Nestor Jimenez Columbia
12. Johnny Carter Philadelphia, PA
13. Ruben Valdez Columbia
14. Soo-Hwan Hong Korea KOR
15. Carlos Mendoza Panama
16. Shuchi Isogami Japan
17. Ric Diamale Philippines
18. Javier Flores Salt Lake City, UT
19. Chung Soo-Hyun Korea


BANTAMWEIGHTS
WORLD CHAMPION
LUPE PINTOR Mexico WBC WBA
1. Carlos Zarate Mexico
2. Jeff Chandler Philadelphia, PA NABF, USBA
3. Jorge Lujan Panama
4. Alberto Davila Los Angeles, CA
5. Roberto Rubaldino Mexico
6. Julian Solis Puerto Rico
7. Johnny Owen England BRI, EBU
8. Frankie Duarte North Hollywood, CA
9. Oscar Muniz Los Angeles, CA
10. Alberto Sandoval Los Angeles, CA


11. Rafael Orno Venezuela
12. Jose Uziga Argentina
13. Eijira Murata Japan
14. Johnny Carter Philadelphia, PA
15. Julio Saba Argentina
16. Juan Rodriguez Spain
17. Ricardo Bennett Panama
18. Jesus Caicedo Columbia
19. Alfonso Zamora Mexico
20. Juan Alvarez Mexico


FLYWEIGHTS
WORLD CHAMPION
TAE-SHIK KIM Korea WBA WBC
1. Yoko Gushiken Japan
2. Shoji Goguma Japan
3. Guty Espadas Mexico NABF
4. Charlie Magri England EBU
5. Betulio Gonzalez Venezuela
6. Chan-Hee Park Korea
7. Hilario Zapata Panama
8. Guty Espadas Mexico NABF
9. Luis Ibarra Panama
10. Joey Olivo Los Angeles, CA

11. Martin Vargas Chile

12. Sung-Jun Kim Korea
13. Willie Jensen Las Vegas, NV USBA
14. Jovito Rengifo Venezuela
15. Shigeo Nakajima Japan
16. Rey Melendez Mexico
17. Gabriel Bernal Mexico
18. Orlando Maldonado Puerto Rico
19. Miguel Canto Mexico
20. German Torres Mexico

[Crimson]

6) PROSPECT of the MONTH (Issue 4; July 1980 ROUND 1)

MIRCEA SIMON
By Hank “Carrot” Schmidt
MIRCEA SIMON - TALE OF THE TAPE
Home: Timisoura, Romania / Los Angeles, California
Weight: 213-230
Height: 6’2
Reach: 73”
Age: 26 years 6 months (Born: 1954-January-22)
Trainer: Jackie McCoy
Cutman: Chuck Bodak

Professional record: 13-1-1 (11)
· 5 JUN 1980 TKO1 Henry Hearns 6-2 (4) Olympic Auditorium; Los Angeles, CA
· 27 SEP 1979 L10 Leroy Caldwell 21-20-4 (6) Olympic Auditorium; Los Angeles, CA
· 30 AUG 1979 KO4 Charlie Johnson 15-4 (10) Olympic Auditorium; Los Angeles, CA
· 26 JUL 1979 KO2 Koroseta Kid 14-8 (14) Olympic Auditorium; Los Angeles, CA
· 14 JUN 1979 KO3 Tony Pulu 19-8-1 (10) Olympic Auditorium; Los Angeles, CA
· 26 APR 1979 KO2 Beau Williford 1-2 (1) Olympic Auditorium; Los Angeles, CA
· 1 MAR 1979 D10 Eddie Lopez 12-2 (8) Olympic Auditorium; Los Angeles, CA
· 1 FEB 1979 KO2 James Dixon 9-11-1 (3) Olympic Auditorium; Los Angeles, CA
· 26 OCT 1978 TKO2 Oliver Philipps 3-3 (0) Forum; Inglewood, CA
· 15 SEP 1978 KO1 David Wynne 8-2-1 (6) Superdome; New Orleans, LA
· 27 JUL 1978 KO2 Mark Junior 10-7-1 (3) Olympic Auditorium; Los Angeles, CA
· 15 JUN 1978 KO6 Dan Johnson 4-14 (1) Olympic Auditorium; Los Angeles, CA
· 18 MAY 1978 W8 Bob Swoopes 0-4 (0) Olympic Auditorium; Los Angeles, CA
· 4 MAY 1978 KO1 Rocky Jones 3-3-1 (1) Olympic Auditorium; Los Angeles, CA
· 18 MAR 1978 W6 Rocky Jones 3-1-1 (1) The Aladdin; Las Vegas, NV

In his first fight in 9 months, Mircea Simon had what was expected to be a formidable test in front of him in one Henry “The Loveable One” Hearns. The Romanian had retired from boxing after losing a 10 round decision against journeyman Leroy Caldwell 9 months ago. The former Olympian has now returned with new found passion for the sport and high hopes of becoming the heavyweight world
champion.

Against Henry Hearns, who entered the ring with a winning record of 6-2 (4), Simon was uncharacteristically aggressive and hurt “The Loveable One” with a right hand early in round 1. A series of rights and lefts landed flush on Hearns and the referee awarded the Romanian a TKO1 win. Simon is still only 26 years of age, and in the heavyweight division there is still plenty enough time to make an impact.

Simon had a lengthy and highly successful amateur career that culminated in a Silver Medal at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Simon won a 5-0 decision over current rising contender Trevor Berbick, but lost in the gold medal round to the legendary Teofilio Stevenson after breaking his thumb.

Two years later Simon was scheduled to take part in an amateur show featuring top USA and Romanian fighters in Milwaukee, WI. The day before the boxing show Simon was in Reno, NV and defected from his Romanian team. He’s lived in Los Angeles, California since then, where he has highly respected Jackie McCoy training him.

Simon has ambitions of winning the heavyweight world championship, but one of his first goals is to avenge his last amateur defeat. That was against the highly regarded Greg Page, who stopped Simon. Page has been rapidly gaining notice and is already ranked 19# in the heavyweight division.

