ROBERT WANGILA

 

   After a great amateur boxing career that finished with a Gold medal at the 1988 Olympic Games,  Kenya's Robert Wangila (Wangila Napunyi) turned professional on Feb. 24, 1989 scoring a unanimous win over Sidney Gomes who was also making his pro debut.

   After a couple of easy wins, the former gold medal olympian was put into a very tough matchup against Oklahoma's Buck "Tombstone" Smith who came into the bout with a record of 22-1-2, 16 ko. The bout was on the undercard of Sugar Ray Leonard vs Thomas Hearns rematch at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, NV. A high level challenge for a man with just 3 pro fights. Wangila won a very hard fought majority decision over 6 rounds.

   Wangila ran off a 6 fight knockout streak and took a record of 10-0, 7 by knockout into his next big test against Indianapolis' Clarence White (13-1, 9 ko) in another battle of prospects. The fight was on the undercard of a talent loaded event that included: Andrew Maynard, Sharma Mitchell, Lamar "Kidfire" Parks, and others with a WBO Middleweight battle between Doug Dewitt & Nigel Benn as the main event. Wangila shined winning a unanimous decision over 6 rounds!

   Robert came back about 6 weeks later with an easy 3rd round tko win over Jorge Hernandez, but just 6 weeks after that fight, he took his first loss in shocking fashion, being stopped by Puerto Rico's Eric Hernandez in 3 rounds.

   The loss was a setback, but his management team wasted no time getting him back into the ring 3 months later, and he looked sharp scoring a 2nd round tko over Calvin Meeks (10-2).

   Wangila was back on track and after 6 straight victories, with his pro record now standing at 19-1, he gave Buck Smith a rematch. Smith had been VERY busy and came into the rematch with a pro record of  91-2-2! Smith wanted badly to avenge one of his only 2 losses, and he came out blazing, stopping Wangila in round 2.

   Wangila was then stopped in his next fight by William Hernandez. Robert stepped away from the game for a while and after a year and 3 months, he returned to avenge that loss to Hernandez, stopping him in round 5 of the rematch.

   Wangila had a solid record at 21-3, and after a tune-up bout against Pedro Aguirre, he stepped in to face former Australian Welterweight champion, and world title contender - Troy Waters (21-3). Waters was coming off of a WBC world title challenge loss to Terry Norris. It was a great night for the Aussie as he scored a 6th round tko win over Wangila at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, CA.

   Wangila would score his final victory with an 8 round unanimous decision over Mexico's Jesus Mayorga.

   Robert's final fight turned out to be a tragic event. He faced Houston's David Gonzalez (38-3-1) in a 10-round main event. The bout was a war, but Wangila was taking too much punishment, and referee Joe Cortez stopped the bout at 1:12 of the 9th round. Wangila protested, but later collapsed in his dressing room.  He died from injuries sustained during the bout.

   Robert "Kid" Wangila was a hard fighting fan favorite who gave his all each time out.  He never got a title shot, but fought on in the sport he loved and excelled at.  He finished with a pro record of: 22 Wins and 5 losses.  Winning 16 by knockout. Winning an Olympic Gold Medal, and the respect of boxing fans around the world.

Check out his complete pro ledger on: BOXREC.COM

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If you would like to see Robert Wangila in action, I have the following bouts available on DVD:

 

ROBERT WANGILA vs

SIDNEY GOMES                                [w-4] (Pro Debut)
ARIEL CONDE (aka- "Henry Perez") [ko-1]
BUCK SMITH #1                                 [w-6]
ANTHONY MARTINEZ                     [ko-5]
RODDY BLAKE                                  [tko-1]
ROBERTO GARCIA                            [tko-2]
RAMON FELIX                                    [tko-3]
CLARENCE WHITE                            [w-6]
ERIC HERNANDEZ                            [tko-by-6]
STEVE BARRERAS                            [tko-6]
BUCK SMITH #2                                 [tko-by-2]
TROY WATERS                                   [tko-by-6] {Vac WBB Jr. Middle}

Amateur:
Laurent Boudouani (France)                [rsc-2] (1988 Olympics)

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Contact me at: THE BOXING GURU vis E-MAIL

HARSH WORDS

 

Larry Holmes vs Michael Spinks #1 Post-fight Press Conference

 

Sept. 21, 1985

Las Vegas, Nevada

 

   Just hours after one of boxing’s most unexpected upsets, dethroned heavyweight king Larry Holmes stepped up to the microphone and expressed his thoughts. He had just lost the precious IBF heavyweight title which he held with an iron grip for over 7 years. It was his first loss as a professional, leaving him just 1 win short of tying the 49-0 record compiled by the great Rocky Marciano.

