QUINCY TAYLOR

   He is considered one of the greatest fighters to ever come out of Dallas, Texas.  He is not a household name, but boxing fans that really know the sport speak with great respect about Quincy Taylor.

   He turned professional August 13, 1986, stopping John Robinson who could not continue after 3 rounds at the Forum in Inglewood, California.  Notice was served that this was a middleweight prospecct to watch.

   Quincy ran off a string of wins, starting his career at 10-0 with 9 knockouts, defeating 3 undefeated fellow prospects in that stretch. He was gaining a reputation as a knockout artist and was ready to be stepped-up to a high level.

   At 10-0 he was put in against another top-notch prospect named Terry Norris who was 16-2, 10 ko's. It was a great battle with both guys having their moments, but when the scores were read, it was "Terrible" Terry Norris who got the nod on scores of 97-94 x 2, and 96-94 to win this battle of highly regarded prospects.  It was a disappointed but realistic Taylor who told Al Bernstein at the post-fight interview on espn, that Norris had the edge in experience and that was what probably pulled it out.

Quincy Taylor tags Terry Norris with a big left in their 1988 encounter

    Even though he took his first loss, Taylor's performance against the highly regarded (and future world champion) Terry Norris proved that he was ready to be groomed for title contention.  His level of opposition remained high, and he scored wins against Gilbert Baptist (17-10), Tomas Perez (22-4), and unbeaten Mario Gaston (23-0) before losing a technical decision to former WBC Welterweight world champion - Jorge Vaca (45-9-1) when the fight had to be stopped with Vaca ahead on the scorecards to get the win.

   The close loss to Jorge Vaca didn't hurt Taylor at all.  He was given a chance at his first title belt in his next fight against Armando Rodriguez (21-3-1) for the IBF Inter-continental Jr. Middleweight title.  Taylor made the most of it as he stopped the defending champion in round 7 to win that coveted first belt.

   That first loss to Jorge Vaca felt like unfinished business to all involved, so a rematch was set up at the scene of the first meeting - The Great Western Forum in Inglewood, CA.  The match went the distance, but it was again Vaca who got the decision win in the 10-round main event.

   Taylor then ran off a 6-fight win streak earning him a chance to win a 2nd title belt, this time it was for the NABF middleweight championship against defending champion Otis Grant who was undefeated (22-0), the Canadian champion, and making his 4th defense of the North American Title.

   It was an incredible night for Quincy Taylor who was engaged in a war with the defending champion.  It was close, but just to make sure no crazy scorecards got in the way, Taylor knocked out Grant in the 12th and final round to win the title.  It is a good thing he scored that knockout as USA Network's broadcast team informed Taylor at the post-fight interview that even though it seemed clear to their eyes that Taylor was cruising to a certain decision win, two of the official judges had Grant ahead on their scorecards, and the third judge had it even!  No matter, Taylor sealed the win with the 10-count knockout.

   Quincy defended that NABF title proudly in his next 3 fights with fantastic title defense wins against: Derrick Rolon (19-1), Rodney Toney (19-0-2), and Rafael Williams (33-14).... all by technical knockout!

   He was a proven world class and world ranked contender now, and he finally got his shot at a world championship.  

   It was August 19, 1995 when Quincy Taylor took his 25-3 record into a challenge for the WBC Middleweight Championship against one of the most fearsome knockout punchers in boxing - Julian "The Hawk" Jackson (51-3, 47 knockouts).  It was a star-studded event staged by Don King productions, headlined by Mike Tyson's return to the ring against "Hurricane" Peter McNeeley and televised on Showtime PPV.  It was a big night for Quincy Taylor, and the fight was a battle right up to the point where he hurt Jackson with a body punch, and then unleashed on him forcing referee Jay Nady to wave the fight to a stop.  Quincy Taylor was the new WBC Middleweight Champion of the world!

   His title reign was short-lived as he lost in his first title defense 7 months later to Keith Holmes (28-1) on the undercard of the Mike Tyson/Frank Bruno rematch.  The fight was close as the judge's scores indicated (77-76, and 77-75 x 2) up to the point of the stoppage.

   Taylor would fight just twice more in the next 5 years, winning both by knockout.  His final bout came on June 16, 2001, and what a way to go out, handing Fred Moore (25-0) his first defeat by technical knockout in round 4.

   Quincy Taylor was a fight-fan's fighter.  Hard punching, and a solid technician. Nothing fancy, no cute nicknames or colorful costumes, just a pure warrior who won titles, and even reached the mountain-top winning the WBC World Championship too! He is also reputed to have dropped Sugar Ray Leonard in a sparring session when Ray was training for his historic fight against Marvelous Marvin Hagler!

