Henry Clark

NCBoxingOnline / April 26, 2013 / No comments

Henry Clark

By Jim Amato

There were many who thought he was going to be the next Cassius Clay/Muhammad Ali.  He was a tall, smooth boxing heavyweight with a world of potential. His professional career began in 1964 and before long he was mixing it up with some of the best fighters in the world, including a four round decision loss to the rugged Joey Orbill in his pro debut!
Less than two months later he pounded out a ten round verdict over future title challenger Manuel Ramos. The following year he whipped tough trial horse George “Scrapiron” Johnson. In 1966, he fought a no-decision bout with Amos “Big Train” Lincoln, and he lost a decision to highly regarded Zora Folley. The year 1967 saw Henry establish himself as a force in the heavyweight division by winning on points over Bill McMurray, Steve Grant on two occasions, Fred Lewis, Eddie Machen and Roger Rischer.
Henry opened 1968 by defeating the clever Leotis Martin. This led Henry into a major bout against come-backing ex-heavyweight king Sonny Liston. This was Sonny’s first major step on his comeback trail and he passed with flying colors. Sonny pummeled a game but overmatched Clark in scoring a seventh round stoppage.

The year 1969 had mixed results. Henry drew with Brian London and kayoed Bob Stallings. He then lost on points to “Florida” Al Jones and Jeff “Candy Slim” Merritt. In 1970, his best win was a points call over Jimmy “The King” Fletcher. In 1972, Henry won and lost to Jack “The Giant” O’Halloran. He was then stopped in nine rounds by an up and coming Ken Norton on the Muhammad Ali-Bob Foster undercard.

Henry came back to win three bouts in 1973 and then on March 4th 1974 in a rematch, Henry blew out the now ranked Jeff Merritt in one round. Henry quickly followed with a decision win over faded ex-contender Mac Foster. Henry remained unbeaten through four more fights and was then matched with the dangerous Earnie Shavers in Paris, France.

Try as he might for the KO, Shavers was unable to stop the wily Clark and had to settle for a hard earned points win over Henry. They met again six months later on the undercard of Ali-Norton III. This time Henry was overwhelmed by the murderous punching Shavers in two rounds.

Henry attempted to bounce back four months later but was defeated over ten by Howard “Kayo” Smith. Henry did not fight again for over two and a half years. When he did return he was defeated in ten rounds by fringe contender Bernardo Mercado.

Henry’s final tally was 32 wins, 12 losses and four draws. He scored seven knockouts but he was only stopped on three occasions. That was by Liston, Norton and Shavers. Surely no shame there.

Jim Amato is a participating member of both the Boxing Writers Association of America and the International Boxing Research Organization. He is a longtime correspondent of sport, both inside and outside the ring, and he is currently the president and owner of Amato Sports Memorabilia. Jim’s other works and “Legends of Leather” articles can be found at http://boxinggreats.multiply.com.

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Category: boxing, boxing history, heavyweights, Henry Clark / Tags: ,