   As great as he was, few boxing experts really thought that undisputed Light Heavyweight champion Michael Spinks would be the man to dethrone the heavyweight king. It was a razor thin, but unanimous decision on scores of 145-142, 143-142, and 143-142 in favor of the new IBF heavyweight champion – Spinks.

   At the post-fight press conference, Holmes stepped up to the microphone and unleashed a calm and controlled, but obviously angry monologue aimed not at the man who dethroned him, but instead, his target was the late Rocky Marciano.

Larry Holmes: "…7 years, the heavyweight champion of the world. When most people like Howard Cosell, Gil Clancy, Cus D’amato said Larry Holmes would never be heavyweight champion. I went wrong somewhere and I became the heavyweight champion. I went wrong by beating every challenger that came. I went against all odds and became the heavyweight champion of the world.

   Coming into the last days of the fight I was kind of upset because of things that I was hearing from the Marciano family, especially his brother, kind of upset me. I think he’s back in the back. I never like to take anything away from a fighter, and I think his family owes me a great deal for bringing this man back to life – like I did - for years - I did. Not knowing anything about Rocky. Not trying to put him down but I would, and it’s so easy for me to do it. In spite of what anybody say, I do what I want, and this is probably why I lost. Because I say it like it is, and I will continue to say it until the day I die. I’m 35 years old fighting young men, and he was 25 years old fighting old men, I can easily put him down. And I can easily say – his brother in the back – he fought him. I mean, if you really, really want to get technical about the whole thing, Rocky couldn’t carry my jock strap."

   After a few more words, the ex-champ then aimed his anger at Rocky Marciano’s Brother – Peter Marciano who was in attendance.

Holmes:"If I hurt you back there Sonny, is your name Sonny? (he answered “My name is Peter”) Peter? If I hurt your feelings back there, So F***ing what? (Marciano tries to say something from the crowd) Wait, hold it, this is my show, and you have been invited by Caesar’s Palace. You are freeloading off of your brother even after he’s dead. Now, if it wasn’t for me, Peter, if it wasn’t for me, you would have never have been invited to Caesar’s Palace where all of your expenses are paid. You, (Peter Marciano shouts something back) no-no-no, face the truth you can go back to Boston, and wherever you come from with Steve Marantz and all the other people in Boston who I think are racist, and shove Boston up you’re a** because you can never do what I have done!

   Holmes went on to say that he did feel Marciano was one of the greatest fighters of all time.

Holmes: Let me explain to you all what I have said, try to explain to you, what I have said about Rocky. I say Rocky was one of the greatest fighters of all time. I says he probably - for anybody to accomplish a record with 49 fights, if he fought all bums, had to be somebody. I said, but some people question his record because of some dispute with his brother’s exhibitions in Massachusetts. I says but he had to be one of the greatest fighters of all time to accomplish a record as such.

   This is where you could sense a change in Holmes’ tone.  You could almost feel the anger leaving him as his words turned more respectful.

Holmes: And also I said. When Marciano was fighting. I wasn’t even a thought in my Father’s Penis. (A remark was heard from someone nearby) No, it’s true Ritchie. When he was fighting, I wasn’t even a thought. And, therefore, I didn’t know what kind of fighter he was. And just last year or two, I started finding out a little bit about Rocky Marciano. But, to leave you with a sense of relief. I think your brother was a great fighter. I think your brother went a long way, and I would have loved to have met him. And then, I’m sorry if you took that out of the wrong context. But I didn’t mean no harm by doing it. I wish I could have met him, and this is one of the reasons why I brought a forgotten fighter to work with me – in Archie Moore. Because when people get in that position, they’re forgotten about. And I didn’t want Rocky Marciano to be forgotten. And if I thought he was not a great fighter, his pictures wouldn’t be all over my walls in my hotel and my house. And I respect the man. And that’s what I’d like to say to you. And, if I hurt anybody’s feelings, I’m very sorry for doing that. But, I was giving my people something to look forward to in our lifetime. Thank you for listening to me, and I’m very sorry if I hurt your feelings.

