[Crimson]

Tokyo Metropolitan Gym; Tokyo, Japan
Thursday, June 4, 1992
Katsuya Onizuka 19-0 (16) Japan
vs.
Thanomsak Sithbaobay 31-3-1 (15) Thailand
Katsuya Onizuka battered Thanomsak Sithbaobay around the ring right from the get go. Onizuaka floored Sithbaobay in the 2nd and 4th rounds, while badly damaging his right eye (15), on route to a wide unanimous decision victory. Next up for Onizuka is a very lucrative clash with the All Time Great and probable future IBHOF member Khaosai Galaxy.
Katsuya Onizuka Wu10 Thanomsak Sithbaobay

Katsuya Onizuka vs. Jae-Shin Lim/Kotaro Hayashi
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zw_Kf...x=0&playnext=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjKKm...rom=PL&index=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcqBc...rom=PL&index=2

[Crimson]

Parken Stadium; Copenhagen, Denmark
Friday, June 5th, 1992
Johnny Bredahal 14-0 (5) Denmark
vs.
Armando Castro 34-10-1 (28)
The odds were even on who would win this battle between proven contender Armando Castro and the up and coming Johnny Bredahl. The Danish fighter’s biggest win to date was a 7th round TKO of Donnie Hood for the EBU (European) title. The biggest fight of Castro’s career thus far was his unsuccessful 1991 challenge of Khaosai Galaxy for the WBA Jr. Bantam belt. Although Castro lost a wide unanimous decision against Galaxy, he proved himself to be worthy of his lofty ranking and a force to be reckoned with in the Jr. Bantam division. Nicknamed “Monstruo”, Castro was expected to provide a major test for the still relatively unproven 1988 Olympian from Denmark.
Not a particularly pleasing fight to watch. Bredahl managed to drop Castro in the 2nd, but landed few power shots the rest of the fight. Castro tried, but struggled to land against the quick moving Bredahl. The final 4 rounds were the best of the fight, as a tiring Bredahl fended off the oncoming Castro. The final scores were closer than Bredahl would have liked at 95-94, 95-94, and 99-91.
Johnny Bredahl Wu10 Armando Castro

Armando Castro vs. Prince Naseem Hamed
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BW39pZu6Mks

[Crimson]

Roberto Clement Stadium; Carolina, Puerto Rico
Saturday, June 6th, 1992
Jose Ruiz 25-4 (7) Puerto Rico
vs.
Nana Konadu 20-5-4 (15) Ghana
In a fight that Konadu seemed to win handily, the judges saw otherwise. Scores were 96-94 Ruiz, 95-95, and 95-95 resulting in a majority draw. Neither fighter was knocked down or cut.
The 5 member panel of boxing experts voted the next day on who was the more deserving fighter to advance in the Jr. Bantam Weight World Championship tournament and rapildy decided by 5-0 vote that Nana Konadu would move on to challenge WBC belt holder Sung-Kil Moon.
Dm10

Nana Konadu vs. Abraham Torres
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiTljwB5tPs

Nona Konadu vs. Veeraphol Sahaprom
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkYgM...eature=related

Nona Konadu vs. Gilberto Roman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lN0TG...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qE4QO...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqorI...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnlpk...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mqEH...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QXSz...eature=related

[Crimson]

Chungmu Gymnasium; Chungmu, Korea
Friday, July 3rd, 1992
Sung-Kil Moon 16-1 (13) Korea WBC
vs.
Nana Konadu 20-5-5 (15) Ghana
This was to be the 3rd clash between Konadu and Moon. The first two had gone Moon’s way, but provided plenty of action. In the 1st fight the fighters hit the canvas a total of 5 times, with Moon going down twice. In their last match Moon won by TKO4 in Spain. Both fighters packed plenty of wallop in their punches and defense was not an area of strength for either. The final bell was not expected to be heard. Moon’s only professional loss was by decision to Khaokor Galaxy, the brother of Khaosai. A loss Moon hoped to eventually avenge.

Konadu stuggled to make the 115 pound limit and had to make 2 trips to the scale before finally hitting 115 on the button. He entered the ring bone dry and as a 2-1 underdog. Moon took full advantage of the dehydrated Konadu and roughed him up early. Going into the 6th round Konadu’s left eye was badly swollen (10) and he appeared exhausted.

The end seemed near and Moon was looking for the KO in round 6. Konadu though had other plans and deposited Moon on the canvas with a left hook! Less than 30 seconds later and he was again knocked down. Moon held and moved until the bell rang. Moon was ahead on the scorecard of Ringside Expert, Mike Hanson: 57-56.