Nicolino “El Intocable” Locche

NCBoxingOnline / April 16, 2013 / No comments

Nicolino “El Intocable” Locche

By Jim Amato

He turned professional in 1958 and ten years and one day after his pro debut he became a world champion. Nevertheless, it was a long road for Argentine defensive wizard Nicolino Locche. By the time he met Paul Fuji in Tokyo, Japan for the World Boxing Association Light Welterweight title, Locche had amassed over one hundred fights. He halted the pained and frustrated Fuji in the tenth round to capture the crown.
From the beginning, Locche fought almost all his battles in his native Argentina. His early career had its ups and downs but he won far more times then he lost or drew. In 1963, he burst onto the international scene with a decision win over former world lightweight champion Joe “Old Bones” Brown. In 1965, Nicolino met newly crowned lightweight titlist, the slick Ismael Laguna. The non title, overweight affair was judged a draw. Laguna then lost the title back to the great Carlos Ortiz, and in 1966 Locche met Ortiz in a non title affair. Again, the crafty Nicolino had to settle for a draw.
Locche then set upon securing a world title shot for himself. In 1966, he won a non title ten round verdict over reigning world light welterweight champion Sandro Lopopolo. In 1967, he beat rugged L.C. Morgan and former champion Eddie Perkins. In 1968, he defeated Mexican Al Urbina. Then the shot came against Fuji who had defeated Lopopolo.
In 1969, Locche defended against former champion, and very dangerous Carlos Hernandez, as well as the talented Joao Henrique. In 1970, he turned back the challenge of the able Adolph Pruitt. In 1971, he defeated Domingo Barrera Corpas and scored a masterful victory over Antonio “Kid Pambele” Cervantes. Finally, in 1972, Nicolino was enticed to go to Panama where he met Alfonso “Peppermint” Frazier. The underdog Frazier out hustled the aging Locche to annex the crown. Nicolino would then put together a four fight win streak, while Frazier lost the title to Cervantes. In 1973, Nicolino met Cervantes in Venezuela and was stopped in the beginning of the tenth round.
No longer a champion, the proud Locche reeled off seven straight victories in hopes of regaining his crown. Finally in 1976 it became apparent that a title shot was not going to materialize so Nicolino hung up the gloves for good. Locche ended up with an amazing 117-4-14 record. Although he was not a hard hitter (scoring just fourteen knockouts), Nicolino was a master boxer. He ranks right up there with the great Willie Pep as a defensive genius. He was not nicknamed “El Intocable,” (The Untouchable) for nothing.

Nicolino was inducted into the International Boxing Hall Of Fame in 2003. He passed away in 2005, leaving behind a true legacy of his tremendous talents.

Jim Amato is a participating member of both the Boxing Writers Association of America and the International Boxing Research Organization. He is a longtime correspondent of sport, both inside and outside the ring, and he is currently the president and owner of Amato Sports Memorabilia. Jim’s other works and “Legends of Leather” articles can be found at http://boxinggreats.multiply.com.

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Fightin’ Words: Quote of the Week

NCBoxingOnline / April 14, 2013 / No comments

This week’s quote was taken from the book Raging Bull, by former middleweight world champion Jake LaMotta, and it illustates the (somewhat calming) influence that boxing had on LaMotta during his time spent at the State Reform School in Coxsackie, New York as a juvenile.

“If a kid is punching a heavy bag, he obviously can’t be making a dagger out of a mess-hall spoon.” 

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Esteban De Jesus; A Tragic Story

NCBoxingOnline / April 8, 2013 / No comments

Esteban De Jesus; A Tragic Story

by Jim Amato

If ever a boxer was a victim of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, it was Puerto Rico’s Esteban De Jesus. This former one time claimant of the WBC lightweight title may have been the best Puerto Rican 135 pounder since Carlos Ortiz. Unfortunately, he boxed during the era of possibly the greatest of all lightweights, Roberto Duran. On November 17, 1972 at Madison Square Garden, Esteban floored Duran in the first round and then boxed his way to a decision win in a non-title bout. Then he twice whipped the respected Ray Lampkin in bouts for the American Lightweight title thus establishing himself as the top contender.
On his way to his first meeting with Duran, Esteban had lost just once and that was to WBA featherweight champion Antonio Gomez in a non-title fight. He defeated Josque Marquez twice, Victor Ortiz, Lionel Hernandez, Percy Hayles, Angel Robinson, and Cleveland’s Chuck Wilburn. After his victory over Duran, Esteban defeated the classy Johnny Gant and former junior welterweight titleholder, Alfonso Frazier. These victories finally set up a title shot against Duran. On March 16, 1974 in Panama City, Esteban again decked Duran in the first round, however, this time Roberto was in much better condition and he gradually wore down his formidable foe stopping Esteban in round eleven.
One year later De Jesus moved up in weight and challenged Antonio Cervantes for the junior welterweight championship. Once again Esteban faded down the stretch as he dropped a fifteen round decision. Again, one year later De Jesus received yet another title opportunity. He was matched with WBC lightweight champion Guts Suzuki. Showing his true class, Esteban Dominated Suzuki to win an easy decision and the crown. De Jesus would defend his title successfully three times thus setting up the rubber match with Duran for the undisputed title.
Duran v De Jesus III was held in Las Vegas and this much anticipated Superfight would determine once and for all who was the world’s best lightweight. In possibly the best performance of his career Duran proved his superiority halting Esteban in round twelve. De Jesus would come back and put together another win streak that included a victory over Edwin Viruet. Once more De Jesus was granted a title shot. This time he would meet WBC junior welterweight champion Saoul Mamby. The bout took place on July 7, 1980 and the signs of Esteban’s obviously eroding skills were there for all to see. Mamby finally halted an exhausted and outclassed De Jesus in round thirteen. The final chapter in this fine, yet tragic career, ended with Esteban never gaining full acceptance as lightweight champion, although only the great Duran could master him. Esteban’s final ledger is as follows; 62 bouts, 57 victories, and only 5 defeats. He scored 32 knockouts and he was stopped 3 times. All of his setbacks were to world champions, Gomez, Duran twice, Cervantes, and Mamby.
The bad luck that dogged Esteban’s career was only an omen of things to come. Not long after his retirement Esteban was involved in a traffic dispute during which he shot and killed a seventeen-year-old youth. For this crime De Jesus was sentenced to life in prison. While in prison De Jesus was infected with AIDS; and bedridden and dying, Esteban received a surprise visit from none other than his old adversary, Roberto Duran. In a moment of compassion completely out of character for the mean and macho Duran, he had come to pay his respects. He had come to show his admiration for his toughest foe. He also knew in his heart that Esteban was a true champion.