   He finished with an outstanding record of 28-4, with 24 of those wins by knockout

Check out his complete pro record: QUINCY TAYLOR ON BOXREC

If you would like to see Quincy Taylor in action, I have the following bouts available for trade on DVD:

 1. TERRY NORRIS  [L-10]
2. DONALD JOHNSON  [tko-7]
3. GILBERT BAPTIST  [w-10]
4. TOMAS PEREZ  [w-10]
5. MARIO GASTON  [tko-7]
6. JORGE VACA #1  [L-Tech-6]
7. JORGE VACA #2  [L-10]
8. OTIS GRANT  [ko-12] {NABF Middle Title}
9. DERRICK ROLON  [tko-8] {NABF Middle Title}
10. RODNEY TONEY  [tko-12] {NABF Middle Title}
11. JULIAN JACKSON  [tko-6] {WBC Middle Title}
12. KEITH HOLMES  [tko-by-9] {WBC Middle Title}

Contact me for information: The Boxing Guru via e-mail

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DONNY GIRON

   After an outstanding amateur boxing campaign that saw him rise to as high as #3 ranked in the Nation, Denver Colorado's Donny Giron turned professional on July 1, 1988, stopping Rene Martinez in round 3 of the pro debut for both fighters.

   His 2nd pro bout was not as successful as he was stopped by Danny Trevino (2-0) in round 3 when the ringside physician advised the referee to halt the brutal bout.

   They didn't give him an easy assignment in his next fight as he was put in with unbeaten prospect "Lightning" Joe Gatti (4-0). The fight was on the undercard of a twin-World-Title-bill at the Las Vegas Hilton that featured Thomas Hearns vs James Kinchen (for the vacant WBO Super middleweight title), and Michael Nunn vs Juan Roldan (for the IBF Middleweight title).  Gatti would go on to challenge for 3 different world titles, but on this night, it was Donny Giron who handed him his first taste of defeat by scoring the tko in round 1!  A huge win for Giron.

   Giron fought just 18 days later and scored another 1st round knockout (over Jose Emanuel Varela) before being put in with unbeaten Leroy Owens (6-0) where they fought to a majority decision draw.

   He continued on an upward path scoring two more wins before fighting to a draw against another unbeaten prospect in Roosevelt Walker (8-0) on the undercard of James Buddy McGirt vs Tony Baltazar in New York.  The buzz around ringside was that Giron deserved the win, but the judges called it even.

   Giron ran off a streak of 5 straight knockout wins, among those was a 1st round tko over highly regarded Louis Howard (19-3-1, 15 ko) at the Kiva auditorium in Albuquerque, NM.  That win boosted Donny's reputation into the next level of the division.

   Sept. 28, 1990 pitted Giron against another top prospect in Mexico's knockout artist - Luis "Tyson" Vazquez (16-3-1, 13 ko).  It was a great matchup of two boxers who were poised to step up into world contention.  The bout held at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago was carried on univision network. Julio Cesar Chavez was at ringside in support of his countryman - Vazquez.  Leon Spinks was also in attendance.  The fight saw Giron using movement and quick hands to score repeatedly, while Vazquez put on the pressure and fired bombs. Giron was knocked down in round 4, and again in round 5 before being stopped in round 6 of a war.
  

   Giron was back in the ring just 2 1/2 months later, and scored 5 more wins, 3 by ko moving his record to an impressive 15-2-2, 12 by ko and earning him a shot at NABF Middleweight champion, the undefeated Lamar "Kidfire" Parks (18-0, 14 ko) for his title.  The bout was held in the champion's home town of Greenville, SC and was scheduled for 12 rounds, but it only went 6.  Parks was too much that night, as he dropped the challenger twice before stopping him.

   Donny bounced back with a tko win, and then moved up into the Super Middleweight division and took a tko loss to Carl Jones (19-4-4).

   Five years later, Giron returned to the ring as a Light Heavyweight where he scored a unanimous decision win over fellow Coloradan - Berry "Iron Butterfly" Basler and then took 3 straight defeats  to Light Heavyweight opponents with a combined record of  39-1-1, with the last fight of his career coming on May 19, 2001 - nearly 13 years after his professional debut.  That farewell bout resulted in a tko loss to unbeaten Daniel Judah (9-0-1) at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut.

   Donny Giron will be remembered as a fan friendly warrior who was always in great scraps, and usually came out on top.  He was ranked as high as #20 in the world, and was always looked at as a potential world title challenger, but he never got that shot.  He is a member of the Colorado Golden Gloves Boxing Hall of Fame.

