MAT TALES - True stories from bizarre, brutal world of pro boxing ...Who is in the book?

   The book contains 32 "tales" of the unexpected from the world of boxing.  There are a lot of colorful characters in our sport.

Here is a list of people who are mentioned by name at least once in this book... 

Damon Abramson
Mike Adams
Gerardo Aguilera
Henry Akinwande
Al Albert
Steve Albert
Laila Ali
Jose Alfaro
Charles Anaya
Henry Anaya Jr.
Henry Anaya Sr.
Henry Anaya III
Tim Anderson
Joe Antonacci
Vito Antuefermo
Bob Arum
Teddy Atlas
Marco Antonio Avendano
Randall Bailey
Iran Barkley
Michael Bennet
Bobby Benton
George Benton
Brad Berkwitt
Al Bernstein
Walter Berry
M. Mark Biero
Trevor Berbick
Roger Bloodworth
Kent Bonham
Riddick Bowe
Wilshaun Boxley
Tim Brant
Mark Breland
Dave Brown
Freddie Brown
Walter Brown
Frank Bruno
Vernon "Yogi" Buchanon
Harold Buck
Michael Buffer
Louie Burke
Rocky Burke
James Butler
Robert Byrd
Nate Campbell
Gabriel Campillo
Michael Carbajal
Pedro Cardenas
Larry Carrier
Jose Luis Castillo
Ricardo Celis
Anthony Chavez
Paul Chavez
Yun-Kil Chun
Ralph Citro
Gil Clancy
Eddie Claudio
Gerrie Coetzee
Samson Cohen
Dickie Cole
Lupe Contreras
Allen Conyers
Diego Corrales
Joe Cortez
Eddie Cotton
Mario Cuomo
Donald Curry
Joey Curtis
Dan Cushner
Dakota Dawson
Ed Derian
Willie De Wit
Vic De Wysocki
Miguel Diaz
Michael Dokes
Buster Douglas
Cameron Dunkin
Roberto Duran
Lou Duva
Ken Ezzo
Giuseppe Ferrari
Frank "The Animal" Fletcher
George Foreman
Bob Foster
Chavez Francisco
Eddie Futch
Hugo Garay
Rafael Garcia
Shaun George
Rene Giraldo
Robin Givens
Andrew Golota
Jorge Luis Gonzalez
Randy Gordon
Otis Grant
Richard Grant
Uriah Grant
Vernon Gravely
James "Hard Rock" Green
Mitchell "Blood" Green
Rich Green
Crawford Grimsley
Lee Groves
Marvelous Marvin Hagler
Alvin "Too Sweet" Hayes
Larry Hazzard
Thomas Hearns
Chris Henry
Herbie Hide
Isaac Hlatshwayo
Larry Holmes
Evander Holyfield
Lloyd Honeyghan
Chuck Hull
John Jackson
Kieth Jackson
Jimmy Jacobs
Marvin Jones
Tommy Kaczmarek
Sam Kellerman
Wayne Kelly
Jim Kiertzner
Don King
Woody Kislowski
Rich Lamontagne
Jim Lampley
Mills Lane
Belinda Laracuente
Harold Lederman
Attila Levin
Scott Ledoux
Jimmy Lennon Sr.
Sugar Ray Leonard
Lennox Lewis
Panama Lewis
Rafael "Bazooka" Limon
Jessie Losada
Rudy Lovato
Bert Lowes
Sebastian Lujan
Enzo Maccarinelli
Ray Mancini
Don Manuel
Rich Marotta
Christy Martin
Ernest Mateen
Oliver McCall
Milton McCrory
James Buddy McGirt
Larry Merchant
Al Michaels
James "Fan Man" Miller
Alan Minter
Sharmba Mitchell
James Molinell
Tomas Molinares
Tony Montgomery
Michael Moorer
Leroy Mora
Erik Morales
Tommy Morrison
Merv Nephew
Rock Newman
Ramon Luis Nicolas
Juan Nunez
Fulgencio Obelmejias
Ossie Ocasio
Sean O'Grady
Mike Ortega
Eusebio Osejo
Monte Oswald
Sven Ottke
Fujio Ozaki
Tony Paige
Nathan Palmer
Bob Papa
Mauricio Pastrana
George Pataki
Floyd Patterson
Kelly Pavlik
Davey Pearl
Daniel "Pit Bull" Perez
Juan Ramon "Monstro" Perez
Lenny Perez
Goody Petronelli
Carlo Pineda
Orlando Pineda
Sandy Pino
Terry Porter
Samson Po'uha
Neffie Quintana
Rene Ramirez
Casey Ramos
Mark Ratner
Sunny Ray
Benny Ricardo
Lucia Rijker
Gary Ritter
Ulises Rodrigues
David Rodriguez
Delvin Rodriguez
Dr. Donald Romeo
Danny Romero Jr.
John Ruiz
Tony Russo
Frank Santore Jr.
Carlos Santos
Daniel Santos
Bob Sheridan
Robert Silva
Tim Smith
Hugo Soto
Joe Souza
Marlon Starling
Mark Streisand
Emanuel Steward
Alex Stewart
Wayne Stoffel
Frankie Swindell
Henry Tafoya
Johnny Tapia
John Tate
Jermain Taylor
Joe Tessitore
Pinklon Thomas
James Thunder
Barry Tompkins
Thell Torrance
Thomas Treiber
Peter Trematerra
Mike Tyson
Bob Varsha
Paul Venti
Mike Weaver
Lorenzo White
Jeremy Williams
Ryan Wissow
Rick Wright
Fulgencio Zuniga