Jim Amato is a participating member of both the Boxing Writers Association of America and the International Boxing Research Organization. He is a longtime correspondent of sport, both inside and outside the ring, and he is currently the president and owner of Amato Sports Memorabilia. Jim’s other works and “Legends of Leather” articles can be found at http://boxinggreats.multiply.com.

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Fightin’ Words: Quote of the Week

NCBoxingOnline / March 27, 2013 / No comments

This week’s quote (taken from the book Floyd Patterson: The Fighting Life of Boxing’s Invisible Champion, by W.K. Stratton), comes to us courtesy of International Boxing Hall of Fame journalist Jimmy Cannon, as he attempted to make light of the inordinate number of times (9) that Patterson went down in his three fights with Ingemar Johansson. 

“At first, I thought he (Patterson) would be the first heavyweight champion with a cauliflower tail.”

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Oscar “Ringo” Bonavena

NCBoxingOnline / March 25, 2013 / No comments

Oscar “Ringo” Bonavena

By Jim Amato

Who was the greatest fighter to come out of Argentina? Well pound for pound you would probably say Carlos Monzon or possibly Pascual Perez. You could make a case for Nicolino Locche too. Who was the biggest and baddest of all Argentine fighters? Many would say Luis “Angel” Firpo. I’ll go with Oscar “Ringo” Bonavena.

When Oscar started his career in 1964, he met tough opponents like Tom McNeely and Dick Wipperman. In his first bout in 1965, he was overmatched and defeated by veteran contender Zora Folley, after which Oscar left New York and returned to Argentina. He then defeated the very capable Gregorio Paralta and American import, Billy Daniels. When he returned to New York in 1966, he outpointed equally rugged George Chuvalo.

Oscar was then matched with 1964 Olympic Gold Medal winner, Joe Frazier. The fight was classic. Oscar had Joe down twice but Frazier came back to win a close decision. In 1967, Oscar was entered in the eight man tourney to determine the defrocked Muhammad Ali’s successor. Oscar traveled to Germany and trounced southpaw Karl Mildenberger. In his next match he was floored twice and soundly beaten by the eventual tourney winner, Jimmy Ellis. Oscar regrouped in 1968 by beating Folley in a rematch, as well as the respected, Leotis Martin. He was then matched again with Joe Frazier for the New York State version of the crown. Oscar fell behind early, came on strong in the middle rounds, but lost the eventual verdict. However, Bonavena would still remain a viable contender for several more years.

Two years after his loss to Frazier, Oscar would face the “comebacking” Muhammad Ali.  It would be one of the most grueling fights of Ali’s career. The “Greatest” came out on top by stopping a dead game but exhausted Oscar in the fifteenth and final round.