[Crimson]

7) WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE (Issue 4; July 1980 ROUND 1)

WORLD CHAMPION	Last Defense	Mandatory 1# Contender	Mandatory Before	Next Defense
HW Larry Holmes	3-31-80	None	3-8-81	7-7-80 Scott LeDoux 10#
LH Matthew Muhammad	5-11-80	None	3-8-81	7-13-80 Yaqui Lopez 9#
MW Marvin Hagler	4-19-80	Alan Minter	3-8-81	9-27-80 Alan Minter 1#
JM Maurice Hope	5-10-80	Rocky Mattioli	5-10-81	7-12-80 Rocky Mattioli 1#
WW Roberto Duran	6-20-80	Ray Leonard	6-20-81	11-25-80 Ray Leonard 1#
JW Antonio Cervantes	6-7-80	None	6-7-81	8-2-80 Aaron Pryor 10#
LW Hilmer Kenty	5-10-80	Jim Watt	5-10-81	7-12-80 Alexis Arguello *JL*
JL Alexis Arguello	5-17-80	None	5-17-81	None scheduled
FW Eusebio Pedroza	5-17-81	Salvador Sanchez	5-17-81	7-20-80 Sa-Wang Kim 18#
JF Wilfredo Gomez	4-27-80	None	3-9-81	8-22-80 Derrick Holmes10#
BW Lupe Pintor	6-11-80	None	3-15-81	9-19-80 Johnny Owen 7#
FY Tae-Shik Kim	6-29-80	Yoko Gushiken	3-9-81	8-16-80 Yoko Gushiken 1#

Photo 1: Heavyweight World Champion Larry Holmes
Photo 2: Lightweight World Champion Hilmer Kenty
Photo 3: Jr. Lightweight World Champion Alexis Arguello
Photo 4: New Welterweight World Champion Roberto Duran dethrones Sugar Ray!
Photo 5: Jr. Welterweight World Champion Antonio Cervantes

[Crimson]

ROUND 1
Issue 5; August 1980
$1.00
World Champion vs. World Champion (Kenty vs. Arguello)
Plus!
Weaver vs. Cooney

CONTENTS
1) Editorial with Bobby Chase: Heavyweight shenanigans, hoopla, and fistic mayhem
2) Feature Story: Mike Weaver vs. Gerry Cooney
3) Fight Reports: July 1980
4) Fight Results: July 1980
5) World Rankings for August 1980
6) World Championship Schedule
7) Prospect of the Month


Cover photos:
Mike Weaver vs. Gerry Cooney and Hilmer Kenty vs. Alexis Arguello

[Crimson]

1) EDITORIAL (Issue 5; August 1980 ROUND 1)

Heavyweight shenanigans, hoopla, and fistic mayhem
Don King is smiling and the money is rolling into his pocket. Bob Arum doesn’t like it, but boxing fans are witnessing good fights with potential super fights on the horizon in the heavyweight division. The last time the heavyweight division was this healthy Ali and Frazier were trading blows with one another.

Last month Don King pulled a fast one when he pulled a quick switcheroo with Gerry Cooney and Joe Frazier in the tournament bracket. Many felt the reason for the switch was to avoid having Cooney in against the still lethal punches of George Foreman. That might be so, but few can argue with the pairing of the 1# and 2# contenders, Mike “Hercules” Weaver and Gerry Cooney.

Joe Frazier ended up withdrawing from the tournament, leaving Foreman without a dance partner. The reason for withdrawing was the cut he sustained last month had not fully healed, from when he impressively knocked out Stan Ward. Some speculated that Frazier wanted to avoid facing the fists of Foreman for a third time. After being destroyed twice by Foreman, who could blame him?

As impressive as Frazier looked last month, combined with his 100% gladiator attitude, Foreman might actually be somewhat relieved that Frazier has withdrawn. Now he awaits the winner of the Leon Spinks vs. George Chaplin battle. Not wanting to be completely left out of the heavyweight excitement, Bob Arum is putting together a non-USA heavyweight tournament that will kick off next month. The rumored participants include top contenders Gerrie Coetzee, Bernardo Mercado, John Gardner, and Trevor Berbick; with several fringe contenders also participating. Names that are part of the discussion include Gordon Racette, Jimmy Abbott, Kallie Knoetze, Jean-Pierre Coopman, Joe Bugner, Lucien Rodriguez, Alfio Righetti, Rudi Lubbers, and Jose Roman.
Bobby Chase, Editor

Photo 1: Bobby Chase, Editor of ROUND 1
Photo 2: Don King

[Crimson]

2) FEATURE STORY (Issue 5; August 1980 ROUND 1)

Mike Weaver vs. Gerry Cooney
By Hank Schmidt

Heavyweights
1# USBA Mike Weaver 24-9 (16) CA vs. 2# Gerry Cooney 25-0 (21) NY
Venue: Pavilion at Caesars Palace; Las Vegas, NV
Date: Sat 5 July 1980
Television: HBO

As attractive as all the fights were on the Weaver vs. Cooney undercard, the main event was clearly the fight boxing fans wanted to see. When the two combatants made their way to the ring there was electricity in the air at Caesars. If Don King’s hair wasn’t already jazzed up it would have been. Smiling like a Cheshire cat, the flamboyant promoter could be seen prominently at ringside and in the ring during pre-fight introductions.

“Larry both of these guys can punch. What we don’t know is if Gerry Cooney can withstand the power shots of Weaver. I’m not sure that Weaver is going to be able to take many of those Cooney left hooks, so he had better get off to a fast start and put some leather on Cooney,” advised Ray Leonard. “No one doubts that Cooney can punch and take a fighter out when he lands that left hook. What we still don’t know is how he’ll react to getting tagged on the button by a top rated heavy like Mike Weaver.”

“Well, he did go 8 rounds in a decision win against Eddie “The Animal” Lopez last year. Less than 20 minutes ago we witnessed the type of destructive power “The Animal” carries in his hands when he knocked out Leroy Jones with a single uppercut in round 2. The same Leroy Jones who lasted until round 8 against World Champion Larry Holmes this past March,” stated Larry Merchant.

“Ray, Larry and I were at Cooney’s training facilities here in Las Vegas last week and he did not look good at all. For 3 rounds we saw 2 different sparring partners battering the Long Island fighter until trainer Victor Valle stopped the session and Gerry abruptly left the gym. About 20 minutes later it was announced to us all that he would not be returning. It all seemed highly unusual. What do you make of that”, asked Barry Tompkins.

“The pressure may be getting to him. Some fighters, despite their physical capabilities, fold under the media scrutiny and public attention being fawned on Gerry Cooney. He didn’t have the type of lengthy amateur career, where appearing in the Olympics for example, would help prepare him for what he is dealing with now,” answered Ray Leonard.

“Ray, when we were watching Cooney train the place was packed. And I mean it was packed, not only with media, but a who’s who of today’s celebrities. Frank Sinatra, Farrah Fawcett, Ryan O’ Neal, Roger Staubach, Clint Eastwood, Bruce Springsteen, Burt Reynolds and standing less than 15 feet from us with his own security was California Governor Ronald Reagan, who is expected to win the Republican Presidential nomination later this month. When Mr. Reagan left the training facility he was proudly holding an autographed photo of Gerry Cooney! I don’t believe the Olympics could have prepared Gerry Cooney, or anyone for that matter, for the media and fan attention he is now receiving,” stated Larry Merchant.

“So correct Larry. Cooney has to learn how to handle the pressure. Mike Weaver by comparison looks loose and ready to rumble. He has nothing to lose. Despite being in against some of the division best, including World Champion Larry Holmes, Weaver actually enters the ring as a 2-1 betting underdog,” answered Ray Leonard.