The underutilized boxing skills of Moon were seen in round 7, as he befuddled Konadu. It was Konadu’s turn to hit the canvas in the 8th. With his eye now nearly closed (17) the referee mercifully rescued Konadu from further attack.

Sung-Kil Moon will now face the winner of the Khaosai Galaxy-Katsuya Onizuka match in a unification match that will surely sellout any arena in Asia. That sellout seems assured regardless of if he fights Galaxy or Onizuka.
Sung-Kil Moon TKO8 Nana Konadu (defends WBC title)

[Crimson]

Friday, July 3rd, 1992
K. B. Hallen; Copenhagen, Denmark
Johnny Bredahal 15-0 (5) Denmark
vs.
Jose Quirino 28-6 (9) Mexico WBO
The 1988 Olympian from Denmark, Johnny Bredahl, came into the ring at “K.B. Hallen” with no muscle tone and did not physically look strong. Rumors had been circulating that he had extreme difficulty in making the weight. The virtually unknown WBO titlist Jose Quirino, however appeared very nervous, perhaps intimidated by the loud Copenhagen crowd cheering in support of Bredahl, who was a 2-1 favorite to win the title.
- After tiring badly in his 10 round decision victory over Armando Castro last month, Bredahl devoted more of his training camp to roadwork. It didn’t show in the fight however, as Bredahl was breathing through his mouth as early as the 4th round.
- Bredahl was dropped by a Quirino combination in the 2nd round.
- After 6 rounds Ringside Expert, Rocco Del Sesto, had it 58-55 for Quirino.
- Bredahl had his best round since the fight started in the 9th, when he hurt Quirino with a straight right hand.
- After 10 rounds Ringside Expert, Rocco Del Sesto, had it 96-93 for Quirino.
- Neither fighter was cut or marked up when the final bell rang.
- Punch stat numbers favored Quirino 324 to 223.
- The judges had it: 114-113 Quirino, 116-113 Bredahl (!), and….115-112 for the winner and …..STILL WBO CHAMPION…..JOSE QUIRINO!
Jose Quirino Ws12 Johnny Bredahl (retains WBO title)

[Crimson]

Freeman Coliseum; San Antonio, TX
Saturday, July 4th, 1992
Robert Quiroga 20-2-1 (11) Texas IBF
vs.
Johnny Tapia 23-0-2 (12) Arizona
The 11,700 seat Freeman Coliseum was a complete sellout, as the fans of San Antonio were absolutely thrilled to come see hometown hero, Robert Quiroga, defend his IBF title vs the rising contender, Johnny Tapia. After going 2-2-1 (0) during the 4 round “Team Championship” matches, Quiroga was eager to resume fighting in 12 round battles.

- Quiroga seemed to get the better of Tapia in the first 2 rounds. In the 3rd it was all Tapia, as he successfully took the fight to the inside.

- In the 4th Quiroga’s left eye (8) had some significant swelling under way.

- Ringside expert, Jim Trunzo, had Quiroga in front after 5 rounds, 48-47.

- Quiroga fought a very defensive minded fight, and this led to several uneventful and difficult to score rounds. There was little to choose between the fighters in rounds 6-9.

- Ringside expert, Jim Trunzo, had Quiroga in front after 9 rounds, 87-84.

- Quiroga began to look tired in the 10th and suffered a cut to his forehead. Tapia was beginning to load up on his punches, understanding that he might be losing on the scorecards.

- A Tapia uppercut floored Quiroga in the 11th for the count of 4. With well over 2 minutes remaining in the round, Quiroga had to rely on all the tricks of the trade he knew in order to survive. Quiroga made it to the bell on very unsteady legs, after absorbing horrible punishment to the head and body. His left eye (11) was continuing to close.

- Tapia’s trainer, Jesse Reid, implored him to take it to Quiroga and do his best to knock out him out. The IBF title holder from San Antonio, had nothing left on his legs and was subsequently left with no other choice, but to stand and trade with Tapia.

- After taking a hard right hand to the temple, Quiroga fell to the canvas in a delayed reaction. Quiroga was up at 8, but looking ready to fall once again. Several Tapia right hands opened up a bad gash below the left eye. A solid right from Tapia caused Quirioga to momentarily take a count of 2, when he dropped to a knee, then almost as quickly popped back up. With the referee looking on closely, Quiroga managed to throw and land often eough to keep him from stopping it.