___________________________

Here is a gallery of just a few of the boxing people who are mentioned in MAT TALES - True Stories from the Bizarre, Brutal World of Pro Boxing:

Referee Vic de Wysocki recalls a tale or two

Rudy Lovato is featured in 2 of the "tales"

James Thunder

"Mi Vida Loca" - Johnny Tapia

The Voice of New Mexico Sports - Henry Tafoya

Trainer/Cutman of champions - Miguel Diaz

Iran "The Blade" Barkley

"Hands of Stone" Roberto Duran

Jeremy Williams

Jim Lampley

Dan Cushner (L) and James Buddy McGirt (C)

Jessie Losada (L) and Rene Giraldo (R) from Boxeo Telemundo

Heavyweight Scott Ledoux

Michael Buffer

New Mexico Boxing Hall-of-Famer Sandy Pino

Sharmba Mitchell

Lupe Contreras

A few Reviews of the book:

Review of Mat Tales by RANDY GORDON

Review of Mat Tales on the WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING PODCAST (Robert Silva & Logan)

Review of Mat Tales by BRAD BERKWITT


Interview with Dan Sisneros about Mat Tales on THE GREULING TRUTH PODCAST (Mike Goodpaster)




Order Your Copy of MAT TALES (Amazon.com):

PAPERBACK 

or

KINDLE 

ELOY MONTANO

Nickname: "The Hammer"

   Albuquerque, New Mexico's Eloy Montano was an outstanding amateur boxer who turned professional on June 23, 1987. He opened up with a hard fought split decision win over local favorite Rudy Holguin in Tucson, Arizona.

Montano wins a tough Split Decision in his pro debut

   He was unbeaten in his first seven bouts, including a unanimous decision win against Timothy Mosley (5-1-2, 3 ko) in an undercard bout of George Foreman vs Rocky Sekorski. Eloy's fight made the ESPN broadcast and it was an impressive victory.

   Montano was unbeaten at 7-0 and looked to be a prospect in the lightweight division. It was March 10, 1989 when he stepped up in class to face world ranked contender Frankie Baltazar (38-2-1, 24 ko). Baltazar had the experience and had challenged for the NABF Jr. Lightweight title, losing to Rafael "Bazooka" Limon for that belt.

   It was Montano's night to shine as he pulled off the upset winning a unanimous 8-round decision over the favored Baltazar.

Eloy stops Pablo in the battle of the Montanos!

   Eloy would fight just once more, traveling to Italy where he was stopped in 5 rounds by local favorite Antonio Renzo.

   After a glorious amateur career, and a very short but successful pro campaign, New Mexico's Eloy Montano finished his pro career with a record of 8-1, 1 ko.

   Check out his record on Boxrec.com:
ELOY MONTANO PRO LEDGER



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

1. RUDY HOLGUIN                 [w-4] (Pro Debut)
2. TIM MOSLEY                      [w-6]
3. PABLO MONTANO             [tko-2]

Amateur Bouts:
1. Marker Lucero #1
2. Adrian Rivera
3. Beto Montoya
4. Ricardo Basilio                      (1986 PAL Nationals)
5. "Raton" Perez
6. Mario Ortiz
7. Marker Lucero #2

Contact me for more information: The Boxing Guru via E-Mail

Get your copy of Dan's new book MAT TALES - True Stories from the Bizarre, Brutal World of Pro Boxing.

