KELCIE BANKS

Nickname: "Mr. Mix" 

   Kelcie had an extensive and very successful amateur career that saw him win numerous national and international tournaments including a silver medal in the 1985 World Cup, and gold medals in the 1986 World Amateur Championships, and the 1987 Pan American Games, and a berth on the 1988 U.S. Olympic Team.  His amateur record is reported at 480-86.

   He turned pro in April of 1989 with a 6 round decision win over Daniel Flores at the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles. He was then defeated by Leonardo Moreno in the next fight - being ko'd in round 3.

   Banks learned a lesson in that upset loss and ran off a string of victories that included a mix of different styles and different levels of competition, he won them all, 15 in a row, among those 15 were Benji Vigil (8-0), Bobby Brewer (7-1), Terry Southerland (8-0), Rodney Wilson (9-0-2), Felix Gonzalez (16-7-1), and scoring a near shutout unanimous decision win over former California State Featherweight Champion Benny Lopez (16-8).

  

   Feb. 1991 saw Banks step up into a test against highly regarded Mexican fighter Oscar Lopez (16-4), it was a hard fought 8 rounder that ended in a split draw.  Patricia Morse Jarman saw it as a near shutout for Banks at 79-73, Paul Smith had it close for Lopez at 77-75, and Al Siciliano scored it 76-76.  Kelcie's record now stood at 16-1-1, and he was still a closely watched prospect.

   His level of competition was stepped up and he scored wins over Marco Antonio Ramirez, and Tim Brooks.  Those two unanimous decision wins came as part of the Forum's Lightweight Tournament, which put him into the championship bout against world ranked Fidel Avendano (30-1).  

   August 26, 1991 was the big night as Banks faced his biggest test to date.  For Avendano it was the same story, his toughest test to that point. It was a great matchup of young prospects looking to step onto the world title stage. The fight lived up to all expectations and after 12 grueling rounds including Banks missing with a right hand punch that caused him to fall off balance, which was scored a knockdown by the referee, it came down to the scorecards. The judges saw the fight 115-113, 116-114, and 119-111 all in favor of Avendano.

   It was a disappointing loss for Banks, but at 18-2-1 he still had a solid record, and had shown his self to be competitive against top notch fighters. From that point on his career took a roller-coaster course.

   His next fight was an easy 2nd round tko win over Juan Jose Castaneda followed by a half-division move up in weight class to face an unbeaten contender in Ike Quartey (14-0) that saw Banks get ko'd in round 7 by the man who would go on to become WBA Welterweight world champion.

   A bounce-back unanimous 6-round win over journeyman Leo Mancillas tuned him up for a huge showdown match-up against fellow 1988 U.S. Olympic Team member Todd Foster (25-2)

Todd Foster had everything going his way against Banks

It was a very tough challenge faced by Banks who fought in the Featherweight division in those Olympic games, while Foster fought in the Light Welterweight division. There was no doubt that Foster was the naturally bigger fighter. And to make it even a steeper mountain to climb, the fight took place in Foster's home state of Montana! There were too many factors against Kelcie Banks, and it showed in the fight as Foster was just too strong and sharp that night for Banks. It was a lopsided unanimous 10-round win for Todd Foster on scores of 97-92, 99-92, and 100-87 on the official scorecards.

   Kelcie "Mr. Mix" Banks continued on and after a nice bounce-back win over 1-7 Jose Herrera, he won a rough-tough 10-round battle as he moved up into the welterweight division against Ray Collins (8-3-1) - climbing off of the deck in the final round to get the split decision victory. It would be his last.

   5 months later he took on another huge challenge as he faced off with a man who would go on to win the USBA Jr. Middleweight, and WBC World Middleweight titles - Keith Holmes (20-1), and it was another fight against a naturally bigger fighter in the opponent's home town!  Just like the Todd Foster fight, it was too much to overcome, and Banks was dropped in the opening round before being stopped at 1:48 of round 3. 

   Banks came back nearly a year-and-a-half later to fight a 6 round draw against Reno, Nevada's John Bryant (8-10-2), and then 2+ years later traveled to Denmark where he was stopped in the opening round against IBC Jr. Welterweight king Soren Sondergaard (32-1) in a non-title 8-round bout.

   It was an amazing journey for a man who lived and breathed boxing.  After an amazing amateur career that spanned nearly 550 fights, and a challenging professional career of  30 fights that never saw him challenge for a world title, but did see him pitted against fighters that woulds become champions, Kelcie Banks name is remembered fondly by boxing fans across the globe with great respect for his skills and heart.  He achieved much glory in the amateur ranks, and headlined some great shows that were broadcast on espn and other networks.