   Giron finished with a final professional record of 17 wins, 7 losses, 2 draws, and he won 13 by knockout.

CHECK OUT DONNY GIRON'S COMPLETE PRO LEDGER ON: BOXREC.COM

If you would like to see Donny Giron in ring action, I have the following bouts available for trade on DVD: (Contact me via E-Mail for information)

RICARDO CARDENAS -v1017            [ko-1]
LOUIS HOWARD -v1014                [tko-1]
ALBERTO GARCIA-v287                [tko-3]
LUIS "Tyson" VAZQUEZ -v270            [tko-by-6]
LAMAR "Kid Fire" PARKS -v474            [tko-by-6] {NABF Middle Title}

Amateur:
Benny Palomino(Utah) -591
Jose Arias -597
Marcos Martinez(NM) -912
Henry Anaya Jr. (NM) -946 

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PERRY BALLARD

Nickname: "The Punisher"

   Born in Madison, West Virginia - Perry "The Punisher" Ballard got a late start in the pro ranks.  After a brief but successful amateur run, going 17-2, he turned professional at an event in Myrtle Beach SC on April 30, 1999 at the age of 32. It was a great start as he scored a 2nd round tko over Kerney Bennett.

   The proud Native American (Cherokee) boxer ran his record to 5-0 winning 3 by ko and was matched against 95 fight veteran Benji "Bad News" Singleton in Singleton's home town of Charlotte NC.  Ballard came away with a split decision victory in a bout that was good enough to do a rematch, but this time it would be for the vacant WBF Inter-Continental Jr. Middleweight title.  The first meeting was a 6 round under-card bout.  This time it was stepped to a 12 round main event, and it would be held on neutral turf in Leesburg, VA.  August 3, 2001 was the night that Perry Ballard took his first title belt with a 9th round stoppage of Singleton.

   After a 4 round tune-up win, Ballard returned to Leesburg VA and defended his title belt via 4th round tko over tough Tony Ault of Columbus, OH.

   Ballard then went on an 8-fight knockout win streak and found his self being stepped up in class as he put his unbeaten (17-0) record on the line against world ranked Jimmy Lange (25-2-1) in a non-title bout scheduled for 12 rounds.  The bout was the semi-main event of a card that featured Lamont Pearson (21-3-1) taking on Shamir Reyes (18-3-2) for the vacant USBA Jr. Lightweight title.  Ballard took his first defeat being stopped in round 4.

  

Perry Ballard was a fan favorite!

   Ballard took the loss in stride, and bounced back with a 2nd round tko win over 2-time world title challenger Bobby Elkins (29-20) followed up with back-to-back wins over Travis Clybourn stopping Clybourn in the first meeting, and then winning the rematch via convincing unanimous decision.

   With his record now standing at 20-1 and having held the WBF's Welterweight Championship, Ballard was named as the opponent to face off with a boxing legend - Hector "Macho" Camacho (78-5-2) in a 12 rounder for the vacant WBF International Jr. Middleweight title.  The bout was held at Reliant Arena in Houston TX.  It was the legendary Camacho's night as he stopped Ballard in round 7 adding another title belt to his collection.

It was a big night of boxing in Houston, TX!

   That loss to Camacho would be the last defeat tasted by Ballard.  He came back with an 8-round majority draw against Richard Dinkins on scores of 77-75 for Ballard, and 76-76 x 2.

   Ballard ran off a 4-fight win streak scoring wins in a 2nd and 3rd meeting with South Carolina's Booker Mullins (both 1st round tko wins), and then he avenged the draw he had against Richard Dinkins with a 6 round unanimous decision victory to run his record to 24-2-1.

   Perry Ballard's win streak got him noticed and he was named as one of the challengers for the vacant WBF World Super Middleweight Championship against Hannibal, Missouri's popular 57 fight veteran - Steve "The Spoiler" Walker.  It was a grand night for Ballard in what was expected to be his final fight, he went out with a 4th round technical knockout win to gain the WBF World Title!

  

   It turned out not to be his final pro bout after all.  nearly 3 years later, at the age of 50 years old, Ballard returned to the ring in a rematch against Walker - who was determined to avenge his world title loss to Ballard.  But Perry did it again, on July 22 of 2017 - winning a unanimous 6 round decision in the rematch.

   It was an amazing journey for a man who got a late start in boxing, gave the fans plenty to cheer about, and won titles including the WBF's World title... at age 47! 