Click here for info: MAT TALES by Dan Sisneros

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plan on attending the 2018 New Mexico Boxing Hall-of-Fame inductions!

 The Hall of Fame banquet is scheduled for Saturday, October 27, 2018, from 6-10 pm at the Embassy Suites hotel, 1000 Woodward Place, NE, Albuquerque, NM. The public is invited to meet and dine with the inductees, past Hall-of-Fame members, and other boxing celebrities. Formal business casual attire is requested. Because of the length of the event children under the age of 12 are not encouraged. Tickets are $40 per person and reservations may be by contacting Austin Killeen via email at: scottpondnm@gmail.com. or by phone (to Austin Killeen) at 505-681-8151. The deadline for paid reservations is October 19, 2017.

(Dan will be in attendance to offer signed copies of MAT TALES)





  

LAMAR PARKS

Nickname: Kidfire

   Lamar "Kidfire" Parks opened his professional career on October 4, 1988 with a 4 round decision win over fellow South Carolinian - Lennell Stroman.  It would be nearly 2 1/2 years before another one of his opponents would hear the final bell.

   The Greenville, SC native ran his record to 9-0, 8 by knockout before being stepped up, and put in against undefeated pro, and former Olympian - Chris Sande (7-0) in a bout scheduled for 6 rounds,  that would test two of the top prospects in the middleweight division. The bout took place 4/29/90 at Caesars in Atlantic City, on the undercard of the Nigel Benn/Doug Dewitt WBO World title bout. It was Kidfire Parks who passed this test, as he scored a 5th round tko stoppage over Sande.
  

   The streak continued as Parks ran off 4 more knockout victories before being taken the full 10 rounds against renowned Brinatty Maquilon in Lewiston, Maine.  Though Maquilon held on to go the distance, he was punished throughout in losing a 10-round unanimous decision.

   Parks then came home to South Carolina and scored a 10-round shutout win over tough 28-fight veteran Lester Yarbrough.  That fight was a tune-up bout to get Parks ready for his first title challenge against Lenzie Morgan (11-4-1) for his WBC Continental Americas Middleweight belt.

   It was July 6, 1991 that saw Parks pick up his first title belt by taking a hard fought, but clear and unanimous 12-round decision win over Morgan.  Lamar was now 17-0, held a title belt and was world ranked.

   Two fights later, he added the NABF middleweight title belt to his growing collection, with a 6th round stoppage over Colorado's Donnie Giron (15-2-2). Another impressive win for Parks.

   He defended his WBC Continental Americas title with a strong showing against Percy "No Mercy" Harris (15-2), stopping him in round 10. A win that set Lamar Parks up for his chance at a world title.

   It was October 27, 1992 when "Kidfire" Parks got his shot at the WBA middleweight championship against the defending champion "Sweet" Reggie Johnson who was 31-2-1, 20 ko and held in high regard as a technician and warrior.  The fight was a closely contested boxing match that went the distance, but after 12 hard fought and tough rounds, it was the champion - Johnson retaining his title on a close but unanimous decision. Scores were: 116-112, 116-113, and 115-113

   The Reggie Johnson fight turned out to be Lamar's first and only loss.  It was also his first and only world title challenge.  He was back in action 3 months later, and fought his final 5 fights in 1993, including a win over Gilbert Baptist for the Vacant WBC Continental Americas Middleweight title belt.

   He fought his final pro bout in November, going out with a 4th round tko win over Joaquin Velasquez in Atlantic City.

   At only 23 years of age, Parks career was ended by health concerns. He tested HIV positive and could not get licensed to fight again. His career was short, but very exciting. With power, speed, and skill, he was very entertaining in the ring and came within a few points of becoming the WBA world Champion. He ended his pro boxing career with an excellent record of 27 wins, 1 defeat, and winning 21 by knockout.