In 1971, Oscar won by a disqualification over the colorful Al “Blue” Lewis. In 1972, Bonavena lost a very debatable decision to former champion Floyd Patterson, and two years later he was defeated by the highly regarded Ron Lyle.  The loss to Lyle pretty much pushed Oscar out of the title picture. Bonavena was still a rated fighter when on May 22, 1976, he was shot and killed at a brothel in Las Vegas.

The hard partying “Bad Boy” had finally met his match.

Jim Amato is a participating member of both the Boxing Writers Association of America and the International Boxing Research Organization. He is a longtime correspondent of sport, both inside and outside the ring, and he is currently the president and owner of Amato Sports Memorabilia. Jim’s other works and “Legends of Leather” articles can be found at http://boxinggreats.multiply.com.

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Category: boxing history, heavyweights, Oscar “Ringo” Bonavena / Tags: ,

Jose “Chegui” Torres

NCBoxingOnline / March 20, 2013 / No comments

Jose “Chegui” Torres

By Jim Amato

There was a time in the mid 1960′s that revolved around who would be Muhammad Ali’s next opponent. The former Cassius Clay was chewing up and spitting out challengers with alarming ease. His hold on the heavyweight title was reaching the point of fan boredom, and few could see any serious contenders on the horizon.  Then a tremendous boxer-puncher of Puerto Rican heritage exploded on to the scene, he was really a blown up middleweight with an extensive and successful amateur background, but boy could he fight!
He was a thing of beauty to watch. Hands held high in front of his face in the peek-a-boo style taught to him by his mentor Cus D’Amato; the flashing combinations, the burning body shots and his business like command of the situation inside the ropes. He was quite simply, a fighting machine.
When Jose Torres lifted the world’s light heavyweight title from Willie Pastrano on March 30, 1965 he was truly great. Who will ever forget the picture perfect body shot that sent a pained Pastrano to the canvas? Only Willie’s undeniable gameness kept him in the fight until the ninth round.  Almost every conceivable positive boxing adjective was heaped upon Jose after his stellar performance (and rightfully so), as Jose seemed destined to a bright and illustrious future.
Let’s go back to Jose’s early pro career. This young man appeared to have success stamped on his forehead. He turned professional in 1958 and won all nine of his fights that year. In 1959, he scored four straight kayos (two of which were over rugged Joe Shaw and talented Al Andrews), and he finished the year by drawing with future welterweight king Benny Paret.
In 1960, he stepped up in class and was forced to go the distance three times (twice against the clever Randy Sandy and once versus tough Tony Dupas. In 1961 and 1962, Jose put together an impressive ten fight knockout streak that led to his coming out party. On May 26, 1963 Jose took on the feared Florentino Fernandez in San Juan. Florentino had unsuccessfully challenged Gene Fullmer for the middleweight crown in 1961, but he was still very much a threat the night he met Torres. Time would have to wait for Jose Torres. Fernandez gave him a very rude welcoming to the big time, halting an overmatched Jose in six rounds.
The loss seemed to make Jose even more determined. Less than five months later, he returned to out-score Don Fullmer. Jose then picked right back up in 1964, reeling off seven very impressive wins. Among the victims were Jose Gonzalez, Wilbert McClure, Gomeo Brennan and a crushing one round blitz of former middleweight king Carl ” Bobo ” Olson.
Next came Pastrano and the championship, then a foray into the heavyweight ranks to cop a verdict over Tom McNeely. Three solid defenses of his crown followed against capable challengers Wayne Thornton, Eddie Cotton and Chic Calderwood. The future seemed vast and unlimited.
Then came Torres’ routine defense against the respected former middleweight king Dick Tiger on December 16, 1966.  What went wrong?  If a stuffed welterweight named Emile Griffith proved to be too much for Tiger in taking Dick’s middleweight title, how could he beat Jose? Answer; tenacity, conditioning and a burning desire and relentless will to win. Jose was just outworked. It was close and debatable but nevertheless a loss.
The rematch five months later was almost a carbon copy of the first engagement. Neither fight will go down in the annals of classic encounters but little did anyone suspect that Jose only had two more dates on his dance card.
Almost a year after his second setback to Tiger, Jose traveled to Australia and beat a useful Bob Dunlop. Fifteen months later he emerged in New York, and was nearly knocked out cold in the opening stanza by the colorful but erratic Charlie “Devil” Green. Call it guts, pride or whatever,  but Jose came out in the second round and he downed the “Devil “for good. It was high drama but also the curtain call. Jose Torres would never box again.
What Jose Torres has done in his post boxing career is a tribute to the man himself. He has established himself as a fine writer and humanitarian. He is a hero to the Puerto Rican people and rightfully so. I can give you my account of what I saw of Jose Torres, the man. It was June of 1998 and I was attending a fight show during the festive International Boxing Hall Of Fame weekend in Canasota, New York. Many former boxing greats entered the ring to have their pictures taken. Jose was among them.
The photo was taken by Mike Greenhill and I have it in my office at home. It shows over twenty smiling warriors enjoying the companionship of their peers. In one corner of the photo I notice a frail and aged Beau Jack. The now late former lightweight champion was not in the best of health at the time. What I see behind him is a man, a caring man who is not worried about smiling for the camera. I see concern etched on his face thinking only of watching out for the once robust champ.
As they say, a picture says a thousand words.