Round 1: “Well here we go. Cooney made no eye contact with Weaver during referee Richard Steele’s ring center instructions. He stared at Weaver’s chest the entire time. Cooney is throwing plenty of jabs in round 1, and gets in a good one there! Weaver is not backing up and he digs some nice shots to the ribs of Cooney. A big right by Cooney lands! The crowd was on their feet for the final 30 seconds of that round.” – Barry Tompkins

“At this pace I will be very surprised if this fight goes 6 rounds. They both simply punch way too hard for either to sustain the type of pace put forth in round 1, and I don’t think they can take each withstand the punishment the other is dishing out for 6 rounds. That was an excellent round 1,” – Ray Leonard
(Weaver 33-26; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Will Schubert: 10-9 Cooney)

Round 2: “Cooney is showing no sign of being afraid of Weaver, as he is being very aggressive this round. Oh! The big Cooney left hook lands to the ribs of Weaver after Mike missed with a right. And now Weaver lands not one, but two left hooks of his own to the ribs of Cooney!” – Barry Tompkins

“That is what champions do. When they get hit they reply in kind with double. Mike Weaver is out to prove that he has what it takes to be the World Champion. A win over Cooney tonight will put him in line for that rematch with Larry Holmes he desires.” – Larry Merchant

“Cooney is not letting up on Weaver’s body. Those punches he is landing will pay dividends for him later. That is …..if there is a later! Weaver got nailed with a left to his eye and he is now pawing at it. There looks to be some slight swelling already to the right eye of Weaver (5% closed).” – Ray Leonard
(Cooney 36-33; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Will Schubert: 10-10 Even; 20-19 Cooney)

Round 3: “Cooney’s left eye is showing some signs of damage also, as it is 33% closed. Like you pointed out Ray, this pace cannot continue and go past 6 rounds. They are nailing each other with some hellacious blows and both are showing signs of damage on the face, along with reddening of the ribcage area. All we are missing right now is a cut and exchange of knockdowns, and this fight qualifies as a full scale donnybrook!” – Larry Merchant

“Cooney is still coming forward, applying pressure on Weaver, who is now fighting a more defensive minded fight and looking to counter the big Irishman. Cooney feints downstairs and then goes over the top with a right hand and Weaver is hurt! We’ve still got over 2 minutes remaining in this round and Weaver is covering up along the ropes. The Cooney hook gets through and WEAVER IS DOWN! He’s up at “7”, but looks badly shaken. A straight right by Cooney lands, followed by a left hook and there is the bell!” – Barry Tompkins

“Weaver does not look good going back to his corner and starts walking towards one of the neutral corners before his trainer steers him in the right direction. From the sound of this crowd, this is what they came to see.” – Ray Leonard
(Cooney 40-6; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Will Schubert: 10-8 Cooney; 30-27 Cooney)

Round 4: “Mike Weaver needs to pull a rabbit out of the hat, like he did against John Tate earlier this year. Desperately behind on the scorecards, Weaver needed a knockout to win and did just that in front of Tate’s shocked Tennessee fans. Can he do the same tonight in Las Vegas? He’ll be sending a lot of fans here home unhappy if he does. The right eye of Weaver is now 24% closed and he is dog tired, just as you predicted Ray.” – Larry Merchant

“Cooney does appear to be the much fresher of the two, so maybe those poor training sessions had less affect on him than we anticipated. He wouldn’t be the first fighter who looked lousy when training, only to fight like hell once the bell rang. Muhammad Ali immediately comes to mind as a fighter who sometimes did just that.” – Barry Tompkins

“The pressure of Cooney and those left hooks to the body are taking Weaver apart. He is not able to stand in the pocket and get leverage on his own shots the way he wants too. Weaver is attempting to smother the punches of Cooney, by not allowing him the proper distance on his punches. Problem is, that Cooney left hook can be fired short and in close. Weaver is stunned again.” – Ray Leonard
(Cooney 41-20; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Will Schubert: 10-9 Cooney; 40-36 Cooney)

Round 5: “The right eye of Weaver is now half closed (44%), while Cooney’s left eye is also marked up (17% closed). The pace hasn’t slowed since the bell rang to start round 1. Ray you predicted this fight would not go past 6 rounds at that pace. Do you still feel that way?” – Larry Merchant

“Larry, I think Cooney is going to end it this round. He has not slowed his attack and Weaver has not been able to stop it. Even with the comeback abilities that Weaver has shown in the past, he is in too deep of a hole right now. Gerry Cooney is a great finisher with a hurt opponent in front of him and that closing right eye of Weaver is not helping him!” – Ray Leonard

“Weaver gets in a nice right to the eye of Cooney. Oh! A big left hook by Cooney lands, but he is slow to follow up and Weaver replies with several shots of his own. Cooney started to show signs of his own weariness.” – Barry Tompkins
(Weaver 16-13; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Will Schubet: 10-9 Weaver; 49-46 Cooney)

Round 6: “Both fighters come out aggressively at the bell and appear to have found their second winds. There have been lots of solid punching exchanges this round. Referee Richard Steele has to break the fighters during one of the few clinches in the fight. They are both laboring now, but still firing shots with bad intentions.” – Barry Tompkins

“That right eye of Weaver is looking very bad and he is having trouble seeing out of it (60% closed). Referee Richard Steele might have to stop this fight if Weaver’s corner doesn’t in between rounds.” – Ray Leonard
(Cooney 51-11; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Will Schubert: 10-9 Cooney; 59-55 Cooney)

Round 7: “Cooney needs to close the show. He has a badly hurt fighter in front of him.” – Larry Merchant
“Mike Weaver is still dangerous and Cooney knows it. He’s been hit by enough of Weaver’s own hooks to be wary. Cooney does look like he’s loading up some this round and his punches are wilder because of it.” – Ray Leonard
(Cooney 30-11; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Will Schubert: 10-9 Cooney; 69-64 Cooney)

Round 8: “Well we are now in round 8, but the pace has slowed considerably from what it was during the first 6 rounds. The two are fighting on heart, conditioning, and determination right now. In particular, Mike Weaver is with his right eye now 64% closed.” – Larry Merchant

“Weaver is missing badly with his punches and Cooney is countering the misses with thudding lefts and rights. The steam has left Cooney’s shots or this fight would be over and Weaver out of his misery. EOOH! A smashing hook by Weaver gets in just before the bell. It’s as if Mike Weaver wanted to send a message to all that, ‘I’m still here and fighting with something to prove!” – Barry Tompkins
(Cooney 39-12; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Will Schubet: )