- Ringside expert, Jim Trunzo scored it for Tapia 116-114, the judges unanimously had it for Tapia 115-111, 115-111, and 116-109.
Johnny Tapia Wu12 Robert Quiroga (wins IBF title)

Robert Quiroga vs. Kid Akeem
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7yuioR0s5s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-N9I...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrnoY...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOjtl...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6Fq_...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7vNi...eature=related

Robert Quiroga vs. Julio Borboa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2YyR...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Sn06...eature=related

Johnny Tapia highlights
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq_5ySy8dxI

Johnny Tapia vs. Danny Romero
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ph5jh...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0182-...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nXec...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qIj-...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZton...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoJ-P...eature=related

[Crimson]

Sunday, July 5th, 1992
Rajadamnern Stadium; Bangkok, Thailand
Khaosai Galaxy 53-1-1 (43) Thailand WBA
vs.
Katsuya Onizuka 20-0 (16) Japan
Tickets to this fight were hard to come by. There was a tremendous amount of press coverage in Asia. If Galaxy were to lose it would most likely be his last fight. In his last title defense (12-22-91) Galaxy had appeared beatable while defeating Armando Castro. In the 2nd round he had been knocked down and saved by the bell. Galaxy was forced to fight out of his normal aggressive style and instead relied on jabbing and moving.

After controversially defeating Thanomsak Sithboabay (4-10-92), Onizuka battered him in last month’s rematch. Now the still undefeated Onizuka was primed to re-claim the WBA title, which he felt had been unjustly taken from him. Galaxy however, felt the same way, as he had never actually lost it in the ring. Both fighters had a legion of fans and their exciting slugging styles, gave this fight the promise of much action. Galaxy entered the ring a 2-1 favorite.

Both fighters came out and stood toe to toe throwing bombs. Galaxy was getting the better of Onizuka after 5 rounds. The right eye (9) of Onizuka was swollen ½ shut, but so far he had been able to withstand Galaxy’s powerful punches. After 5 rounds Ringside Expert, Mark Elwood had it 49-47 Galaxy.

Despite having some difficulty seeing Onizuka continued to meet Galaxy at ring center without backing up. A thumb to the left eye of Galaxy caused it to quickly start swelling (3) and within 2 minutes it was ½ closed (8). Galaxy however, was not disturbed by his eye and increased his aggressiveness. After being staggered by a right hand, Galaxy countered with his own right and hurt Onizuka badly! Both fighters appeared exhausted, but Galaxy continued to throw punches at his hurt opponent. Onizuka was trapped on the ropes and not returning fire when the referee stopped the fight to the cheers of the crowd, with 17 seconds remaining in the 7th round.

Next up for the “Thai Tyson” is another marquee matchup, this time against WBC titlist Sung-Kil Moon.
Khaosai Galaxy TKO7 Katsuya Onizuka (retains WBA title)

Khaosai Galaxy vs. Cobra Ali Blanca
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4AQE...eature=related

Khaosai Galaxy vs. Jung-Koo Chang
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeJnVLskjuM

Khaosai Galaxy vs. Edgar Monserrat
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYIF0...eature=related

Khaosai Galaxy vs. Rafael Orno
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtYFN...eature=related

Khaosai Galaxy highlights
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7370k...eature=related

[Crimson]

....Jr. Bantam Weight World Championship tournament.

[Crimson]

Anyone know where I can find a photo of Jose Quirino? I've searched the internet and the Title Bout Forums, but had no luck.

[Crimson]

Saturday, September 26, 1992
The Pit; Albuquerque, New Mexico
Johnny Tapia 24-0-2 (12) New Mexico IBF
vs.
Jose Quirino 29-6 (9) Mexico WBO
Johnny Tapia fever had caught fire in his home state of New Mexico and fans were piling into the Albuquerque University Arena, otherwise known as “The Pit”, for his attempt to unify the IBF and WBO Jr. Bantam titles. The tattooed and charismatic Tapia was creating a buzz in the boxing world and his talent was showing that it could match the hype around his story.

Seating 18,018 “The Pit” was unbelievably loud during Tapia’s ring walk. Jose Quirino however, had already shown that he could win in hostile terroritory when he upset Johnny Bredahl in Denmark.