Check out LAMAR "Kidfire" PARKS total record on Boxrec

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

LAMAR "Kidfire" PARKS vs

1. CHRIS SANDE                                      [tko-5]

2. LEMORRAH BOLDING                       [tko-3]       
3. BASANTE BLANCO                            [tko-2]
4. ERIC RHINEHART                               [tko-3]
5. LENZIE MORGAN                               [w-12] {WBC Cont-Am Middle Title}
6. KEN HULSEY                                       [tko-1]
7. DONNIE GIRON                                   [tko-6] {NABF Middle Title}
8. FRANCISCO DEJESUS                        [ko-3]
9. PERCY HARRIS                                    [tko-10] {WBC Cont-Am Middle Title}
10. JOSE LOPEZ                                        [tko-1]
11. REGGIE JOHNSON                             [L-12] {WBA Middle Title}
12. RICKY THOMAS                                [w-10]
13. WILLIE KEMP                                    [tko-5]
14. DANNY "Popeye" GARCIA               [w-10]
15. GILBERT BAPTIST                            [tko-11] {Vacant WBC Cont-Am Middle Title}
16. JOAQUIN VELASQUEZ                    [tko-4] (*Lamar Parks LAST pro bout)

Get your copy of:

Click here to see the link on Amazon: MAT TALES on Amazon.com

   

   

   

ANTONIO DIAZ

   Antonio Diaz was born in Mexico, but lived in and fought out of Coachella, California.  He opened his pro career with a first round knockout win at Coachella's Spotlight 29 Casino, over O'neill Reed.

   He was 4-0 before taking his first defeat by a close split decision to fellow Californian Ruben Alvarado in 4 rounds.  It seems he didn't want to leave it up to the judges any longer, as he bounced back with 5 straight knockout wins (4 in the first round)!

   It was Sept. 21, 1996 when he took a huge step up and faced off with another rising contender - Juan Lazcano (11-1, 8 ko). The fight took place at The Aladdin Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV. It went the full 6 rounds with Lazcano winning a razor-thin majority decision on scores of 58-56 twice, and 57-57. Even though it was a 2nd loss, that fight only proved that Diaz was a real contender.

   He ran off 10 straight wins, included among those he defeated were Albuquerque, New Mexico's Rudy Lovato and Ameth Aranda.

   Diaz was now 20-2 and was given a shot at the IBA Jr. Welterweight Title against defending champion Ahmed Santos (21-1-3).  It was a great night for Antonio as he won his first title belt in grand fashion via scores of 120-106, 116-110, and 117-110. An impressive win. Diaz was a worthy champion who successfully defended that title 11 times! He only lost it by surrendering it to go after the WBC Welterweight Title against legendary champion - Shane Mosley.

   His streak of IBA title defenses was incredible: Alberto Cortes (70-7-1), Patrick Thorns (18-1-1), Hector Quiroz (25-2-1), Cory Spinks (13-0), Mauro Lucero (32-4-1), Marlon Thomas (18-3-1), Emanuel Augustus (25-13-4), Terrell Finger (22-1-1), James Crayton (31-11-2), Ivan Robinson (29-3), Omar Weiss (33-1), and in a non-title fight just before facing Mosley for the WBC Title, he defeated "Irish" Micky Ward via 10-round unanimous decision!  That was an incredible run which kept Diaz world ranked and a television favorite.

Dan Sisneros visits with Antonio Diaz at the Top Rank offices in 1999

   It was Nov 4, 2000 when Diaz was named as the challenger for Shane Mosley's WBC Welterweight Title belt. The fight took place at Madison Square Garden.  Diaz brought a record of 35-2 into this night as he faced a phenomenal champion in undefeated, and seemingly invincible Mosley (35-0). The bout was carried on HBO. There was no upset on this night, as "Sugar Shane" scored a 6th round tko over Diaz to defend his title.

   4 wins later, Diaz found his self going after the vacant WBO Welterweight championship against Antonio Margarito (25-3).  It was a closely contested title match, but Margarito was able to stop Diaz in round 10 to win the vacant title.

   In his next bout, Antonio was cut from an unintentional head butt by his opponent Edwin Vazquez, and the bout was ruled a technical draw in round 2. He then lost a rematch with Hector Quiroz by technical knockout in round 9.  Going 0-2-1 in those 3 bouts looked like the beginning of a slide in Antonio's career, but he proved that this was not the case, as he went 7-0 after the loss to Quiroz, and picked up the WBO Latino Jr. Middleweight title to boot!

   Dec. 12, 2009 saw Diaz in a wild affair as he took on another world ranked contender - "Vicious" Victor Ortiz. 

Diaz goes to war with Victor Ortiz

Diaz was dropped in round 3 of that one, but even though he got up to battle with Ortiz, the fight was stopped due to a terrible cut over Antonio's left eye. The doctor did not let Diaz come out for round 7.