   Kelcie Banks finished up his Professional campaign with a nice record of 22-6-2, winning 11 by knockout.  Check out his complete pro ledger on boxrec: KELCIE BANKS Pro Record

   If you would like to see Kelcie Banks in action, I have these bouts available for trade on DVD. Contact me for information:

BENJI VIGIL   [tko-2]
BOBBY BREWER [w-4]
RAY GARCIA  [tko-2]
MARTIN GALVAN   [tko-1]
RAMON OCHOA     [tko-3]
ADOLFO ALDANA    [tko-4]
GABE CASTRO     [w-6]
FELIX GONZALEZ   [w-10]
OSCAR LOPEZ   [Draw-8]
FIDEL AVENDANO  [L-12] {Forum Lightweight Tournament Final)
TODD FOSTER  [L-10]

AMATEUR:
Ed Hopson #1
Ed Hopson #2
Ed Hopson #3
Lindell Walker   [rsc-2] (Final Round ONLY)
Arnoldo Mesa   (1987 Pan Am)
Arnoldo Mesa  (1987 Dual Meet)
Regilio Tuur  (1988 Olympics)
David Moreno  (1986 U.S. Olympic Festival)
John John Molina (Puerto Rico)    [rsc-by-1] (World Amateur Championships)
Robert Gonczi (Hungary)  [w-3] (1985 USA vs Hunary Dual Meet)
Jamie Pagendam (Canada)  [w-3]

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TONY BALTAZAR

Nickname: "The Tiger"

   La Puente California's Tony Baltazar had a successful amateur run (over 400 bouts!) which included an AAU National title before he turned professional at age 18 on Feb. 8 1979 at the famous Olympic auditorium in Los Angeles and started with a blast of power scoring a 1st round knockout over Tucson, Arizona's Art Silveria. The end came at 34 seconds of the opening round.

   He stayed busy fighting mostly on undercards at the Olympic auditorium and soon had a record of 22-0-1 winning 18 by knockout, the draw coming from a technical decision caused by an unintentional head butt against Chuy Rodriguez.

   It was Feb. 27, 1983 that he got his biggest test to date against fellow world ranked contender Howard Davis Jr. (21-1).  They faced each other in Atlantic City and it was a nationally televised event that had boxing fans around the world tuned in.  Davis was a gold medalist in the 1976 Olympic games, and his only defeat came at the hands of Jim Watt in Glasgow, Scotland on a very close decision.

   The Baltazar/Davis fight was a classic with Tony knocking down Davis twice. But when the final bell rang, and the scores were read by the ring announcer, it was Davis who was awarded the controversial decision. The bout was scored using the old "rounds" system which nulified the importance of the knockdowns, and may have cost Baltazar the decision.  Either way, it was a solid performance from "The Tiger" and only improved his reputation as a world class contender.

   Baltazar came back with a very high class of opposition now facing him.  A big win against respected Roque Montoya in which Baltazar overcame a point deduction to win handily on all 3 judges scorecards, and he was stopped in round 9 against another world ranked contender - Robin Blake.

   Tony rebounded from that tough loss against Blake to go on an 8-0, 6 ko path of total destruction which included wins over Roger Mayweather (Unanimous Decision), Miguel Angel Dominguez (tko-7), and Sammy Brooks (tko-7) before traveling to New York to face former IBF Jr. Welterweight World Champion - James Buddy McGirt (42-2-1) in a 10 round main event. The night belonged to McGirt who battled his way to a unanimous decision win.

   Baltazar was still in the mix, and two fights later scored a big win - stopping Pedro Laza (30-5) in 3 rounds.  After stopping tough Danny Vargas in his next fight fought in Albuquerque, NM and televised on the Univision network, Baltazar was named as the challenger for undefeated Hector "Macho" Camacho's (37-0) WBO Jr. Welterweight World championship title.

   August 11, 1990 was the big night for Baltazar who finally got his well earned shot at a world title. It was televised on HBO and was a very highly anticipated night for boxing fans around the world. The event featured some of the top names in the game including Meldrick Taylor, Primo Ramos, Pernell Whitaker, and Juan Nazario.

   Baltazar was dangerous all the way through, but it was Camacho who used his slick and elusive boxing skills to win a pretty clear unanimous decision, denying Baltazar of the world title.

   California's "Tiger" Baltazar scored back to back knockout wins, and then dropped a razor-thin split decision to "Rockin' Rodney" Moore, and got his 2nd shot at a world title.  This time it was against another unbeaten champion, Mexico City's Carlos "Bolillo" Gonzalez (35-0, 31 ko).  Even though Gonzalez was undefeated, and the champion, Baltazar would have much of the crowd behind him as the bout was held at the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles.

   The champion was patient as Baltazar came out fast and looked sharp. The Mexican knockout artist caught Baltazar in the first round and stopped him via 3 knockdowns at 2:22 of the opening round to defend his world title.

 

Baltazar was a fan favorite of Southern California Pro Boxing!

    Baltazar fought twice more knocking out Jose Robert Lopez in round 1, and then losing via disqualification to unbeaten Jaime Ocegueda in Laughlin, Nevada.

   Tony Baltazar retired, but returned nearly 8 years later for his final fight in Feb. of 2002.  Nearly 23 years after his first professional bout, he battled to win a majority decision over Denver's Eugene Lopez to put a winning finish to an incredible journey.

   Tony finished with a final record of 38 wins, 7 defeats, 1 draw, and won 30 by knockout.  Check out his complete ledger on boxrec.com: Tony "The Tiger" Baltazar's COMPLETE pro ledger

   He was a fan favorite, he delighted the crowds, always gave them their money's worth with his heart, skill and ferocious style!

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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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MAT TALES - True Stories from the Bizarre, Brutal World of Pro Boxing

  

PAPERBACK (on Amazon)

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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}

Boxing Fans! Check Out:

MAT TALES - True Stories from the Bizarre, Brutal World of Pro Boxing by Dan Sisneros 

PAPERBACK

KINDLE

  

  

  

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
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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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