- Tapia was a 3-1 favorite to win the fight.
- Both fighters entered the ring appearing to be in peak condition.
- Tapia tore after Quirino at the bell for round 1.
- 1 minute into the fight a left hook from Jose Quirino opened up an absolutely horrific cut over Johnny Tapia’s right eye, which began to gush blood immediately.
- The doctor then got on the ring apron and requested that referee, Gwen Adair, allow him to see the cut. Against severe protestation from Tapia and thunderous booing by the crowd, Tapia was brought to see the ring doctor. Despite Tapia’s pleading to at least be allowed to finish the round, the doctor after looking at the cut waved his hands indicating that Tapia should not be allowed to continue! The referee then stopped the fight.

The winner by 1st round TKO, Jose Quirino, had to be ushered out of the ring by security as there was so much debris being thrown into it by fans!
- Quirino left Albuquerque and the United States before anyone in the press was able to speak with him. Little is known about this Mexican battler.
Jose Quirino TKO1 Johnny Tapia (wins IBF title, defends WBO title)

[Crimson]

Sunday, September 27th, 1992
Lumpinee Stadium; Bangkok, Thailand
Khaosai Galaxy 54-1-1 (44) Thailand WBA
vs.
Sung-Kil Moon Korea 17-1 (14) WBC
Sold out Lumpinee Stadium was rocking with boxing fans in anticipation of this Jr. Bantam Weight unification match, with the winner scheduled to face Jose Quirino for the WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP. All 9,500 were sold out and non-stop betting was taking place within the historic stadium.

- Odds were dead even on who would win. Odds on the fight going the full 12 rounds were 5-1 that it would not.

- Aware of Moon’s deadly power, and perhaps remembering his own vulnerability in recent outings, Galaxy focused on his defense in training.

- Moon promised fans that his boxing skills would lead him to victory.

- This would be only the 3rd fight of Moon’s career to be fought outside of Korea. His only loss had been to Khaosai’s brother, Khaokor in Thailand’s Radjamnern Stadium. In that 1989 fight for the WBA Bantam title, Moon had lost a very wide unanimous decision. At the most he won 1 to 4 rounds.

- Moon entered the ring in superb condition, while Galaxy was uncharacteristically not ripped and cut.

- The referee was Stanley Christodoulou of South Africa.

- The 1st 3 rounds were fairly even as the two battlers took turns blasting one another, with both able to withstand the others firepower.

- In the 4th Galaxy was momentarily stunned by a strong left, but quickly replied with a right that hurt Moon and sent the Thai fans into a frenzy of noise.

- After 5 rounds Ringside Expert, Aurelio Barrios had it 48-47 for Galaxy.

- Galaxy began to show that he was 33 years old in rounds 6 and 7, as he suddenly became a visibly tired fighter. The still fresh Moon began to land punches while out boxing Galaxy, just as he had predicted.

- In the 8th Galaxy displayed the fighting heart of a World Champion, as he sucked it up and knocked Moon around the ring. It was the best round of the fight for Galaxy.

- With the crowd cheering every punch thrown by Galaxy, it was sometimes difficult to tell what landed and what did not. Also, the damage of the punches that did land were amplified by the crowd.

- Entering the 10th round Ringside Expert Aurelio Barrios had Galaxy in front by 1 point, 86-85. Punch stat numbers favored Moon 206 to 178.

- After 10 rounds an exhausted Galaxy was carrying his hands by his sides and had some minor swelling on his left eye (2).

- Over the final 2 rounds Galaxy was still aggressive, but missed more than he landed. The virtually unmarked Moon boxed from the outside and landed more than Galaxy, but was never able to hurt him.

- Galaxy finished the fight with a slightly swollen left eye (6).

- Punch stat numbers favored Moon in punches landed 283-214.

- Ringside Expert Aurelio Barrios scored it 115-114 for Khaosai Galaxy.

- The future Hall of Fame boxing reporter Joe Koizumi had the call, “Ladies and gentleman judge Malcolm Bulner of Australia has it 117 to 112 Khaosai Galaxy….judge Omar Mintun of Mexico has it 116 to 112 for Sung-Kil Moon, and judge Lizzy Thela of South Africa has it 115 to 113 for the winner by split decision and now the titleholder of the WBA and the WBC belts……from ….KOREA!!!! SUNG-KIL MOON!!!

- For the 2nd night in a row of a major Jr. Bantam fight, the winning boxer had to be escorted from the ring by security forces.

- The crowd soon calmed when the classy Khaosai Galaxy took the microphone and asked them to. He then announced his retirement from boxing.