Jim Amato is a participating member of both the Boxing Writers Association of America and the International Boxing Research Organization. He is a longtime correspondent of sport, both inside and outside the ring, and he is currently the president and owner of Amato Sports Memorabilia. Jim’s other works and “Legends of Leather” articles can be found at http://boxinggreats.multiply.com.

 

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March 8, 1971; 42 Years Ago The Greatest Show on Earth Took Place

NCBoxingOnline / March 8, 2013 / No comments

March 8, 1971; 42 Years Ago The Greatest Show on Earth Took Place

By Jim Amato

There are certain dates that will stick with you as long as you live. Your birthday, the birthdays of family members, anniversaries, the day that you got your divorce(s), etc…Happy and important days that mark milestones in your life.

One such date I’ll always remember is March 8, 1971. The “Battle Of The Century“, it was so aptly named. Two undefeated boxers who each had a legitimate claim to being the heavyweight champion of the world would collide. When Muhammad Ali first won the title in 1964 his name was Cassius Clay. He would shortly thereafter change his name and then proceed to change the face of boxing. He dominated the scene until 1967 when he refused induction into the US Military due to his religious beliefs. Then came the Eight Man Elimination Tourney that was won by Jimmy Ellis. The powerful New York State Athletic Commission would recognize the winner of a matchup between unbeaten boxers Joe Frazier and Buster Mathis. A bout in which Joe won. In 1970, Frazier stopped Ellis to claim the vacated title. Later that year, Muhammad Ali returned to the ring and halted highly ranked contenders Jerry Quarry and Oscar Bonavena. The stage was now set. Ali and Frazier would clash for the undisputed title.

The first Ali-Frazier bout was the epic that all others are compared to, even today. There is no reason in this article to describe the bout itself. Reams of print have appeared documenting the action that took place in the ring that magical night. What I would like to share is the impact the fight had on me and probably millions of others. I have never before or since March 8, 1971 felt the same way about a prize fight. Yes there were a few that stirred my anticipation like Duran-DeJesus II and III, Leonard-Duran I, Leonard-Hearns I, Pryor-Arguello I, Hagler-Hearns and Leonard-Hagler. Still to this day Ali-Frazier I tops them all.

Was Ali-Frazier I the best action fight of all time? I would have to say no; but for sheer anticipation, drama and excitement, this fight was the whole package. You had movie star Burt Lancaster as a commentator and Frank Sinatra as a photographer. Each boxer would receive $ 2.5 million for their nights work. That was an unheard sum of money for one fight in 1971.

I have never been so wound up with anticipation for a boxing match in my life. I was a few months shy of my seventeenth birthday and had been a boxing fan from the time I was ten. I had closely followed all the events leading up this day in boxing history.

On fight night I was at a party and we gathered around the radio listening to the round by round summary. We were pretty much split on the outcome of the fight but almost all of us were rooting for “Smokin’ Joe.” From the round by round reports we could sense that this was a bout with shifting momentums. The ever proud Ali realized that Joe had come to fight this evening. Maybe Ali took Frazier too lightly. Maybe Muhammad rushed too soon to get back in the ring after his lengthy layoff. Maybe, just maybe the Joe Frazier of March 8, 1971 was one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. I’ve never seen a boxer who laid it all out for one fight like Joe did that night. You’ve heard it said that a boxer would rather die than be defeated. On this night Joe would have died a hundred deaths before giving in to Ali.