   Antonio would fight his final bout nearly 2 years later as he went out on top with a nice win over Ernesto "Baby" Zepeda at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California.

   It was a fun ride that lasted a decade and a half!  Diaz was one of the IBA's greatest champions, and always a favorite with boxing fans who tuned in to his televised and live bouts.  He represented his fighting family very well.  Antonio finished his pro career with an outstanding final tally of 47 wins, 6 losses, 1 draw, and won 30 of those by knockout!

Check out his impressive record at Boxrec.com: ANTONIO DIAZ's Pro record

If you would like to see this fan favorite in action, I have the following bouts available on DVD:

 1. ONIEL REED                              [ko-1] (Pro Debut)
2. CHRIS VALDEZ                           [ko-1]
3. JORGE MORALES                       [ko-2]
4. JOSE LUIS CRUZ                          [ko-1]
5. AHMED SANTOS                         [w-12] {IBA Jr. Welter Title}
6. PATRICK THORNS                        [ko-2] {IBA Jr. Welter Title}
7. HECTOR QUIROZ #1                    [tko-12] {IBA Jr. Welter Title}
8. CORY SPINKS                               [w-12] {IBA Jr. Welter Title}
9. MAURO LUCERO                         [ko-2] {IBA Jr. Welter Title}
10. JUAN CARLOS RODRIGUEZ                 [w-10]
11. MARLON THOMAS                     [w-12] {IBA Jr. Welter Title}
12. EMMANUEL AUGUSTUS (Burton)             [w-12] {IBA Jr.Welter Title}
13. TERRELL FINGER                      [ko-7] {IBA Jr. Welter Title}
14. JAMES CRAYTON                     [ko-7] {IBA Jr. Welter Title}
15. IVAN ROBINSON                       [tko-11] {IBA Jr. Welter Title}
16. OMAR WEIS                               [w-12] {IBA Jr. Welter Title}
17. MICKY WARD                            [w-10]
18. SHANE MOSLEY                       [tko-by-6] {WBC Welter Title]
19. GILBERT QUIROS                     [ko-4]
20. JORGE LUIS LOPEZ                  [tko-5]
21. OSCAR DELGADO                    [tko-6]
22. ORLANDO HOLLIS                   [tko-9]
23. ANTONIO MARGARITO          [tko-by-10] {Vacant WBO Welter Title}
24. EDWIN VAZQUEZ                     [tech-draw-2]                   
25. HECTOR QUIROZ #2                 [tko-by-9]
26. FELIX FLORES                          [w-12] {Vacant WBO Latino Jr. Middle Title}
27. FRANCISCO JAVIER CASTRO [w-10]
28. VICTOR ORTIZ                          [tko-by-7]
29. ERNESTO "Baby" ZEPEDA      [tko-8] (*Antonio Diaz's LAST pro bout)

For more information contact me at:
The Boxing Guru via E-mail

Pick up your copy of MAT TALES on amazon...

   

   


   

   









Click here to order: MAT TALES on Amazon

SHAWN GALLEGOS

Nickname: "The Educator"

   Las Vegas, New Mexico's Shawn Gallegos enjoyed a very successful amateur career.

   He turned professional in July of 2000, scoring a 2nd round tko over Rafael Magana in Santa Fe, NM, and proceeded to run off a record of 6-0 with 3 kos to start his professional career before running into Mexico's Miguel "Conan" Torresillas and losing a close split decision over 6 rounds for his first defeat.

   After an easy first round tko win in his next fight, Shawn was put into a matchup that pitted two of New Mexico's most promising prospects (at the time) in a local showdown.  The opponent was Albuquerque's Jacob "Razor Sharp" Romero who was 10-1-1.  It was considered a "pick-em" fight, but on that night it was all Gallegos as Shawn put on a smooth boxing exhibition in taking a clear and unanimous decision over 6 rounds on scores of 59-55, and 60-54 twice. A big win that boosted Shawn to the top of the New Mexico prospects list.

  

    After the impressive showing against Romero, Shawn had a record of 8-1 and was given a chance to fight for the vacant New Mexico State Lightweight in the main event against another fellow New Mexico favorite - Tommy Aragon (7-4-1).  It was another very impressive showing by the Las Vegas boxer as he again scored a clear and unanimous decision win over Aragon over 8 rounds to win his first professional title belt.