Round 9: “That was a nice punch by Weaver just before the bell, but he’ll need to string several of those together to win this fight. Cooney has to be far ahead on the scorecards, but is still fighting as if he wants to score a knockout himself.” – Ray Leonard
“And that Ray, is why we like Gerry Cooney. He is a puncher and a fighter. Many fighters would be content with winning a decision at this point against a dangerous puncher like Weaver, but too Cooney’s credit he is still looking to take his opponent’s head off.” – Larry Merchant

“Weaver’s eye is now almost completely closed (74% closed). Both fighters are missing with most of their punches. OH! Weaver lands a flush left hook! Cooney displays a good chin and takes it well.” – Barry Tompkins
(Cooney 26-5; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Will Schubert: 10-9 Cooney; 89-82 Cooney)

Round 10: “Weaver is still capable of landing a big shot. He can’t see out of his right eye, but he can still throw that right hand with force and that’s exactly what he’s looking to do. To the credit of Gerry Cooney he’s still fighting with bad intent in his punches. Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on how you look at it, both fighters are dead tired and the offensive fire power on display in rounds 1-6 is no longer present.” – Ray Leonard

“There it is! OH, MY! COONEY IS DOWN! WEAVER FINALLY GOT THROUGH WITH THAT RIGHT HAND! Is this going to be Weaver vs. Tate all over again? Cooney is up at “5”, but his legs are like wet noodles and there is still 2:07 left in the round!” – Barry Tompkins
“Cooney should be holding on, but he doesn’t seem to know how to. Weaver is just missing with his follow up blows. A body shot just hurt Cooney. That was a smart blow by Weaver.” – Larry Merchant
“Cooney is backed into a neutral corner with 1:13 left in the fight. That uppercut by Weaver JUST misses. Cooney is not moving out of the corner though. He appears to be using if for support and to prevent himself from falling. Cooney blocks that last shot with his shoulder and finally manages to tie Weaver up. And once again Cooney manages to clinch, forcing referee Richard Steele to break them apart. And Cooney is going to hold Weaver until the final bell rings and there it is!” – Barry Tompkins

“That was not the way Cooney wanted that fight to end. After boxing so well for 9 rounds, it all almost came apart. This decision should still go Cooney’s way, but he is not going to feel good about it.” – Larry Merchant
(Weaver 20-6; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Will Schubert: 10-8 Weaver; 97-92 Cooney)

Decision: Chuck Hull delivered the decision. “Ladies and gentleman, the judges have reached a unanimous decision: 97-92, 96-92, and 96-92 all for the winner and still UNDEFEATED……”Gentleman” GERRY COONEY!!!!!

Gerry Cooney Wu10 Mike Weaver

Post-fight: “Had this fight been scheduled for 12 rounds, as is normally the case for USBA title fights, would Gerry Cooney still be having his hand raised at the conclusion? That is a question many fight fans are going to be wondering.” – Barry Tompkins

“Be that as it may, Cooney made it to the final bell and showed some moxie in getting up in round 10 and holding on until the final bell rang. Had John Tate been able to do the same in his fight with Weaver he’d have won that fight. There were no cuts, but each fighter was on the canvas, sustained facial damage, and withstood some hellacious bombs. I’d say it was a Donnybrook!” – Larry Merchant

“Cooney proved quite a bit in this fight. He is tough and can deal with adversity. The left hooker from Long Island now holds the USBA title and will assuredly be rated at the 1# contender in the heavyweight division when next months ratings are printed. An eventual World Championship clash with Larry Holmes now looms ominously on the horizon.” – Ray Leonard


Photo 1: Weaver takes a trip to the canvas in round 3
Photo 2: Gerry Cooney finds himself on the floor in round 10
Photo 3: Cooney ripping with a vicious left hook

[Crimson]

3) JULY FIGHT REPORTS Issue 5; August 1980 ROUND 1
Heavyweights
4# Leon Spinks 12-2-2 (8) MO (pre) vs. 17# George Chaplin 16-2-2 (8) MD
Venue: Caesars Atlantic City; Atlantic City, NJ
Date: Fri 4 July 1980
Television: ABC

In what boxing fans are hoping is a new trend, network television had boxing in prime time on Friday night. Former Olympic and Heavyweight World Champion Leon Spinks, has created a buzz with the American public and a bit of a cult following at his fights. In his short 16 bout pro career Spinks has already had more highs and lows then some contenders have in an entire career. This all contributed to ABC’s decision to televise the fight at the same time that “The Dukes of Hazzard” was on NBC and CBS televised something from Australia called “Number 96”. The Spinks-Chaplin fight blew CBS out and had Neilson numbers equal to “Dukes of Hazzard”. ABC has now promised to routinely show Friday night fights, as long as the ratings are high.

Leon Spinks and George Chaplin had both looked impressive in their previous tournament fight. Spinks had solidly pounded out a unanimous decision victory over Tex Cobb, while Chaplin had obliterated the comeback of Duane Bobick with a round 5 KO win. Vegas odds had made Spinks a hesitant 2-1 favorite, but there were plenty picking the Maryland fighter in an upset.

The winner of Spinks-Chaplin was scheduled to advance in the USBA tournament to fight George Foreman. The big Texan had already advanced to the next round with BYE after his opponent Joe Frazier had withdrawn from the tournament due to a cut. Foreman could be seen and heard ringside, providing commentary with Howard Cosell.

Round 1: An aggressive Spinks walked into several hard Chaplin right hands. Referee Tony Perez warns Chaplin for a low blow. (Chaplin 30-12; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Tom Trunzo: 10-9 Chaplin)

Round 2: Spinks digs in solid shots to the body of Chaplin, after being instructed by his trainer, Eddie Futch, “Kill the body and the head will follow.” (Spinks 20-19; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Tom Trunzo: 10-9 Spinks; 19-19 Even)

Round 3: A “minor” cut inside of Spinks right eyebrow was opened up. Spinks responded with a fury, but Chaplin met him blow for blow in an action packed round. (Chaplin 42-27; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Tom Trunzo: 10-10 Even; 29-29 Even)

Round 4: Following the instructions of his trainer, Mack Lewis, Chaplin continued to box sharply from the outside. After reopening Spinks cut, being warned for using his shoulder, Chaplin sent a whistling right hand that put Spinks on the deck! “Neon Leon” never appeared close to beating the count and with no time left on the clock was counted out.
(Chaplin 28-6)
George Chaplin KO4 Leon Spinks

Post-fight:
The 29 year old Chaplin has a very stern challenge ahead of him next month when he squares off against “Big” George Foreman. After serving a 4 year term in the Air Force and graduating from Morgan State College with a degree in Physical Education, the Baltimore native has already proven he can succeed against huge challenges.