Round after round went by and as we listened to the radio. In the eleventh Frazier rocked Ali and we as a collective group cheered. Even the ones who had bet on Ali to win. As the bout moved into the “championship” rounds, we were all on the edge of our seats. Then it happened. It was announced on the radio the Joe had decked Ali in the fifteenth round. More cheering and now the wait. Finally it was time to render the decision. The winner and still heavyweight champion of the world…Joe Frazier!

Oh what a night. Forty two years later I can remember it like it was yesterday. Joe Frazier has passed on and Ali, my friends and myself are in the twilight of our lives. Still, when I think of that night it takes me back to my youth and to the ultimate excitement that probably the greatest single sporting event of all time brought me. Thanks Joe and Muhammad.

Jim Amato is a participating member of both the Boxing Writers Association of America and the International Boxing Research Organization. He is a longtime correspondent of sport, both inside and outside the ring, and he is currently the president and owner of Amato Sports Memorabilia. Jim’s other works and “Legends of Leather” articles can be found at http://boxinggreats.multiply.com.

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Category: ali-frazier I, boxing, boxing history, heavyweights / Tags: ,

Nino Benvenuti; A Different Mold

NCBoxingOnline / March 3, 2013 / No comments

Nino Benvenuti; A Different Mold

By Jim Amato

Nino Benvenuti was a celebrated Olympic hero in 1960, and undefeated as a professional until losing an extremely debatable verdict in Korea in 1966. He came to New York and captured the American fans with his suave, arrogant demeanor. He took two out of three against the great Emile Griffith and he was the middleweight champion of the world. New York City fell in love with him.
There was an impressive defense against the capable Don Fullmer, brother of Gene, who Nino dominated, and there was a questionable disqualification win over Fraser Scott in a fight that seemed to be going Scott’s way.

We saw Nino come from behind to salvage his title with a stunning one punch knockout over the legendary Luis Rodriguez, and his draw with rugged Doyle Baird in a non-title contest at the Akron Rubber Bowl (a fight most people thought he lost). He was unable to continue in Australia against the torrid body attack of underrated Tom “The Bomb” Bethea in another non-title bout (to Nino’s credit he halted Bethea in a title fight rematch soon after). He also stopped Baird in a non-title return.

Nino had some ill-advised thoughts about moving up to challenge Bob Foster for the light heavyweight crown. First he had to get by former titleholder Dick Tiger. The stronger Tiger handled Nino with ease, thus ending Nino’s illusion of competing against Foster.

It looked like a safe defense when he agreed to meet ranked but undistinguished Carlos Monzon of Argentina. The best thing on the Monzon resume was a draw with rugged American Bennie Briscoe. This fight marked the beginning of the reign of “King Carlos”. Monzon out-toughed and outlasted Benvenuti to win the middleweight crown via a twelfth round knockout. Nino would get a chance to regain his former fame, but before that happened he lost a decision to another Argentine warrior, Jose Chirino in a tune up bout. Monzon-Benvenuti II was a total mismatch. The bout was stopped in the third round. This was the end of Nino’s career.

Looking back, I remember my Italian boxing heroes… Graziano, Marciano, LaMotta, Basilio and DeMarco. Throw in a clever, but tough Giardello and you can get a picture of what I was looking for. Nino didn’t fit the bill. He was not of the same mold. I’ve never seen a fighter complain to the referee like Nino used to. Nevertheless, looking back at his career I’ve gained more respect for his clever boxing style. He had a good jab and he was a fine counterpuncher. He was game and had fierce pride. He fought back hard when in trouble and every now and then he showed one punch KO power.
 
After his career ended Nino became a successful and highly distinguished businessman. He was a color commentator for boxing matches and remains tremendously popular in Italy. I was deeply touched a few years back when Nino helped out former foe and fellow Hall Of Fame member Emile Griffith. The great Griffith had fallen on hard times and the classy Benvenuti reached out to assist him; a sincere act of kindness.
 