 As of this writing, his pro record is: 26 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw, with 19 wins by knockout.  Check out his pro ledger at boxrec:

  PERRY BALLARD Pro Record

   That may not even be the end of the story.  There is talk that Ballard may be back in the ring one day soon.   ....at age 52!  He is working on a law degree and will be going for his LLM.  Ballard is a family man who succeeds, and when his boxing days are "officially" over, he is ready to start the next chapter of his amazing journey in life!

If you would like to see Perry "The Punisher" Ballard in ring action for yourself, I have the following bouts available for trade on DVD:

PERRY BALLARD vs

TRAVIS CLYBOURNE #2    [w-8]
  TONY AULT #1                    [tko-4]
TONY AULT #2                  [tko-3]
 BOOKER MULLINS #2      [ko-1]

Contact me for information: The Boxing Guru

 

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ANCEE GIDEON

Nickname: "The Haitian Hammer"


   Haitian born Ancee Gideon started his professional boxing career March 8, 1990 winning a close majority decision to Ezequiel Lopez in Phoenix, AZ.

  It was 3 more decision victories before Gideon scored his first ko win in round 1 of a bout scheduled for 4 rounds against Mexico's Martin Llovera.

   Ancee ran his record to 7-0 before taking his first professinal loss against Albuquerque's Julian "Balone" Ramirez (1-0-2) by majority decision over 4 rounds.

   Gideon came back with a tko win, but then started a bad streak where he went 0-6-1 in his next 7 fights.  After a promising 7-0 start to his career and looking like a hot prospect, he now found his self standing at 8-7-1 and taking on opponent status. Even though he did not win any of those 7 fights, if you look close at the record, he had been thrown in with world class fighters and showed great promise... Alberto Cepeda (who would go on to fight for 2 titles), Paul "Super Fly" Gonzalez (Olympic Gold Medalist), unbeaten Brian Lonon (5-0),  twice with Henry Martinez (who would go on to face Johnny Tapia for the world title) - fighting a draw, and losing a razor thin majority decision in the rematch, and dropping a 10-round decision to multi-time world champion Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson (17-1)!  He was never stopped in any of those bouts in that run.

   This is when he had the good fortune of finding his way to Jesse Reid's gym and impressed the world class trainer with his sparring against some high level boxers.  Under Reid's tutelage, he began a "Rocky-like" turn-around.

   It started with a 5th round stoppage of highly respected veteran - Ray Hernandez (32-15-1) and then after a 5 round shutout decision win over Bernard Mukenge, Gideon stepped in and shocked the boxing world by getting up off of the canvas in round 3 to battle back and take a majority decision win over former IBF World Champion - Robert Quiroga (20-1, 11 ko) in Quiroga's home town of San Antonio Texas!

   In his next fight, Gideon showed more of his potential as he pitched a nearly perfect unanimous win over world title contender - the hard punching Joel Luna Zarate (26-1, 21 ko) in an 8 round bout held at Buffalo Bill's in Primm, Nevada.

   After two incredible upset wins, Ancee Gideon was world ranked, and named as the challenger to Sergio Reyes (11-1) for Reyes's USBA Bantamweight title belt.  But, to get that title, Gideon would have to fight in the champion's home town of Fort Worth, Texas.  Again, Gideon was the underdog. Again, Gideon proved the odds-makers wrong.  He fought another nearly flawless performance and dominated the champion from bell to bell, winning on scores of 118-108, 119-107, and 118-109.  There was no controversy, Gideon was now the USBA Bantamweight Champion!

   Gideon never defended that title, but rather, took a non-title bout and scored a 3rd round tko over Houston's Chris Gomez (11-6), and then got the call for his first (and only) world title challenge.

Gideon's career took an upward trajectory under Jesse Reid's guidance

   Ancee would travel to Providence, Rhode Island and challenge unbeaten IBF Bantamweight World Champion - Mbulelo Botile (18-0, 11 ko) for his world title.  It was April 2, 1996 when Gideon (14-7-1) would take the ultimate test and try to once again shock the world with another upset.  He was well prepared and fought hard, but on that night, the South African was not ready to relinquish his title, scoring the knockout in round 11 to end Gidoen's dreams of winning a world title.

   Gideon would fight twice more.  Ending his career with 2 more world class opponents.  It was about a year and a half after losing his title bid against Botile, when he scored a 6-round unanimous decision win over former NABO Flyweight champion - Tomas Cordoba (16-5) at the Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

   His final bout came on May 1, 1998, and he went out "big" fighting for the NABF Bantamweight title against defending champion - Adan Vargas (26-1-1, 19 ko).  Gideon lost a unanimous 12-round decision to the champion, but in doing so, proved that he was a worthy contender.