Undercard
· JM10 15# Wilford Scypion 17-2 (16) TX KO3 14# Norberto Cabrera 23-10-6 (14) Argentina (end)
· JW8 Billy Costello 12-0 (7) NY (pre) TKO3 Marvin Jenkins 10-5-1 (3) NY (pre)
· LW6 Kenny Bogner 7-0 (7) NJ (beg) TKO1 Sonny Long 0-1 (0) OH (beg)
· MW4 Alex Ramos 2-0 (2) NY (beg) KO1 Melvin Wynn 3-1 (0) GA (beg)
· WW4 Pedro Viella 2-0 (1) NY (beg) Wu4 Antonio Garcia 0-2 (0) Mexico (beg)

[Crimson]

JULY FIGHT REPORTS (continued)Issue 5; August 1980 ROUND 1

Heavyweights
Sylvester Stallone 2-0 (2) PA (beg) vs. Rocky Gonzales 0-1 (0) (beg)
Venue: Pavilion at Caesars Palace; Las Vegas, NV
Date: Sat 5 Jul 1980
Television: HBO
In his third professional fight Sylvester Stallone was matched up with another relative newcomer. The only other professional fight Sly’s opponent, Rocky Gonzales, had been in was a round 1 KO loss against Ed “Too Tall” Jones. Although Larry Merchant complained that the Stallone fight did not belong on television, the HBO brass felt otherwise, knowing that having “Rocky” on regardless of who he fought would draw big numbers. Not that the card needed further reason to watch, as it was already loaded with Gerry Cooney challenging Mike Weaver for the USBA belt, along with Leroy Jones vs. Eddie Lopez clashing for the NABF title.

The Pavilion at Caesars Palace was jammed full at 4,200 and sounded like there was over 6,000. Barry Tompkins, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Larry Merchant called it for HBO. The Stallone fight got the show started and it came on the tube at 9:00 pm east coast time. “Stallone looks like he means business. You can see he has worked up a good sweat and prepared the way a professional should,” observed Sugar Ray Leonard when Stallone reached ring center. “Yes Ray, but does he have the goods that a prize fighter on HBO needs to have? And I’m not talking about the hype and Hollywood fanfare. Can he throw straight punches, feint, bob and weave? I believe we will soon see the answer to that is a resounding…..NO,” added Merchant.

“Well there is the bell and round 1 is underway for the third fight in Sly’s professional boxing career. The question many have is, how will Stallone do against Mr. Gonzales compared to how ‘Too Tall’ did.” – Barry Tompkins

Round 1: Sly started aggressively and soon had Gonzales on the retreat. A wild overhand right from Sly put Gonzales on the deck where he slowly rose just as the referee tolled “10!” The time of the knockout was 1:26.
(Stallone 30-0)

Sylvester Stallone KO1 Rocky Gonzales

Post-fight: “Well Ray, what did you think? We only got to see Sylvester Stallone fighting for 1:26,” asked Barry Tompkins.

“I liked his determination. He had a plan and carried it out. He was a bit wild, but that is to be expected from a fighter with no amateur experience. He defeated Gonzales in the same round that “Too Tall” did. I’d like to see how they would do against one another,” answered Ray Leonard.

Larry Merchant chimed in with, “All we learned from this fight is that Sylvester Stallone is being matched just as carefully as “Too Tall” Jones has been.”

Undercard
· JM12 17# Gary Guiden 32-5 (29) IN (post) KO1 18# Babs McCarthy 14-15-2 (9) CA (Gary Guiden looked impressive as he dismantled the number 18# ranked World JM, Babs McCarthy inside of 1 round. Don King was one of the first in the ring and could be loudly exclaiming that JM World Champion “Maurice Hope is next!”)
· HW6 Jeff Podgorski 10-1-1 (7) NV (pre) KO4 Carl Halliburton 0-8 (0) TN (beg)
· HW6 Marvis Frazier 5-0 (4) PA (beg) KO4 Jimmy Wallace 2-7 (2) AZ (beg)

Photo 1: Sylvester Stallone ready for action
Photo 2: Farrah Fawcett and husband Ryan O'Neal enjoying a night of heavyweight boxing

[Crimson]

JULY FIGHT REPORTS (continued)Issue 5; August 1980 ROUND 1

Heavyweights
11# NABF Leroy Jones 25-1-1 (12) CO vs. 16# Eddie Lopez 19-2-2 (12) CA
Venue: Pavilion at Caesars Palace; Las Vegas, NV
Date: Sat 5 July 1980
Television: HBO

The Leroy Jones vs. Eddie “The Animal” Lopez contest was being fought for Jones NABF belt. Both fighters agreed for the scheduled 10 round distance instead of the normal 12 for a title fight, wanting to advance in the tournament without the added wear and tear of rounds 11 and 12.

Jones was a slight 3-2 favorite to retain the NABF belt and advance in the tournament. “The Animal” from the not too far away city of Los Angeles had plenty of crowd support and many were calling him the dark horse of the tournament.

The camp of Leroy Jones was very vocal in their dissatisfaction with the purse, claiming that Don King was shortchanging Leroy Jones. Larry Merchant commented on the pre-fight squabble between Don King and Leroy Jones, “When you play with a snake and the snake turns and bites you, I’m not sure that one is justified in criticizing the snake. After all, it is a snake.”

“Well Leroy Jones is will attempt to take out his frustrations on Eddie ‘The Animal’ Lopez and his fans must be hoping that the feud with Don King does not distract him from the business at hand. Eddie Lopez has proven in fights against John Tate (Lm6), ST Gordon (W8), Gerry Cooney (Lu8), Mircea Simon (D10), Jimmy Abbott (W10), and Leon Spinks (D10) that he one of the best in the world today. “The Animal”, a nickname he earned growing up in an East Los Angeles street gang has limited amateur experience, but he knows how to fight,” noted Barry Tompkins.

“Leroy Jones is going to need to be at his best if he’s going to beat Lopez. Jones needs to follow the instructions of his trainer, Bobby Lewis, and outbox this guy. In 1978 Leroy Jones won the NABF title by outboxing Mike Weaver for 12 rounds. He needs to do the same thing tonight,” theorized Ray Leonard.

“What I finds interesting, is that if Jones defeats Lopez, and Weaver beats Cooney later tonight, Jones and Weaver will be facing each other once again, this time with the USBA belt, along with the NABF strap on the line. Jones’ weight has always been an issue for him. He weighed 254 when he challenged Larry Holmes for the World Championship this past March, but was 270 in the aforementioned bout with Mike Weaver. Tonight he topped that at 271! The heavily tattooed Lopez came in at 208.” stated Merchant.

Round 1: Plenty of action, with the more damage inducing punches landed by Lopez, who was also warned by referee Mills Lane for hitting on the break. (Jones 28-24; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Mirco Mizera: 10-9 Lopez)

Round 2: Tompkins had the call when Lopez suddenly ended the fight with one punch, “A beautiful uppercut from Lopez lands and Leroy Jones falls face first to the canvas, landing on his head! Somehow Jones has made it to one knee at 8, but he isn’t getting any further! This fight is over! A one punch knockout, courtesy of Eddie “The Animal’s” uppercut.”