What I learned from Nino is not every Italian boxer has to fight like Rocky to be great.

Jim Amato is a participating member of both the Boxing Writers Association of America and the International Boxing Research Organization. He is a longtime correspondent of sport, both inside and outside the ring, and he is currently the president and owner of Amato Sports Memorabilia. Jim’s other works and “Legends of Leather” articles can be found at http://boxinggreats.multiply.com.

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Ricky Quiles; A Long Time Contender

NCBoxingOnline / February 26, 2013 / No comments

Ricky Quiles; A Long Time Contender

By Jim Amato

Ricky Quiles was a fine lightweight/super lightweight who for nearly a decade was a mainstay in the divisions’ ratings. He was born April 11, 1970 in Ponce, Puerto Rico and made his professional boxing debut three weeks after his nineteenth birthday. Ricky would win his first four bouts before fighting to a draw with Glenn Hudson and being halted in five by Liasu Braimoh.

Ricky was now doing most of his boxing on the West Coast while also spending time in Lorain, Ohio. After his loss to Braimoh, Ricky reeled off 14 straight wins (all in California). On January 19, 1993 Quiles traveled away from the coast to Boise, Idaho. There he dropped an eight round verdict to Ditah Molefyane, and it was back to the west coast for five more wins.

In 1995, Ricky won a couple of bouts in Cleveland, Ohio before heading to Michigan and back to sunny California, as he climbed the ratings. On November 19, 1998 Quiles took a 12 round decision over Javier Francisco Mendez to win the World Boxing Federation’s light welterweight title. Next, he would lose a non title decision to Ahmed Santos in Mississippi. Then, in Illinois, Ricky lost a decision to Gregorio Vargas for the vacant WBC Fecarbox lightweight title. Two months later he edged veteran Cosme Rivera to capture the WBO/ NABO light welterweight championship. He would next retain his title fighting a draw with the talented Vince “Cool” Phillips.

On January 4, 2002 Quiles met the highly regarded Diosbelys Hurtado for the vacant International Boxing Association light welterweight title. Hurtado would win the decision and the title. A year later Ricky would challenge Terrance Cauthen for the NABF 140 pound crown and again Ricky would come up short. However, Quiles did finish the year with a points win over tough Eloy Rojas.

On February 28, 2004 in Florida, Quiles captured the NABA lightweight title with a convincing 12 round decision over Peru native Luis Villalta. Celebration soon turned to tragedy as Villalta passed out in his dressing room and was rushed to the hospital. Luis slipped into a coma and died on March 3rd. This was a stunning chain of events because Quiles was never noted as a heavy hitter. In fact Ricky only scored eight knockouts in his 50 fight career. Many felt Villalta may have already had some brain damage before meeting Ricky.

Ricky would have to try and put this behind him as his win opened the door for some important fights. Later in the year Quilles outscored Jose Quintana, putting him in an elimination tournament for the IBF lightweight title. In February of 2005, Quiles won a very hard earned 12 round decision over Edner Cherry. He then fought and a decisioned Javier Jaurequi in another spirited battle, and was now on the cusp of winning a world crown.

Ricky opened 2006 winning an eight rounder over Jeremy Yelton. Then on May 18th he met the slick Julio Diaz. Quiles could never get on track and Diaz fought a superb fight winning the decision with several points to spare. In 2007, Quiles was involved in another elimination bout, this time against the crafty Nate Campbell. Ricky again went the distance but was soundly thrashed, and in 2007 he decided to hang up the gloves.

In 50 fights Quiles put together a highly respectable 39-8-3 record. As stated earlier he only had eight career knockout wins. Quiles who was a superb boxer and game to the core suffered only one KO loss his whole career.

I would like to thank Trevor Sink for adding important information to this article.

Jim Amato is a participating member of both the Boxing Writers Association of America and the International Boxing Research Organization. He is a longtime correspondent of sport, both inside and outside the ring, and he is currently the president and owner of Amato Sports Memorabilia. Jim’s other works and “Legends of Leather” articles can be found at http://boxinggreats.multiply.com.

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