Sung-Kil Moon Ws12 Khaosai Galaxy (wins WBA and defends WBC title)

[Crimson]

Friday, December 11th, 1992
Olympic Fencing Gymnasium; Seoul, Korea
Sung-Kil Moon 18-1 (15) Korea WBC WBA
vs.
Jose Quirino 30-6 (10) Mexico WBO IBF

-15 rounds of boxing for Jr. Bantam Weight World Championship
- Moon is a 3-1 betting favorite.

[Crimson]

Friday, December 11th, 1992
Olympic Fencing Gymnasium; Seoul, Korea
Sung-Kil Moon Korea WBC WBA
vs.
Jose Quirino 30-6 (10) Mexico WBO IBF


- Moon absolutely dominated Quirino.
- After being hurt badly early, Quirino failed to cover up and was unable to mount an offense in return.
- With less than 10 seconds to go in the 1st round a combination deposited Quirino on the canvas. Referee Joey Curtis concluded the 10 count after the bell had rung and Quirino was still laying in a prone position.

Sung-Kil Moon KO1 Jose Quirino (wins Jr. Bantam WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP)

Sung-Kil Moon vs. Kinji Matsumura
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kROQqa2zMHc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luNhk...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IB9PI...eature=related

Sung-Kil Moon vs. Khaokor Galaxy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C56qX...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWU0f...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C56qX...eature=related

[Crimson]

Odds on winning the 1992 Bantam World Championship tournament
2-1 Orlando Canizales IBF
4-1 Victor Rabanales WBC
5-1 Miguel Lora
8-1 Junior Jones
10-1 Eddie Cook WBA
15-1 Luisito Espinosa
20-1 Clarence Adams
22-1 Duke McKenzie
22-1 Jorge Julio
25-1 Gerardo Martinez
35-1 Greg Richardson (post-prime)
50-1 Rafael Del Valle (pre-prime) WBO
Orlando Canizales was the favorite at 2-1 odds to win the 1992 Bantam Weight World Championship tournament and be crowned the undisputed Champion of the bantam weight division. However, there were 11 other fighters in the tournament who believed they could win it all.

[Crimson]

Tuesday, June 2nd, 1992
Trump Plaza; Atlantic City, New Jersey
Bones Adams 24-0-1 (15) Illinois
vs.
Duke McKenzie 31-3 (16) England
AND
Junior Jones 25-0-2 (16) New York
vs.
Jorge Julio 22-0 (20) Columbia
New York’s Junior Jones was a 2-1 favorite to defeat the power puncher from Columbia, Jorge Julio. The Columbian had never before been seen in a United States ring but had experienced world class opposition on the amateur level, representing Columbia in the 1988 Seoul Olympics, where he came home with a Bronze Medal. All of Julio’s 22 fights had taken place in Columbia and only 2 against opponents of note (Robert Schonning TKO10 and Jesus Flores TKO5).

The Joey Fariello trained Junior Jones had some impressive amateur credentials of his own to brag about, having won New York Golden Gloves titles in 1988 and 1989. As a professional thus far “Poison” has looked very impressive. Winning a world title seems to be a very realistic goal for the born and bred Brooklyn, New Yorker.

On the scorecard of Ringside Expert Roy Paeth, Junior Jones was down 30 to 28 after 3 rounds. In the 4th Jones exploded to floor Julio two times. The last knockdown was for the full count, courtesy of a 5 punch combination. After scoring this impressive knockout “Poison” will advance in the tournament to face WBC belt holder Victor Rabanales.
Junior Jones KO4 Jorge Julio

The teenage sensation “Bones” Adams, whose real name is Clarence, has made a splash with the Atlantic City media. His face could be found somewhere inside the ALC newspapers each day of the week leading up to the fight, often times appearing on the front page.

In his dressing room minutes before his own fight “Bones” was interviewed, by Sean O’Grady of “Tuesday Night Fights”, and let it be known that he was going to take the fight right to his veteran opponent and had no intention of allowing the fight to conclude via a decision. O’Grady wondered if seeing the smashing win of fellow up and coming counterpart Junior Jones was having an affect on the game plan of Adams. It was Adams debut fight in Atlantic City and the Atlantic City fans had taken a liking to “Bones”. They were undoubtedly impressed by the fact that he is still only 17 years old!

Steve Farhood, covering the fight for Ring Magazine, pointed out to all that Adams was still VERY unproven. Of his 24 wins, 17 had been against fighters with less than 10 fights! Almost all had losing records and he had yet to face a formidable fighter of the caliber he’d be facing in Duke McKenzie.