“I think we may have just witnessed the birth of a new star in the heavyweight division,” added Larry Merchant.

“Wow. The first real punch of the round ends it at 0:38. You are right Larry. A new star has been born. When you can knock another man out with one punch in the heavyweight division the fans will fill the arena,” said Ray Leonard.
(Lopez 6-0)

Eddie “The Animal” Lopez KO2 Leroy Jones
(Wins NABF HW title)

[Crimson]

JULY FIGHT REPORTS (continued)Issue 5; August 1980 ROUND 1

Lightweights
14# EBU Charlie Nash 22-2 (8) Ireland vs. 17# Ken Buchanan 60-4 (27) Scotland (end)
Venue: Templemore Sports Complex; Derry, North Ireland
Date: Sun 6 July 1980
Television: NBC

Marv Albert and Dr. Ferdie Pacheco called the fight from North Ireland, when Ken Buchanan attempted to win the European LW title from Charlie Nash. The two had fought last December, with Nash winning a close unanimous decision. After that win over Buchanan, Nash was stopped in 4 rounds by Jim Watt, and was now on the comeback trail. In Buchanan’s last fight he knocked out Najib Dahoe in 7 rounds. The Scottish legend was well past his prime, but still possessed the fighting spirit that had carried him to 60 victories and the LW World Championship.

“Charlie Nash is 7-0 (2) here at “Templemore Sports Complex” in Derry, North Ireland. It was at this arena, in the Irishman’s hometown of Derry, that he won the British LW title in 1978, with a TKO12 of Johnny Claydon. In 1979 he won the European LW title with a Wu12 over Andre Holyk. The people of Derry would like nothing better than to see their hero defeat Buchanan in convincing fashion today and put himself in a position to challenge for the LW World Championship.” – Dr. Ferdie Pacheco

Round 1: A feeling out round, with Buchanan the more active of the two. (Buchanan 30-19; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Javier Aguirre Flores: 10-10 Even)

Round 2: Buchanan drew some boos from the crowd when he taunted Nash with his hands by his side. (Nash 21-9; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Javier Aguirre Flores: 10-9 Nash; 20-19 Nash)

Round 3: Several clashes of heads on the inside, with Buchanan landing more punches. (Buchanan 38-14; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Javier Aguirre Flores: 10-10 Even; 30-29 Nash)

Round 4: A very tactical and cautious round. (Nash 26-22; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Javier Aguirre Flores: 10-9 Nash; 40-38 Nash)

Round 5: A fairly dull round, with both looking to land counter punches and neither leading. (Buchanan 23-9; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Javier Aguirre Flores: 10-10 Even; 50-48 Nash)

Round 6: Nash sustained a “minor” cut on his left eyelid. (Buchanan 21-15; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Javier Aguirre Flores: 10-9 Buchanan; 59-58 Nash)

Round 7: Nash picked up the pace. (Nash 44-38; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Javier Aguirre Flores: 10-9 Nash; 69-67 Nash)

Round 8: The “bleeding” left eyelid cut of Nash was reopened and worsened, causing a momentary stoppage for the doctor to look at it. (Buchanan 39-14; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Javier Aguirre Flores: 10-9 Buchanan; 78-77 Nash)

Round 9: Momentum now going Buchanan’s way, as he is throwing more leather and Nash is on the defensive. (Buchanan 48-14; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Javier Aguirre Flores: 10-9 Buchanan; 87-87 Even)

Round 10: “This is a very close fight and the next 3 rounds will probably determine the winner” – Dr. Ferdie Pacheco.
“I’ve got Nash ahead by 1 point, but it could easily be Buchanan by 1 point.” – Marv Albert

Nash was having his best round of the fight, when Buchanan ripped open the eyelid of Nash further with a whistling hook. The cut bled profusely, causing the Irishman difficulty seeing and at 2:27, after consulting with the ringside physician, referee Harry Gibbs stopped the fight and awarded it to Buchannan on a TKO10! (Nash 27-15)
Ken Buchanan TKO10 Charlie Nash (Wins EBU LW title)

Post-fight: “This crowd is disappointed in the fight being stopped to say the least, but the referee had no choice. Were it allowed to continue the eyesight of Charlie Nash was at significant risk of permanent damage and it could have been career ending. Punches landed favored Buchanan at the time of the stoppage 283 to 203. The lone judge of the contest, referee Harry Gibbs, had Nash in front 88-85. Nash will now, once again have to rebuild his career if he hopes to someday challenge for the World Championship. Buchanan and Jim Watt appear to be on a collision course. They fought once before in a spirited 15 rounder back in 1973. Buchanan got the decision, but many felt it could have been scored for Watts.” – Dr. Ferdie Pacheco

Undercard
· LW12 18# BRI Hogan Jimoh 30-3 (24) Nigeria (post) KO10 Willie Booth 16-9-1 (6) Scotland
· HW10 Danny McAlinden 30-10-2 (27) North Ireland (end) W10 (96-92) Gordon Ferris 14-4 (9) North Ireland (Wins vacant IRE HW title)
· HW6 David Pearce 10-1 (7) Wales (pre) TKO2 Trevor Kerr 6-7 (4) Ireland (pre)
· HW6 Steve Gee 5-0 (3) England (beg) W4 (40-36) Cordwell Hylton 0-1 (0) England (beg)
· LH4 Jonjo Greene 1-0 (0) Ireland (beg) W4 (40-36) Tommy Taylor 0-1 (0) England (beg)

Ken Buchanan Documentary
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxnBoDqn-qk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJ7kLJFTYf8&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vewXtvV2nTM&NR=1
Ken Buchanan vs. Ismael Laguna
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apyM2N0f6k8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ow6hAwmuxtg&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUfmILmAypU&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrM4yGtISTI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUafivMIKR8&feature=related
Gordon Ferris vs. Neville Meade
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jktICgUbmmI
Danny McAlinden vs. Jack Bodell
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLJhiaqkf_o&feature=player_embedded

[Crimson]

JULY FIGHT REPORTS (continued)Issue 5; August 1980 ROUND 1

Middleweights
4# USBA Vinnie Curto 44-5-3 (16) Massachusetts vs. 20# Danny Long 18-0 (11) Massachusetts
Venue: Hynes Convention Center; Boston, MA
Date: Fri 11 July 1980
Television: ABC

For the second week in a row ABC televised “Friday Night Fights”, with Howard Cosell calling the fight, and fans in Massachusetts were enthusiastically anticipating the main event. On this night two local middleweights with World Championship aspirations traded blows. The undercard was full of more Massachusetts talent. Curto is aiming towards a clash with fellow Massachusetts fighter, Middleweight World Champion Marvelous Marvin Hagler. First however, he’d have to get past the undefeated Bostonian boxer Danny Long.