   ESPN’s Jim Gray was there to cover the press conference, and he asked Peter Marciano about what was just expressed by the beaten champion.

Jim Gray: With me right now is Peter Marciano. Larry Holmes sounded quite bitter in the speech he was making about your brother, and he really had offended you and your family earlier in the week hadn’t he?

Peter Marciano: Yeah, he… the way I feel about it is, I have no hard feelings towards Larry. I just think that Larry never really knew about Rocky Marciano.

   They then paused to listen to a few more words from Holmes. They continued to take questions from the audience as Gray continued to interview Rocky’s brother.

Gray: Peter, let’s continue on that thought. He really had hurt your family’s feelings?

P. Marciano: Yes he did. He hurt my family terribly. I think it’s through a lack of knowledge. He seems to speak like Rocky fought a hundred years ago. He’s saying things like- some of Rocky’s fights were not legitimate, and that’s not true. I feel that if a man is going to respond or talk about someone, he should read about him and know about him, and that’s all I’m saying.

   It was a speech that started out stinging, but ended on a more respectful note. Unfortunately, what was spewed by the media was the line about not being able to “carry my Jock strap”.  The final words of praise given were hardly even mentioned in newsclips or reports.

   It was not even close to a retirement speech either.  Holmes went on to fight 26 more times, A full career for many pro fighters!  Going 21-5 after his first defeat against Michael Spinks.  His 5 losses in that stretch were all attempts to regain a world heavyweight title belt. He fought at a high level until his final fight (a victory) at age 53.

   Even though Holmes continued on with his Hall-of-Fame career, the remarks of that night in 1985 have followed him.  In 2007 Holmes told Reuter’s Steve Ginsburg: “All these years later, people just can’t forget that.” He went on to say: “It still haunts you. After all these years, people won’t let go.”

EDWARD PARKER

 Nickname: Pee Wee

   After a very successful run as an amateur boxer, Houston's Ed "Pee Wee" Parker turned pro on Sept. 11, 1985. Parker scored a 3rd round technical knockout over fellow Texan David Gonzalez.  Few knew it at the time, but it was a very tough way to start out his career, Gonzalez would go on to win the California State Lightweight title, the NABF Welterweight title, and would fight for the WBC Jr. Middleweight world title!  Parker's management must have believed in his skills because he was put in with some pretty high level opposition from the start. 

   Parker went 6-0 with 3 ko's before taking the rematch with David Gonzalez. It was another great matchup, but this time it was Gonzalez winning via 8 round decision.  Parker took his first loss in a very tough fight.

   2 fights later, Parker found his self fighting for his first title belt. Just a little over 1 year from his pro debut, the 7-1 Parker faced another Houston up-and-coming favorite - Ronald Haynes (13-2) for the Texas State Lightweight Title.The fight went the full 12 round distance, and it was Haynes getting the unanimous decision from the judges.

   After 2 more fights and two more wins against solid opponents (Sylvester Kennon, and Gerardo Velasquez) in Texas, Parker ventured out and began fighting in venues outside of his home state.

   Ed Parker set out to prove that he was more than just a "local favorite" and went on the road hoping to battle his way into world class contention.  

Fighting in California, New York, South Africa, New Jersey, and Tijuana Mexico, Parker proved his ability going 9-1-2 in that stretch against opponents with a combined record of 195-33-8! 

   Parker was invited to participate in the Jr. Lightweight tournament held by The Forum in Los Angeles. He shined as he stopped Oscar Gallegos (12-1) in 3 rounds, fought a majority draw - with 1 judge's card favoring Parker, and the other 2 having it a 95-95 draw, against Rogelio Lopez (16-9), knocking out Robert Byrd (19-2) in round 7 of the tournament semi-final, interesting side note: the Referee for that fight was.... Robert Byrd! ...And on Oct. 23, 1989 Ed "Pee Wee" Parker (18-3-2) faced off with Kenny Baysmore (25-2-2) for the Forum tournament championship. It was a wild affair going the full 12 rounds, and ending in a unanimous decision. One Judge had it 116-113,  the other two Judges saw it 116-112 all in favor of Ed Parker. Ed "Pee Wee" Parker wore the prestigious title proudly, and that performance propelled him into his next fight which would be a challenge for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Featherweight Championship. His opponent was rugged Abe Gomez (16-3-1) who was very popular in the Los Angeles area. This fight was also held at the "fabulous" Forum in Los Angeles where Parker himself had become quite popular after his dazzling performance in the Forum Tournament. The fight was televised nationally on the Prime Ticket network. As expected the fight was tough and went the full 12 rounds, but there was no doubt who was the clear winner. Ed Parker scored the unanimous decision victory on cards reading: Dr. James Jen Kin: 116-113, Vince Delgado: 117-111, and Robert Byrd: 118-107, all in favor of Ed Parker.