   Ancee Gideon's amazing career finished with a final record of: 15 wins, 9 losses, 1 draw, and winning 5 by knockout.

   The once homeless refugee from Haiti had earned great respect from boxing fans around the world. Scoring some big upsets, winning the USBA championship, fighting for the NABF title. Challenging for the IBF World title.  It was an amazing ride!

Check out "The Hatian Hammer" Ancee Gideon's complete ledger on: BOXREC.COM

If you would like to see Ancee Gideon in action, I have the following bouts available for trade on DVD:

(Contact me via E-MAIL for information)

ANCEE "The Hatian Hammer" GIDEON vs

JON LOPEZ #1    [w-4]
JULIAN "Balone" RAMIREZ     [L-4]
PAUL GONZALEZ     [L-10]
HENRY MARTINEZ #1    [Draw-6] (Rds. 4, 5 & 6 ONLY)
SERGIO REYES   [w-12] {USBA Bantam Title}
CHRIS GOMEZ    [tko-3]

MBULELO BOTILE   [ko-by-11] {IBF Bantam Title}

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PAUL NAVE

   San Rafael, California's Paul Nave has been the pride of his hometown for many years.  He was a Golden Gloves champion in the amateurs and showed lots of promise.

   On March 21, 1985 Nave made his debut as a professional, but lost a 4 rounder to fellow local fighter Chauncey Hayes.

   He won his next bout with a first round knockout of Daniel Cortez, but then dropped 4 round decision losses in his next two fights. With a pro record of 1-3 to start out, things didn't look too promising.

   Paul Nave knew he could do more in boxing. He did not give up, and ran off a 9 fight undefeated streak going 8-0-1 which included a rematch against a very hungry Daniel Cortez who wanted to avenge his earlier loss to Nave. Cortez gave it all he had but managed to get a draw in a hard fought 6 round war.

  

   Nave had built a very nice record of 8-3-1 and was now considered ready for a big step up in competition.  He took on Denver Colorado's experienced Michael Powell for his first 12 round battle.  It was a closely fought scrap, but after 12 tough rounds, Powell got the nod on scores of  115-113, 117-111, and 119 -109.

   Paul battled on and went 3-2 in his next 5 fights before facing Puebla, Mexico's Jose Luis Madrid in a battle for the WBB Welterweight Title.  The bout ended in a 6 round Technical Draw.

   4 months later, the two fought a rematch and this time it was Nave's night as he knocked out Madrid in round 11 to win the WBB Welterweight Title belt.

   He next fought Jose Luis Reynosa to win the IBO Inter-continental welterweight title via Technical Decision in 6 rounds, and just as he had done with Madrid, gave Reynosa a rematch and won a 12 round decision to defend that title belt.

Paul Nave going to war

   March 27 1998 was the day that Nave's dreams came true.  He was pitted against former WBO & IBF World Champion Greg Haugen in a battle for the vacant WBF Welterweight Championship. Haugen was the huge favorite coming into this battle and was expected to defeat Nave to add another title belt to his collection. But it didn't happen. Paul Nave was focused, confident, and ready as he battled Haugen toe-to-toe in winning a unanimous decision on scores of 118-109, and 117-110 twice to shock the world and win the vacant title.

   Nearly 8 months later, Nave faced off with Haugen in a rematch. It was another war but this time Haugen won a split decision to claim that WBF title. Things didn't get any easier for Nave who faced another former world champion - Livingstone Bramble and was stopped in round 2 of that fight.

   In December of 1999 Nave squared off with Haugen in a 3rd and deciding rubber match, but nothing was decided at all. The bout ended in a 12 round draw, which was later changed to a no decision after Haugen failed the post fight drug tests.

   After the 3rd meeting with Greg Haugen, Paul Nave retired, but returned 10 years later at age 48 and went 5-1 with a knockout in his next 6 fights before fighting his final bout at age 54, being stopped by Luis Hernandez in round 2.

   It was an amazing journey for the man known as "The Marin County Assassin".  He finished his professional boxing career with a record of 20-10-2, winning 8 by knockout.

Check out his complete record on boxrec.com: Paul Nave complete pro record
______________________________________________________________________
If you would like to see Paul Nave in the ring wars, I have the following bouts available for trade on DVD:

1. JOSE LUIS MADRID #1              [Tech-Draw-6] {WBB Welter Title}
2. JOSE LUIS MADRID #2              [ko-11] {WBB Welter Title}
3. GREG HAUGEN #1                     [w-12] {Vacant WBF Welter Title}
4. MICHAEIL LYUBARSKY          [w-4] (*HL's of Rounds ONLY)

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

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SAMMY FUENTES

Nickname: Mangani

   Puerto Rico's Sammy "Mangani" Fuentes was a standout amateur who compiled a 50-17 record before turning professional on Nov. 20 1982. In his pro debut he scored a 3rd round knockout over Victor Aponte of the Dominican Republic.  