   The fight against Aragon was entertaining, and 4 months later, Tommy was given a rematch against Gallegos in a bout that was held at Albuquerque's Kiva Auditorium. This time they moved up 5 pounds and fought for the vacant New Mexico Jr. Welterweight title belt. It was the same result, Gallegos boxed his way to another clear unanimous decision win to pick up his 2nd New Mexico title belt.

   Gallegos continued his winning ways and ran off 5 more wins including a 6-round shutout win over very tough Colorado veteran Benjie Marquez.  Now with a record of 15-1, Gallegos was starting to get some national recognition.

   Shawn was offered a shot at his first national title belt.  He gladly accepted the challenge to face unbeaten NABA champion Dmitriy Salita (22-0) for his title belt, but would have to travel to Salita's home turf of New York City to take it.

   It was August 25, 2005 and Gallegos was fighting in only his 2nd ever 10 round bout. A huge step up. It was too big a step as Gallegos started off looking good, but eventually the champion - Salita - was able to gain control and topped Shawn in the 9th round of this title bout.

   Gallegos made his return in Santa Fe, NM against A very solid opponent in El Paso Texas' Carlos

Madrid (6-1).  It was a solid technical performance as Gallegos was able to control his opponent and

Gallegos with Dan after big win against Carlos Madrid

looked sharp in winning a near shutout on scores of 79-73 from all 3 judges. Shawn Gallegos was "back" and ready to face off with more ranked fighters.  His next two fights were against highly regarded contenders.

   Shawn traveled to Florida for a shot against former WBA World Champion - knockout artist Randall Bailey (33-5, 29 KO) for the now vacant IBA Inter-Continental Jr. Welterweight Championship. Bailey proved to be ready on that night and stopped Gallegos in 8 rounds to win that title belt.

   In the next fight, Gallegos found his self in Finland facing another undefeated contender in Denis Shafikov (14-0). It was a spirited performance by Gallegos, but the hometown hero got the unanimous decision to hand Gallegos his 4th loss.

   Gallegos returned to New Mexico and put together 2 straight wins, and then took about 3 1/2 years away from the ring to heal from a torn ACL before returning for a big showdown victory over Belen, New Mexico's very popular Jeremiah "The Jet" Torres via unanimous decision over 6 rounds.

Gallegos gets his hand raised in victory for the final time

    As it turned out, the win over Torres would be Gallegos final victory.  He fought twice more and ended his career on Nov. 15, 2014 being stopped in 6 rounds by Ranee "Mr. Knockout" Ganoy to put a wrap on his professional career.

   Gallegos is a math teacher and took on the boxing nickname of "The Educator" as he not only taught students, but often schooled his opponents in the ring.  He finished his professional boxing career with a record of 19-6, winning 5 by knockout. He was exciting as a young amateur, and had a successful career winning two state title belts as a professional.

Check out Shawn's entire pro ledger on boxrec: SHAWN "The Educator" GALLEGOS

If you would like to see Shawn Gallegos in the boxing ring, I have the following bouts available on DVD:

Professional:

1. DMITRY SALITA  [tko-by-9] {NABA Jr. Welter Title}
2. CARLOS MADRID [w-8]

Amateur:
1. Albert Ruelas
2. Anthony Contreras
3. Andrew Ruiz (Hideout)

The Boxing Guru via E-Mail 

Order a copy of Dan's book:  MAT TALES - True Stories from the Bizarre, Brutal World of Pro Boxing (available in paperback & kindle on amazon)

Visit:

Dan Sisneros amazon page

   

   

STANLEY WRIGHT

  He was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Without any amateur fights, 6' 10" Stanley Wright turned professional in June of 1990, and it didn't go as planned, being ko'd in round 2 against New York's Tim Igo.

   It was a "streaky" road for Wright who bounced back with a 2nd round tko win of his own over 9-1 Haakan Brock to even up his record at 1-1. He then lost to highly regarded Boris Powell, and followed that loss with a victory over Steve Cross to again even up his record at 2-2.

   He then lost 3 in a row and stood at 2-5 as a professional. Wright had heart, and determination. He then ran off a streak of 6 straight wins by knockout. Improving his record to 8-5 and putting him in line for a shot at an undefeated prospect named Peter McNeeley (24-0) for the vacant New England Heavywieght title belt.