   After back-to-back title winning fights, just a month-and-a-half later, Parker defended his WBC Continental Americas title belt against veteran Refugio Rojas (35-17-1) at The Forum in Los Angeles. It was a successful defense, ending in a unanimous decision win for the defending champion Parker, but the ruling was changed to a "No Contest" after the champion failed post-fight testing. Parker broke down upon being told of the test results, but didn't give up, and 3 months later came back with a great, but losing effort against undefeated Frankie Mitchell (24-0), dropping a very close unanimous decision on scores of 97-93, and 96-94 x 2 in Reno, Nevada.

   Parker was an active fighter, and just under a month after his bruising war with Frankie Mitchell over 10 rounds, he scored a great win over former NABF champion, and WBA World title challenger - Jesus Poll by unanimous decision over 12 rounds.

 

   Taking 4 months off, Parker took on undefeated, and world ranked Jesse James Leija (15-0) in an all-Texas showdown bout at the Hemisfair Arena in San Antonio, Texas.  It was a wild night in front of an enthusiastic crowd. And after 10 tense, back-and-forth rounds, the Judges scorecards read: Vince Amaya 97-94 in favor of Leija, Jimmy Parks had it 98-96 going to Parker, and Judge Wilfredo Esperon saw the fight 96-96. Nothing was settled as the fight was declared a split Draw!

   Being the active fighting champion that he was, Parker came right back with a stretch against 4 world ranked fighters, going 0-2-2 against: Manuel "Mantecas" Medina (37-3), Rowdy Welch (12-1), Aladin Stevens (41-6-5), and Harold Warren (15-5). All of the fights ended in decisions, with the Welch bout ending as a "Technical Draw" after an accidental clash of heads in round 1.

   Parker's career went down hill after that.  Fighting 17 more times in about 8 years, but winning only once in that final stretch. Proving what a skilled and worthy fighter he was, Even though he was losing most of his bouts, he continued to fight high level opponents and became a "Gate-Keeper" because of his high skill level.

   Edward's final bout came on March 18, 1999, 13-and-a-half years after making his professional debut, losing a 4 round decision to Larry O'Shields (14-6-2) at the Sheraton in Houston Texas.

   If you look close at Parker's record, you will see that he didn't get many "easy" fights along the way. Of his 50 professional bouts, only 2 were against fighters that didn't have a winning record!  He fought often, and is always held in high regard when remembered by boxing fans.

   Parker ended with a final record of 22 wins, 21 losses, 6 draws, and 1 no contest, winning 9 by knockout. A very deceiving final tally for sure. Fighting well past his prime, and refusing to take "easy" fights.  

   We are honored to induct Edward "Pee Wee" Parker into our Hall-of-Fan-Favorites!

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If you would like to see Ed "Pee Wee" Parker in action, I have the following bouts available on DVD:

ED "Pee Wee" PARKER vs 

ABE GOMEZ [w-12] {WBA Cont-Am Feather}

REFUGIO ROJAS [NC-12] {WBA Cont-Am Feather}(*W-12-Parker, changed to N/C)

FRANKIE MITCHELL [L-10]

JESUS POLL  [w-12] (IBC Feather)

JESSIE JAMES LEIJA [Draw-10]

MANUEL MEDINA [L-10]

LOUIE ESPINOZA [ko-by-4]

Amateur:
Ronnie Rentz

 

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Contact The Boxing Guru via E-mail at: THE BOXING GURU

JOHNNY VASQUEZ

 Nickname: The Torch

   Phoenix Arizona's Johnny Vasquez turned professional May 1, 1989.  He was a successful amateur, and began his pro career with a 2nd round tko over Albuquerque's Chino Sanchez.

 

   He ran his record to 7-0, winning 5 by knockoout before being put in with another hot prospect, Las Vegas Nevada's Les "Fabulous" Fabri (11-1-2) on the undercard of Michael Carbajal/Tony DeLuca.  It was a close fight that went the full 8 rounds, but it was the light hitting/slick boxing Fabri that got the split decision win in the battle of promising southpaws.