   

   He ran off 3 more wins before meeting up with fellow Puerto Rican favorite Juan Nazario (8-1). Both fighters were renowned as amateurs, and it was expected to be an interesting matchup of young hot-shot prospects, but those in attendance probably had no idea of the high caliber of talent these two men possesed.  Nazario would go on to win the WBA Lightweight world title, and Fuentes would win the WBO Jr. Welter championship. On this night it was Nazario who would hand Fuentes his first defeat via 5th round knockout in what was a wild fight in front of a raucous crowd!

   

   Fuentes bounced back with a pair of fights held in Port-of-Spain in Trinidad and Tobago.  He went 1-1 in those two fights, with the loss coming on a disqualification in round 7.

   

   He returned to his beloved Puerto Rico where he scored an 8th round KO over Roberto Ortiz to improve his record to 6-2, 5 KO. He was looking impressive each time out, and from here, his level of competition was stepped up and he faced a much higher quality of opponents.

   

   He traveled to Atlantic City for his United States debut, and was impressive with a 6 round unanimous decision win over Philly's Jocko King (14-2-2). After the win over King, he ran off another impressive string of 6 victories over some very good names, with a hard-earned majority decision over unbeaten Othal "Choo Choo" Dixon (14-0), and stopping once-beaten, former world champion Harry Arroyo (26-1) by ko in round 7. 

   

   Sammy was 13-2 as he traveled to Chorpus Christi, Texas to face off with undefeated local hero Frankie Warren (18-0). After ten rounds in a bout that was a war, it ended in a Split decision win for the local guy. Fuentes' camp were sure that they were robbed by what they saw as a home-town decision.

   

   Things didn't get any easier for Sammy as he faced world champions in his next two bouts. Losing to Frankie "The Surgeon" Randall, and Roger "The Black Mamba" Mayweather back-to-back in Atlantic City, NJ.

   

   "Mangani" Fuentes stood with a record of 13-5 and had been tested by some world class boxers.

   He began another charge at a title. He went 4-1 scoring 4 knockouts, and the loss came to another world champion - "Fearless" Freddie Pendleton who caught Fuentes early and stopped him in the first round.

   In October of 1988, Fuentes took a fight at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California and scored a big win over Vincent Releford (14-1-1) with a 2nd round technical knockout in what was considered a mild upset.  The promoters and matchmakers at the Forum were impressed and invited Fuentes to take part in their "Forum Light Welterweight Tournament". Fuentes accepted the invitation, and wasted no time in dispatching two world-ranked opponents in Santos Cardona (16-0), and John Montes (39-4) winning both by powerful knockouts!

   Sammy Fuentes now found his self in the finals of the Forum tournament and faced off with Panama's Rodolfo Aguilar (22-1-1) for that coveted title. Fuentes was considered the underdog in this showdown, but he started fast, putting Aguilar down to the canvas in rounds 1 and 7. Aguilar was tough and battled back. The bout went the 12-round distance, and when the smoke cleared. Judge Dick Young had it 115-111 for Fuentes, but he was over-ruled by judges Burt Gillium, and Rudy Jordan who both scored the bout 113-113 making it a majority decision draw.

   The Forum had no Light Welterweight champ, and the fight was so good that they had to do it again, and just 3 months later, the re-match was on. It was August 14, 1989 and the WBC added their Continental-Americas Jr. Welterweight belt to the mix.  Two minor titles were on the line, and that just sweetened the pot. It was another war that went the 12-round distance, but this time Sammy Fuentes was dominant as he took a unanimous decision to win the title belts.

Fuentes battles legendary Julio Cesar Chavez

   The win boosted Fuentes into the top-ten of the world rankings, and 3 months later he was named as the challenger to the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez (66-0) for his WBC Jr. Welterweight world championship. Fuentes showed well and hung tough, but the fight was stopped after round 10 as Chavez proved just too much for the big hearted Fuentes.

   Fuentes was considered a high caliber contender, and was put in with two more tough fighters who handed him two more losses.  Rodney Moore (26-6-2) and David Kamau (14-0) both defeated Fuentes in his next two fights after the Chavez title challenge.

   The Puerto Rican power puncher didn't give up, and battled on. He won two big fights in a row over undefeated Liasu Braimoh (14-0), and Marco Antonio Lizarraga (36-4-1) knocking both of them out. His record now stood at 23-9-1, 19 KO.