Then English born and raised Duke McKenzie is the youngest of the 5 fighting McKenzie brothers and clearly the most talented and accomplished. Although still only 29 years of age, there were some questioning if his best days were behind him, due to the shocking KO loss to Rafael Del Valle, who came into the ring with only 12 wins to his credit.

That was McKenzie’s last fight, when the unknown Puerto Rican, stopped him in the 1st round. Duke and his trainer/manager Mickey Duff claim the loss was due to not having taken his training seriously and vastly underestimating the skills of the Puerto Rican. He vowed to show in this fight that his days as a world class fighter are far from over.

The winner of this fight would square off agaist Rafael Del Valle in a challenge for the WBO title. It was a return engagement with Del Valle that was firmly on the mind of McKenzie going into battle with Adams.

Adams and McKenzie put some excellent defensive skills on display and there was little to differentiate one round from the next.
True to his word, Adams took the fight to McKenzie. According to Ringside Expert, Rocco Del Sesto it was with mixed results, as he had it dead even after 5 rounds 48-48. The numbers from punch stat favored “Bones” 133 to 88 in the punches landed department.

Puffiness that had started around Adam’s left eye in round 2 was now starting to factor in the fight (7). Although his face was still unmarked, McKenzie’s body language resembled that of a rapidly tiring fighter.

A big Adams hook shook McKenzie in the 6th and a beautiful uppercut knocked him down. Duke barely beat the count of the referee, standing at “9!” At the 2:36 mark of round 6 the badly hurt and wobbly McKenzie was rescued from further punishment when his trainer threw in the towel.
Bones Adams TKO6 Duke McKenzie

Jorge Julio vs. Israel Vasquez
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWLXlPWRluo

Jorge Julio vs. Manny Pacquiao
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoBsoHpKaE0

Duke McKenzie vs. Jesse Benavides
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtP9ANONzrQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYzfr...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kR_Pp...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwpXa...eature=related

[Crimson]

Thursday, June 4th, 1992
Plaza de Toros Indias; Cartagena, Columbia
Miguel Lora 38-2 (17) Columbia
vs.
Luisito Espinosa 29-7-2 (14) Philippines
The 31 year old Miguel “Happy” Lora put on a masterful boxing exhibition. Putting the boxing world on notice that he has returned to the form he displayed during his days as WBC champion. Luisito Espinosa made it interesting to watch, but he was never able to get inside the defense of Lora to score with blows of consequence. There were no knockdowns and neither fighter was marked up. The referee, from Panama, deducted a point from Lora in the 6th round, much to the crowds dismay. The decision was unanimous for Lora who will now move on in the tournament and challenge Eddie Cook for his recently won WBA title.

In the month of July boxing fans are going to be treated to some mouth watering matches in the Bantam Weight division: Junior Jones vs. Victor Rabanales WBC; Bones Adams vs. Rafael Del Valle WBO; Miguel Lora vs. Eddie Cook WBA; and Greg Richardson vs. Orlando Canizales IBF.
Miguel Lora Wu10 Luisito Espinosa

Luisito Espinosa vs. Alejandro Gonzalez
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3a_N7mhqsg

Luisitio Espinosa vs. Raul Perez
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-a7EQ...eature=related

Luisito Espinonsa vs. Kennedy McKinney
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTNfV...eature=related

Luisito Espinonsa highlights
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpV1Q...eature=related

Luisito Espinosa vs. Khaokor Galaxy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zsLX...eature=related

Miguel Lora vs. Ray Minus Jr.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U752uZrYAzY

[Crimson]

Saturday, July 4th, 1992
Freeman Coliseum; San Antonio, Texas
Orlando Canizales 34-1-2 (26) Texas IBF
vs.
Greg Richardson 30-8-1 (4) Ohio
Canizales entered the ring a 2-1 favorite in front of his home state of Texas fans. Greg Richardson had impressively upset the rising contender Gerardo Martinez in his last fight to qualify for this title opportunity. Canizales was known to have more trouble with boxers than sluggers, so a Richardson upset was not out of the question.

Orlando Canizales jumped on Richardson at the bell to start round one and his strategy of applying pressure, not giving Richardson the opportunity to use his legs, and to wear the veteran fighter down was clear. In the second round Canizales was sternly warned for a head butt and Richardson’s right eye (8) immediately began to swell.
Richardson was dropped in the 3rd and took a beating the rest of the way.