Stanley Wright scores the upset via tko-8 over unbeaten McNeeley

   It was a great night as Stanley Wright made the most of his opportunity stopping "Hurricane" McNeeley in round 8 to win that coveted title belt!

   Wright lost his next fight against another highly regarded and at the time, unbeaten New England area favorite - Kevin McBride (6-0-1) in a non-title matchup. Wright dropped a 6 round decision to the man who would go on to stop Mike Tyson in 6 rounds ending the career of the legendary "Iron Mike".

   Wright was unsuccessful in his first title defense, losing a 10-round decision to Juan Quintana. 2 fights later, Wright avenged that loss, and won his 2nd title belt in the process with a 6th round knockout over Quintana, earning Wright the Massachusetts Heavyweight title.

   Stanley Wright won his next fight via 2nd round knockout, and then ended his pro campaign with 4 straight losses, but all of them were against undefeated, world-class opposition.  Henry Akinwande (25-0-1) who would go on to win the WBO Heavyweight world title, Michael Grant (11-0), Bobby Harris (15-0), and finishing his pro career being stopped in round 2 by Billy Tompkins (12-0) in Atlantic City, NJ.

   Big Stanley always made an impression on boxing fans, and ended his streaky pro career with a final record of 12 wins, 11 losses, and all of his 12 wins came by knockout! That is pretty amazing considering that he entered professional boxing without ANY Amateur pedigree!

   An impressive, and action packed career for the man who now calls Portland, Maine home.

   Check out his pro ledger on boxrec.com: STANLEY WRIGHT - Line by line pro career

If you would like to see "Big Stanley" Wright in ring action, I have these bouts available on DVD:

1. HENRY AKINWANDE           [tko-by-2]
2. MICHAEL GRANT                 [tko-by-2]
3. BOBBY HARRIS                    [tko-by-4] (*Missing round 1)

Order Your Copy of:

available on Amazon.com:
Paperback
Kindle (eBook)


   

  

  

BERNARD TAYLOR

Nickname: B.T. EXPRESS

   He was the pride of Charlotte, NC.  Bernard Taylor was a legendary amateur boxer who compiled an unbelievable record of 481-8, and qualified for the 1980 U.S. Olympic team which never had the chance to compete due to a boycott of those games by the United States.  He was a favorite to win a medal, and probably the gold.

   His professional career began on October 4, 1980 with a 6 round decision win over 6 fight veteran Antonio Rutledge.  He was on his way, and was on a fast-tracked schedule that saw him run his record to 11-0 in just 1 year.

   He continued his winning ways, and after building an 18-0 record, which included impressive wins over toughies Refugio Rojas (20-8), and Jose Vidal Concepcion (16-2-2), he had moved into world title contention, and was granted a shot at WBA Featherweight Champion - Eusebio Pederoza's (33-3, 22 ko) title.

   The fight was held in Taylor's home town of Charlotte, NC.  Incredibly, it was Pedroza's 15th title defense.  The fight was considered a "toss-up" by most boxing analysts.  The undefeated highly skilled but untested challenger against the smooth and skilled champion who had held that title for over 4 1/2 years!  Pedrdoza had a reputation for not being "shy" about bending the rules, and could be a real rough-houser when needed.  It was a highly anticipated bout that was broadcast on ABC television.

   It was a highly entertaining bout with Taylor starting off moving cautiously, but it was just a matter of time until the champion would force Taylor into a fire-fight.  After 15 close and hard fought rounds, the judges (which included referee Stanley Christodoulou) could not choose a winner. Christodoulou saw it 147-143 for Pedroza. Judge Knud Jensen scored it 146-144 for Taylor, and the deciding Judge Oscar Oppen came up with 146-146 making it a 3-way split draw. Taylor remained undefeated, but Eusebio Pedroza successfully defended his WBA title belt for a 16th time.

   After the disappointing result of his first title defense, Taylor continued on, and continued to win. He remained unbeaten and world ranked.  Pedroza also continued winning, but in his 21st title defense, it finally happened.  Pedroza traveled to London where he lost his title to red-hot Irishman Barry McGuigan via 15 round unanimous decision.

   Bernard Taylor was the #1 ranked contender in the WBA, and got his 2nd chance to win a world Featherweight championship, but this time it would not be fought in North Carolina.  Taylor would have to bring his 33-0-1 record to Belfast, Northern Ireland for a challenge of Barry McGuigan (27-1, 23 ko) in the first defense of his championship.