   His reputation as a "streak-fighter" continued as he now went on a 3-fight losing streak, again, facing world-class opponents. He dropped a tough but unanimous 10-round decision to Charles "The Natural" Murray (24-1), and then made the trip to Australia where he was overwhelmed in a first round blitz by future hall-of-fame legend Kostya Tszyu (5-0). He then dropped a wild and disputed split decision in a Puerto Rico showdown bout against Angel "Pelayito" Hernandez (38-1-2). The scores were 96-95 for Fuentes, and 97-95 x 2 in favor of Hernandez. Controversial or not, that made it 3 losses in a row for Fuentes who now stood with a record of 23-12-1, and even with a dozen losses, those losses came against world ranked and highly respected fighters, so Fuentes remained in the world rankings.

   His career was in need of a boost, and somehow his management got him a pair of fights in the island nation of New Caldonea. They were not pushover fights either as he defeated Charlie Baou (12-3), and Philadelphia's tough veteran Charlie "Choo Choo" Brown (26-15-2), both by knockout. He then traveled to Russia where he lost a 10-round decision to undefeated Viachaslau Ianouski (23-0-1).

   Sammy returned to the scene of his first career resurrection - The Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California, where he began another winning streak. This time he began by knocking out Gilbert Flores (25-14) in 1 round, and then traveled to the UK where he used his knockout power to win the vacant Penta-Continental Jr. Welterweight title belt with a 4th round stoppage of  local favorite Andres "Greek Warrior" Panayi (20-4-4). He then stopped David Ojeda (16-2), and then stopped Daniel Hernandez on the Riddick Bowe/Larry Donald undercard at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada.

   Sometimes all you need is a break, and Fuentes got one when Hector Lopez was injured in training for his WBO Jr. Welterweight world title challenge for the vacant title against Fidel "El Negro" Avendano. Sammy Fuentes was world ranked, highly regarded, and got the call to challenge for the vacant title, replacing the injured Lopez.

   It was Feb. 20 1995 and Fuentes brought his 29-13-1 record into the ring against Avendano's record of 42-4, 25 KO. It was an interesting fight between two men that had been tested against good opponents and proven themselves worthy of this opportunity. Fidel Avendano came in as the favorite. He had the better record, and owned a win over Roger Mayweather. But on this night, it was Sammy Fuentes who shined as he out-blasted his Mexican opponent, stopping him in two rounds. It was an impressive and exciting win for Fuentes who had won the WBO world championship. What a night!

   Sammy's good fortune and world title opportunity had come because of a bad break for world ranked Hector Lopez, so it only made sense that Fuentes would have to make his first title defense against the man that was originally scheduled to fight Avendano for the title. Lopez was present at ringside when Fuentes blasted out Avendano for the title, and the talk was building between the two. Both were respectful of each other, but they both also felt that they could win this showdown.

   June 10 1995 was the date, and the venue was Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. The match was broadcast by KCAL in Southern California, and it turned out to be an instant classic. It was a war, an absolute WAR as the two battled back and forth in a bloody battle which left referee Mitch Halpern's shirt covered in blood.  Lopez was knocked down in the opening round, but got up off of the deck to go toe-to-toe with the champion Fuentes. Sammy Fuentes was deducted 1-point by the referee in round 4 for using his shoulder when they were clinched several times. He then lost a point in round 7 when he didn't stop punching as commanded several times by referee Halpern.  The bout went 12 unbelievable rounds. At the sound of the final bell, the fans were on their feet screaming at the battle they had just witnessed.  The scores were tight. It was a split decision. Judge Carol Castellano had the fight 114-112 for Fuentes. Raul Caiz Sr. saw it 113-112 for Lopez. Judge Dave Moretti had it 113-112 for the winner.... and STILL world champion... Sammy Fuentes. It was a great night for the new champion, and certainly the high point of his exciting career.

   Fuentes took about 4 months off to recover from the brutal action of his first title defense. He then fought 2 non-title bouts where he scored knockout wins in both over tough opponents. He stopped Juan Soberanes (40-12-1), and then ko'd Marco Antonio Lizarraga (41-6-1) in their rematch.

   It was time for another title defense, and this time Fuentes would travel to Italy and put his belt on the line against  Italian favorite Giovanni "Flash" Parisi (31-2). Fuentes was ahead on all 3 scorecards when he was caught, hurt, and stopped in round 8 by the challenger. Fuentes had lost his world title belt. His short reign as WBO champion was over.