In the 4th Richardson was again on the receiving end of tremendous punishment. He did manage to get in a few jabs however, one of which caused the mouth of Canizales to bleed. After 4 rounds Ringside Expert Dan Cuocco had it 40-35 for Canizales.

The doctor took a look at Richardson’s horrifically swollen eye (15)during the 5th round, which was now virtually completely shut. It looked impossible for Richardson to see out of it. Combining the eye with the brutal beating that Richardson was taking each round it was surprising that the fight was allowed to continue. Richardson is not known as a puncher, with only 4 kayos to his credit, adding further reason to stop the lopsided contest from continuing.

Finally, to some of the crowd’s relieved concern, Canizales knocked Richardson to the canvas in the 7th. Although the Ohioan vainly tried to rise, he was unable to beat the 10 count.
Orlando Canizales KO7 Greg Richardson (defends IBF title)


Greg Richardson vs.Joichiro Tatsuyoshi
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JxY3WPPhGo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JxY3...51a5I-IppRIy5w

[Crimson]

Saturday, July 11th, 1992
Trump Plaza; Atlantic City, NJ
Rafael Del Valle 13-0 (9) Puerto Rico WBO
vs.
Bones Adams 25-0-1 (16) Kentucky

AND
Victor Rabanales 27-11-2 (21) Mexico WBC
vs.
Junior Jones 26-0-2 (17) New York

AND
Eddie Cook 17-1 (15) Nevada WBA
vs.
Miguel Lora 39-2 (17) Columbia
One week after Orlando Canizales successfully defended his IBF belt the other 3 world title holders put their belts on the line at the sold out Trump Plaza. The first fight of this "Bantam Weight Title Triple-Header" card featured the recently crowned WBA belt holder Eddie Cook defending against Columbia’s Miguel “Happy” Lora. The camp of Cook had wanted the fight to take place in Cook’s adopted hometown of Las Vegas. However, the Lora camp balked at that and instead wanted the match to take place in Columbia. In the end Atlantic City was settled upon as the site, mostly because it could then be on the same card as the other 2 Bantam Weight Tournament Quarter-Final matches.

Eddie Cook, the hard punching native of St. Louis, had shown himself to be beatable when in 1991 he was stopped inside of 4 rounds by journeyman/fringe contender Dadoy Andjuar. That loss may have been a blessing for Cook, as 2 fights later he was matched up with Israel Contreras for the WBA title. Cook knocked out Contreras in round 5 and suddenly found his stock had risen within the bantam weight division.

On this night Cook was in for what looked like a very challenging defense against Miguel Lora, who was on a roll since his last loss to Gaby Canizales in March of 1991 by KO2. Since that round 2 KO defeat, Lora has reeled off 7 straight impressive victories. The best of which occurred last month, when he soundly whupped Luisito Espinosa over 10 rounds. Now the fighter nicknamed “Happy” was set to regain his claim at the top of the Bantam Weight division with a victory over Cook.

IBF title Orlando Canizales was seated ringside and awaited the winner of the Cook-Lora clash. Kenny Adams, the trainer of Eddie Cook, instructed his charge to go right after Lora in round 1 and not allow him to get into his own flow. Cook came out and attempted to do just that. Cook landed the first significant blow of the fight with a right hand, but Lora immediately replied with a hard combination that appeared to momentarily stun Cook. For most of the round Lora glided around the ring effortlessly avoiding the blows of Cook.

Cook stopped loading up on his punches in round 2 and began to apply steady pressure to Lora. Most of Cook’s punches were missing, but Lora was not terribly active in response. In round 3 Lora sustained a cut to his right eyebrow.

The fourth was an action packed round that could have been scored either way, as they both dealt the other heavy blows. After 4 rounds of action Ringside Expert Markus Heinsohn had it 38-38. Punch stat numbers had it almost dead even at 79-78, with Lora landing more.
The cut was bothering Lora in rounds 5 and 6. Lora found himself fighting Cook’s fight on the inside. Lora was landing his fair share of blows, but the more damaging punches were coming from Cook.
Lora was having his best round of the fight ½ way into the 7th round, but he was being forced by Cook to fight on the inside. That was exactly where Cook wanted him to be so that he could land his powerful uppercuts. With less than 30 seconds to go in the round Lora got caught flush with one of those uppercuts and collapsed in a heap along the ropes! Lora was up at 8 and his cut was once again dripping blood. The corner of Lora rushed out at the bell ending round 7 and practically carried Lora back to his corner.