Taking on Curto was a huge step up for the 22 year old Long, who had yet to face anyone remotely close to the caliber of Curto. A veteran of 52 fights, Curto has been on an 18 fight winning streak. He showed what he can do against inexperienced foes when he blitzed the up and coming Wilford Scypion, in 1 round earlier this year. Curto then trumped that performance when he lifted the USBA title from top contender Ronnie Harris, via a disqualification.

Known to be difficult to manage, he had 5 managers the first 6 years of his pro career, Curto’s team believe he is now ready to consistently showcase his classy boxing talents and excellent defensive skills. “He’s a lunatic, but he can fight! He can be Middleweight World Champion,” said his trainer Angelo Dundee.

“I couldn’t handle the success. I was too young to handle it mentally. I’m trying to excel this year. I want to show I can do it,” adds Vinnie Curto. [Quote pulled from a late 1970’s newspaper article.]

Round 1: First Curto stunned Long, but then Long fired back sending Curto into the ropes, which was where he spent the rest of the round covering up. (Long 18-17; Scorecard of Ringside Expert David Myers: 10-9 Vinnie Curto)

Round 2: Nice job of boxing by Curto. (Curto 24-0; Scorecard of Ringside Expert David Myers: 10-9 Curto; 20-18 Curto)

Round 3: Lots of good counterpunching by both. (Long 24-18; Scorecard of Ringside Expert David Myers: 10-9 Long; 29-28 Long)

Round 4: Edge to Curto in a round for the purist. (Curto 24-11; Scorecard of Ringside Expert David Myers: 10-9 Curto; 39-37 Curto)

Round 5: Long has a good final minute. (Long 30-18; Scorecard of Ringside Expert David Myers: 10-9 Long; 48-47 Curto)

Round 6: Curto sends the momentum back his way with a busy round. (Curto 24-12; Scorecard of Ringside Expert David Myers: 10-9 Curto; 58-56 Curto)

Round 7: Curto shook Long with a pair of right hands. (Curto 36-12; Scorecard of Ringside Expert David Myers: 10-9 Curto; 68-65 Curto)

Round 8: Curto was on his bicycle, but Long couldn’t catch him and ate plenty of punches trying. The left eye of Long was now 23% closed. (Curto 36-12; Scorecard of Ringside Expert David Myers: 10-9 Curto; 78-74)

Round 9: Curto now administering a boxing lesson, as he took Long to school. (Curto 36-0; Scorecard of Ringside Expert David Myers: 10-9 Curto; 88-83 Curto)

Round 10: Long’s eye now 40% closed and drawing a close inspection from the referee. (Curto 24-10; Scorecard of Ringside Expert David Myers: 10-9 Curto; 98-92 Curto)

Round 11: Long now taking a beating, but refusing to fold. (Long 18-11; Scorecard of Ringside Expert David Myers 10-9 Long; 107-102 Curto)

Round 12: A very uneventful round. (Curto 11-6 Scorecard of Ringside Expert David Myers: 10-9 Long; 116-112 Curto)

Decision: 117-112, 117-111, and 118-111 all for the winner by unanimous decision and …..still holder of the USBA middleweight title Vinnie Curto!
Vinnie Curto Wu12 Danny Long (Defends USBA MW title)

Undercard
· FW12 7# Dave Ramalho 29-1-1 (18) MA TKO7 4# Ruben Castillo 47-3 (25) CA (for vacant NABF FW title)
Castillo sustained a “heavy” cut over his right eye in round 3. In the next round he was cut inside of his left eyebrow. Castillo was fighting well when the referee stopped it in round 7 due to the severity of the two cuts, and protested with vigor. At the time of the stoppage the 3 judges had it scored as a 3-way split draw.
· JM8 Sean Mannion 17-2 (7) Ireland (pre) TKO5 Roger Phillips 6-34-2 (1) MA (end)
· WW6 Johnny Davis 4-27-1 (3) NY (end) Ws8 Dick Ecklund 12-8(2) MA
· MW4 Robbie Sims 3-0 (2) MA Wu4 Felipe Suarez 0-2 (0) Mexico (beg)
· MW4 Dr. Terry Christle 2-0 (2) Ireland KO2 Dave Roberts 0-2 MI (beg)

[Ric915]

Truely enjoying this uni

[ttj0001]

Very nice uni! It's a joy to read, especially when I'm putting off homework. Keep it up!

[Crimson]

JULY FIGHT REPORTS (continued)Issue 5; August 1980 ROUND 1

Welterweights
3# USBA Thomas Hearns 28-0 (26) MI vs. 8# Adolfo Viruet 16-4-1 (5) NY
Venue: Joe Louis Arena; Detroit, MI
Date: Sat 12 July 1980
Television: HBO
The chief supporting bout to the “Champion vs. Champion: Kenty vs. Arguello” card was a confrontation between top rated welters, with Thomas Hearns taking on Adolfo Viruet.

“The Kronk stable of fighters, led by their trainer Emanuel Steward, are rapidly becoming a force to be reckoned with on the world scene. The Kronk fighters enjoyed much success in the amateurs and now those fighters have gone professional and show every sign that they will be extremely difficult to beat. Thomas “Hitman” Hearns is someone whom the welterweight World Champion Roberto Duran is going to have to deal with eventually. Tonight the power punching Detroit native takes on Adolpho Viruet of New York. Viruet is ranked 8# in the world and a troublesome boxer. Does he have the style to beat Hearns?” – Barry Tompkins

“Barry, it’s going to take someone who can get inside those long arms of Hearns and also has a good enough chin to stand up on the way in. Now Viruet is a nifty boxer with a solid chin and good defense, but I’m not sure he has enough of a punch to get any respect from Tommy.” – Larry Merchant

Round 1: Both were looking to outbox the other. Darting in and out, while utilizing side to side movement, Viruet was able to make Hearns miss widely. “The speed and boxing ability of Viruet is frustrating Hearns. Viruet is proving to be a very elusive target.” – Barry Tompkins (Viruet 42-6; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Dan Cuocco: 10-9 Viruet)

Round 2: Hearns has a much better round. An accidental clash of heads sends Viruet staggering into the ropes. (Hearns 22-14; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Dan Cuocco: 10-9 Hearns; 19-19 Even)

Round 3: Both are landing, but Hearn’s punches are clearly the more damaging of the two. The right eye of Viruet now 31% closed. (Hearns 33-29; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Dan Cuocco: 10-9 Hearns; 29-28 Hearns)

Round 4: Hearns getting the better of it. Viruet’s eye now 41% closed. (Hearns 28-21; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Dan Cuocco: 10-9 Hearns; 39-37)

Round 5: Viruet catches his second wind and outhustles Hearns. (Viruet 27-14; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Dan Cuocco: 10-9 Viruet; 48-47 Hearns)

Round 6: A great round for Hearns, as he rocks Viruet on more than one occasion. (Hearns 41-0; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Dan Cuocco: 10-9 Hearns; 58-56)