   Fuentes returned to Puerto Rico to score his final victory. A 10-round win over unbeaten local prospect Rene Valdez (8-0).

   Sammy "Mangani" Fuentes finished out his career with 5 fights against 5 world ranked contenders. His final fight came on May 9, 1998 where he was stopped in 2 rounds by Jose Luis "Maestrito" Lopez (41-3-2).

   It was a campaign that lasted over a decade and a half. Filled with highs and lows, winning minor titles, and even winning and defending the WBO World title. Fuentes was an action packed, hard hitting warrior that will always be respected and remembered fondly by boxing fans around the world.

Check out his entire pro ledger on boxrec: SAMMY "Mangani" FUENTES

If you would like to see this hard punching warrior in action, I have these bouts available for trade on DVD:

1. FRANKIE RANDALL                           [tko-by-2]
2. ROGER MAYWEATHER                      [tko-by-9] {WBC Cont-Am Light Title}
3. FREDDIE PENDLETON                       [tko-by-1]
4. JOHN MONTES                                    [ko-7]
5. JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ                      [tko-by-10] {WBC Jr. Welter Title}
6. RODNEY MOORE                                [tko-by-2]
7. DAVID KAMAU                                    [L-10]
8. MARCO ANTONIO LIZARRAGA #1    [ko-7]
9. CHARLES "The Natural" MURRAY     [L-10]
10. KOSTYA TSZYU                                [tko-by-1]
11. ANGEL HERNANDEZ                      [L-10]
12. DAVID OJEDA                                   [ko-5]
13. FIDEL AVENDANO                           [tko-2] {Vacant WBO Jr. Welter Title}
14. HECTOR LOPEZ                               [w-12] {WBO Jr. Welter Title}
15. JUAN SOBERANES                          [tko-5]
16. RENE VALDEZ                                 [w-10]

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KA-DY KING

 
   Ka-dy King was a favorite of Michigan fight fans. He started his pro boxing career on June 25, 1990 when he went up to Canada and handed Brian Noel a defeat by first round knockout.

   He then ran off 4 straight wins against some pretty tough opponents before being put in with a young up-and-comer, former U.S. Olympian named Montell Griffin (6-0).  Griffin won the unanimous decision to remain unbeaten, and hand King his first loss as a professional.

   King continued his campaign and ran off a 6-win streak against more solid opposition. He stopped 5 of them. He was then placed in another battle of prospects as he squared off with local favorite Courtney "Pound for Pound" Butler (15-2-1) in Maryland. It was the home-town guy's night as he ko'd King in round 6.

   King returned to the ring and successfully campaigned, this time running off a 10-fight winning streak that included 8 knockouts! Ka-dy was now 21-2 and, he was put in with another top contender - Jose Luis Rivera (17-2) on the undercard of Johnny Tapia/Jorge Eliecer Julio at The Pit in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  It was a close one, but Rivera got the decision victory over 8 rounds.

   King won his next 3 bouts and with a 24-3, 16 ko record he was world ranked. He got his shot at a world title on Dec. 16, 2000 but would have to travel to Germany for a challenge against unbeaten Dariusz Michalczewski (42-0, 35 ko) for his WBO Light Heavyweight championship.

King battles Dariusz Michalzewski for the WBO World Title

     King was patient as he tried to box with the favored champion. Round 7 was the end when the champion caught King with a series of lefts, and a big right hand that put the challenger to the ropes. King didn't appear that badly hurt, but the referee Geno Rodriguez called the bout to a stop. King was trailing on all 3 judges' scorecards 59-55 at the time of the stoppage.

   Ka-dy King fought on for 4 more years but he went 1-6 in that stretch, facing off with some top notch contenders including Julian "Mr. KO" Letterlough, O'Neil Bell, and a 10 round decision loss to undefeated Rydell Booker (7-0) for the Michigan State Cruiserweight title.

   King ended his 14 year pro boxing carreer with a solid final record of: 25 wins, 10 defeats, winning 17 by knockout.

   Ka-dy King is remembered as a fine professional boxer with good skills, good power, and a good chin.

   Check out his complete pro record: KA-DY KING on Boxrec.com

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   If you would like to see Ka-dy King in action on DVD, I have these bouts available:

KA-DY KING vs

1. DERRICK EDWARDS                  [w-4]
2. MIKE SUSKI                                [tko-4] (Rds. 3 & 4 of 4 ONLY)
3. JOEL HUMM                                [ko-3]
4. DARIUSZ MICHELCZEWSKI   [tko-by-7] {WBO Light Heavy Title}
5. JULIAN LETTERLOUGH           [ko-by-2]

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