 

   Johnny's first loss didn't slow him down at all.  It was a good showing against a respected and crafty boxer, and less than a month later, Vasquez returned with a unanimous decision win against another young hot-shot - El Salvador's Frank Avelar (6-1).  Johnny "The Torch" was back on track.

 

   After 5 more wins against relatively easy opposition, Vasquez stepped up for a chance at his first title belt. He would put his 13-1 record on the line against former WBC Continental America's Super Flyweight Champion - Roland Gomez (21-4). The bout was for the Bantamweight version of Gomez's former title, and it was a great night at the Pointe Resort in Phoenix as the local favorite put on an exhibition of boxing skill that earned him a clear and decisive unanimous decision win over the 12-round distance in front of a national television audience via Univision network. That win was followed 3 months later with another impressive win in his first title defense against a former holder of that title - Jorge Fuentes Martinez (14-4) via 7th round technical knockout.

   After a solid 10 round win over Lucilo Nolasco, Vasquez was named as the challenger for the USBA Bantamweight championship against undefeated Eddie Cook (14-0). It was an interesting matchup of two fringe contenders looking to make a move into world title contention.  The bout was televised on ESPN's Top Rank Boxing series. The champion had too much fire-power as he stopped Vasquez in round 7.  It was a mild setback for Johnny Vasquez, but it didn't derail his dreams.

   He was always willing to take on any challenge, and he bounced back in tough fashion, winning a 10 round unanimous decision over Pablo Valenzuela (21-4-3) and then followed that with a brutal match against highly regarded undefeated contender Rudy Zavala (15-0) which ended in an 8-round draw! That fight was so good a rematch was immediately made but this time it was for the vacant NABF Jr. Featherweight title belt. It was another great battle with plenty of back-and-forth action and when the scorecards were read, it was Zavala remaining unbeaten via close unanimous decision.

   Vasquez would next face a surprisingly tough Martin Gallegos of Mexico in a 10-round main event bout that went the distance in Johnny's favor.  The bout was so good that Gallegos was offered a return match, this time for the vacant Arizona State Featherweight title, and it was Vasquez who showed his class via 5th round tko, picking up another title belt.

Vasquez wins the Arizona State Title in rematch with Gallegos

    Vasquez would not fight for another title, but he did run off a 10-fight winning streak that included wins over World Title challeger - Eddie Rangel, and a majority decision win over rugged Vinnie Ponzio, before losing in his final professional bout against former WBA World Champion Israel Contreras.  That brutal bout turned out to be the final pro bout for both fighters.

   Johnny Vasquez ended his very active professional campaign, fighting 34 professional bouts in just 6 years.  His final record, an impressive 29 wins, 4 defeats, and 1 draw. He thrilled boxing fans with his busy and bold boxing style. Taking on any challenge, and always performed solidly. He was a well respected professional and we are glad to remember him here!

Check out Johnny's complete professional record: JOHNNY VASQUEZ - boxrec

If you would like to see Johnny "The Torch" Vasquez in action, I have the following bouts on DVD:

JOHNNY VASQUEZ vs

FRANK AVELAR                    [w-6] (*Not Complete: Rounds 1 & 2 of 6 ONLY)
VICTOR ROJAS                      [ko-1]
ROLAND GOMEZ                  [w-12] {WBC Cont Am Bantam}   
EDDIE COOK                          [tko-by-7] {USBA Bantam}   
RUDY ZAVALA #1                 [Draw-8]   
RUDY ZAVALA #2                 [L-12] {Vac NABF Jr. Feather}
MARTIN GALLEGOS #2       [ko-5] {Vac Arizona State Jr. Feather}
MARIO LOZANO #2              [tko-3]
MANUEL ROBLES                [w-8] (Rds. 6-8 of 8 ONLY) (*Dan Judge)
JESUS CHAVEZ                     [tko-2] {Vacant IBC Jr. Feather} (*Dan Judge)
EDDIE RANGEL                    [tko-6]
VINNIE  PONZIO                   [w-6]
ISRAEL CONTRERAS           [tko-by-9] (*Johnny Vasquez's LAST pro bout)

Amateur:
Fidel Briceno                   (82PALNatls)
Steve Young                    (87ABFNatls)

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Contact me via e-mail: The Boxing Guru via E-Mail

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