Round 7: With less than a minute to go in the round Hearns lands a long right hand an Viruet is down for an 8 count. (Hearns 33-14; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Dan Cuocco: 10-8 Hearns; 68-64)

Round 8: Another long Hearns right sent Viruet to the canvas and this time he didn’t rise.
Thomas Hearns KO8 Adolfo Viruet

Undercard
· MW10 Mickey Goodwin 23-1 (17) MI TKO7 12# Mike Colbert 30-6-1 (8) WA (post)
· HW6 Keith Kelly 8-1-1 (2) MI (pre) Ws6 Billy Joe Thomas 0-5 (0) AR (beg)
· JM6 Duane Thomas 9-0 (5) MI (beg) KO5 John Shavers 1-4 (1) IL (beg)
· MW6 Bernard Mays 8-0 (5) MI (pre) TKO2 Ernie Dunbar 1-6 (1) NC (beg)

Adolfo Viruet vs. Sugar Ray Leonard
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFWUUbHXMHc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upSrfWEyPh0&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwbZjwMuJG0&feature=related
Adolfo Viruet vs. Donald Curry
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xUUCeycU10
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lsBYu4wwrI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWhTqHJvj3I&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0B8ULBfABBQ&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN6Buqi3Anw&feature=related

[Crimson]

LW World ChampionWBCWBA Hilmer Kenty 18-0 (13) MI vs. JL World ChampionWBCWBA Alexis Arguello 66-5 (54) Nicaragua
Venue: Detroit, MI
Date: Sat 12 Jul 1980
Television: HBO
Detroit was a buzz of activity with the Republican National Convention taking place later in the week. Expected to win the nomination was the Governor of California, Ronald Reagan. On this night though, the talk of the town was boxing!

Kenty had defeated Jim Watt to win the LW World Championship, but had not received the accolades expected for his feat due to the nature of the win. Watt was cut in the first round, but was winning the fight on all 3 scorecards when the referee ruled the cut to severe for him to continue in round 6. Still, Detroit boxing fans showed up in high numbers to cheer on the first World Champion from the city since Joe Louis.

Jr. Lightweight World Champion, Alexis Arguello, was listed as a 2-1 favorite to dethrone Kenty and secure a World Championship in his third weight class. Both fighters reportedly had excellent training camps and weighed in without incident. Arguello and Kenty showed nothing other than respect for the other during the weeks leading up to the fight.

Round 1: Arguello quickly discovered that he could land the uppercut and was able to snap back the head of Kenty with it twice. Kenty fought back each time though, landing quick combinations that brought roars from the crowd of 12,000+. (Kenty 27-19; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Aurelio Barrios: 10-9 Kenty)

Round 2: After taking a hard uppercut from Kenty, Arguello drilled him with a flush one-two! Kenty was hurt and held on as best he could until the bell rang. (Arguello 40-6; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Aurelio Barrios: 10-9 Arguello; 19-19 Even)

Round 3: Plenty of feinting and movement, with few punches thrown. (Arguello 14-7; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Aurelio Barrios: 10-9 Kenty; 29-28 Kenty)

Round 4: Early in round 4 a clash of heads led to a cut over the right eye of Arguello. The Nicaraguan immediately picked up the pace and had Kenty reeling around the ring, with his left eye 17% closed. (Arguello 40-0; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Aurelio Barrios: 10-9 Arguello; 38-38)

Round 5: Punching exchanges throughout the round and after! Both corners enter the ring and there is momentary chaos while the fighters are led back to their corners. (Kenty 32-27; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Aurelio Barrios: 10-9 Arguello; 48-47 Arguello)

Round 6: Kenty’s eye was now 28% closed and Arguello seemed to be purposefully targeting it. Both were landing punches, but it was the blows of Arguello that were the more damaging. (Arguello 38-33; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Aurelio Barrios: 10-9 Arguello; 58-56 Arguello)

Round 7: A hard cross from Kenty reopened the “minor” cut over Arguello’s eye. Boxing from the outside, as instructed by trainer Emanuel Steward, proved to be Kenty’s best strategy used thus far in the fight. (Kenty 35-19; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Aurelio Barrios: 10-9 Kenty; 67-66 Arguello)

Round 8: A clean uppercut from Arguello buckled the legs of Kenty, forcing him to touch the canvas with one glove for balance. The referee correctly ruled it as a knockdown. Both eyes of Kenty were now beginning to show signs of damage, with the left 51% closed and the right 3%. (Arguello 33-19; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Aurelio Barrios: 10-8 Arguello; 77-74 Arguello)

Round 9: Arguello had both feet firmly planted with every shot he threw and it was very clear what his intentions were with each punch that he threw….. knock Hilmer Kenty out. The Detroit fighter showed that he still had something left in the tank and was able to avoid taking any flush shots, while countering with some of his own. (Arguello 19-14; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Aurelio Barrios: 10-9 Arguello; 87-83)

Round 10: Arguello landing some huge shots on Kenty. Arguello’s cut reopened and now “bleeding”. (Arguello 33-6; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Aurelio Barrios: 10-9 Arguello; 97-92 Arguello)

Round 11: The face of Kenty was rapidly becoming a mass of swollen flesh around both eyes. With the left eye 57% closed and the right 23%. A thundering Arguello uppercut forced Kenty to take a knee briefly. Soon after, a combination from Arguello sent Kenty to the canvas for a 3 count. (Arguello 39-14; Scorecard of Ringside Expert Aurelio Barrios: 10-8 Arguello; 107-100 Arguello)

Round 12: Kenty was late getting off his stool and Arguello met him in his corner, when he did rise. A short hook from Arguello put Kenty on his back. Somehow the he beat the count at “9!” Kenty was now fighting without his mouthpiece and fell to the canvas for the fifth time in the fight. Up, but out on his feet the referee wisely called the fight off at 1:21! (Arguello 21-0)
Alexis Arguello TKO12 Hilmer Kenty
(Wins Lightweight World ChampionshipandWBA/WBCtitles)

Post-fight: Arguello announced in the ring after the fight that he would be relinquishing his Jr. Lightweight World Championship and campaigning solely at lightweight.
Hilmer Kenty vs. Aaron Pryor 1975 in the amatuers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsp3FrjsxIo

[Crimson]

Originally Posted by Ric915

Truely enjoying this uni

Thanks Ric915! I always enjoy/appreciate your comments.

[Crimson]

Originally Posted by ttj0001

Very nice uni! It's a joy to read, especially when I'm putting off homework. Keep it up!

Ha, ha! That is funny. Thank you for the very kind words. I don't want to encourage putting off your homework, but..........I don't want to be a hypocrite either.

I can remember skipping out on my homework to play Titlebout back in the mid 1980's. I had the game all spread out on the floor with cards separated by division and rankings. My father would come upstairs and I'd quick hop up to my desk and pretend I'd been doing the homework.