    It was a good fight, but eventually, the high-pressure, power-punching style of the man known as "The Clones Cyclone" was too much.  Taylor was unable to answer the bell for round 9. "Irish" Barry McGuigan was successful in the first defense of his world title belt.  Taylor had come up short again. He performed well, but not well enough to bring the title back to the United States. Bernard Taylor tasted defeat for the first time in his professional career.

   Taylor was back in the ring just 5 months later, and began another winning streak.  After two wins, he challenged "Baby" Joe Ruelaz (19-2) for his NABF Featherweight championship, and this time, Taylor was not to be denied as he won a hard-fought, but clear unanimous decision victory over 12 rounds.  He had his first title belt.  It was not a World title, but the NABF title had to feel good around his waist and gave him confidence that one more world title shot was attainable.

   Taylor went 1-1 in his next two fights. Both were non-title fights, winning a decision over Antonio De La Paz, and being stopped by tough Hector Lopez in round 9. Both of those fights were held at the Forum in Inglewood, CA.

The "B.T. Express" battles Barry McGuigan in Belfast.

   Bernard's next 5 fights were all title fights. 3 were successful defenses of his NABF title, and he also added the Tennessee state Jr. Lightweight, and USBA Jr. Lightweight titles to his collection.  In the process scoring world class wins over Javier Marquez (30-4-3) twice, Calvin Grove (38-2),  and a draw with Jeff Franklin (18-2-2) to hold on to his NABF title.

   Taylor continued to roll, with 2 more wins before defending his title against unbeaten top prospect Eugene Speed (21-0) in Speed's backyard of Washington D.C.  Bernard Taylor battled his way to a split decision victory to defend his title on scores of 116-112 (Taylor), 118-110 (Speed), and a deciding verdict of 116-111 for Taylor.  It was a huge win that solidified his place in line for another world title shot.  After being off for about 16 months, he came back with a 1st round knockout win in a tune-up bout before taking his 3rd and probably last shot at a world title.

   In October of 1993, Taylor traveled to Puerto Rico as the challenger for John John Molina's (32-3) IBF Jr. Lightweight title belt.  It was a tough assignment facing one of Puerto Rico's most popular champions on La Isla del Encanto (The Island of Enchantment).  Molina was strong and impressive, and caught Taylor with an uppercut that rocked him badly, followed by a right/left combination that had him in serious trouble.  Taylor didn't go down, but the referee stopped a badly hurt Taylor from taking deadly punishment as he was caught in the corner and seemingly defenseless.  It was the right call. 

Taylor's 3rd and final World Title fight against John John Molina

   Bernard would fight just once more.  It was his final pro bout, a defense of his USBA title belt against former WBF and WBC Continental Americas Champion Pete Taliaferro (24-2, 18 ko).  It was a split decision win for Taliaferro.  That fight closed out a 13+ year journey for Bernard Taylor.

   Bernard finished with a final record of 45 wins, 4 losses, 2 draws, scoring 22 knockouts.  No, he didn't win a world title, but he did win the NABF, USBA and Tennessee state championships and fought 3 times for world titles against top notch champions.  He was SO CLOSE to winning the world championship in his first challenge against Eusebio Pedroza, but the draw was all Pedroza needed to keep that title belt. He is remembered fondly by boxing fans, and is a legend of North Carolina's boxing scene.

Check out Bernard Taylor's complete pro ledger on boxrec.com: BERNARD TAYLOR

If you would like to see Bernard "B.T. Express" Taylor in ring action, I have the following bouts available on DVD:

Professional:

EUSEBIO PEDROZA  [Draw-15] {WBA Feather Title}
GERALD HAYES #2  [w-10]
BARRY MCGUIGAN  [tko-by-8] {WBA Feather Title}
"Baby" JOE RUELAZ  [w-12] {NABF Feather Title}
HECTOR LOPEZ  [tko-by-9] (*HL ONLY)
CALVIN GROVE  [tko-11] {USBA Jr. Light Title}
JOHN JOHN MOLINA  [tko-by-8] {IBF Jr. Light Title}
PETE TALIAFERRO     [L-12] {USBA Jr. Light Title} (*Bernard Taylor's LAST Pro Bout)

Amateur:
1. Ramon Sosa (Argentina) -d2484        [w-3] (1979 Pan-Am Games)  (HL ONLY)

Pick up your copy of:

  

  

  Click here to order: MAT TALES (on Amazon)