A tiring Eddie Cook seemed to let Lora off the hook in the 8th. Lora moved and was able to score well using his jab. After 8 rounds Ringside Expert Markus Heinshohn now had Cook up by three points, 77 to 74.

Cooks sudden tiredness was now working well for the also tired Lora. “Happy” was able to land insignificant punches from the outside and tie Cook up when he was able to get to the inside. Sensing the momentum change Cook’s trainer, Kenny Adams implored him, “DO NOT LET THIS SLIP AWAY! ATTACK! GET ON HIM!”

Cook was putting everything he had behind his punches in the 10th. This made them even easier for Lora to avoid and he countered with accurate precision, hurting Cook with a right hand. The fighters heads collided during one of the numerous clinches and Cook emerged with a gash over his right eye.

The fight turned into an ugly holding and mauling affair in the final 2 rounds. Ringside Expert Markus Heinsohn had it for Cook 114-113 at the final bell. Lora landed almost 100 more punches than Cook 291 to 198! Ring Announcer Mark Beiro read the decision: 114-113 for Miguel Lora, 116-112 for Eddie Cook, and 114-113 for the winner by split decision and ……NEW WBA CHAMPION……MIGUEL LORA!!!!!
The decision was greeted luke warmly, but not booed.
Miguel Lora Ws12 Eddie Cook (wins WBA title)


Junior Jones administered a boxing lesson to Victor Rabanales for 9 of the 12 rounds. He was simply too fast for the 29 year old Mexican. Jones never seemed to be troubled by Rabanales attack and coasted over the final 4 rounds as Rabanales became more desperate in his attempts to land punches of meaning.

Rabanales threw more punches over the course of the fight, but landed only 18%, compared to a 43% connection rate by Jones. Neither fighter was cut, knocked down, or ever significantly hurt. For each of the first 10 rounds Jones employed a successful strategy of boxing defensively from the outside. During the final 2 rounds, knowing he had the fight won on the scorecards, Jones essentially resorted to covering up. While it was a solid win for Junior Jones, it was not one that is going to win him over a high number of boxing fans.
Junior Jones Wu12 Victor Rabanales

With the Atlantic City boxing fans cheering him on, Bones Adams had high expectations riding on his recently turned 18 year old shoulders. Rafael Del Valle came into the ring an 8-1 underdog, despite having fought and beaten Duke McKenzie by 1st round TKO, while it took Adams until the 6th round to stop McKenzie.

Only having 13 professional fights under his belt seemed to be the betting public’s main cause for lack of faith in Del Valle’s chances to successfully defend his newly won WBO belt. This would be Del Valle’s first fight in the United States and only his second outside of Puerto Rico.

After the fairly pedestrian action taking place in the preceding Jones-Rabanales bout, the Atlantic City fans were disappointed to see things get off to a slow start in the Adams-Del Valle matchup. By end of round 1 a few scattered boos could be heard and the crowd was very restless. Del Valle picked up the pace in the 2nd and clearly won that round, managing to stun Bones with a left hook.

Neither boxer was able to land anything off significance again until round 6, when Adams opened up and had Del Valle stumbling along the ropes. Adams was able to do the same in the 7th round to the Puerto Rican.

The lackluster action returned rounds 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12! The crowd booed and hissed in each of those rounds, but it had no effect on the lack of action. Adams landed 29% of his punches, compared to 18% for Del Valle. Neither fighter was cut or visibly bruised. One judge had it even at 116-116, but the other two saw it similarly for Adams at 119-113 and 119-111. About as unpleasing a fight to watch as you get.

Now Junior Jones and Bones Adams will meet in what at one time looked like a very appealing matchup, but now, after their most recent showings has lost quite a bit of it's previous luster.
Bones Adams Wm12 Rafael Del Valle (wins WBO title)

Coming up next in the Bantam Weight World Championship tournament will be the semi-final unification matches. Junior Jones and Bones Adams will meet on "USA Tuesday Night Fights" September 22nd back in Trump Plaza; Atlantic City, NJ, where they will unify the WBO and WBC titles. Five days later Orlando Canizales will meet Miguel Lora at a still to be determined location in Texas for the IBF and WBA belts on September 27th. The Canizales-Lora fight will be shown live on ABC that Sunday afternoon.

Victor Rabanales vs. a wrestler
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meYHtXW7ig8

[Crimson]

Trump Plaza; Atlantic City, NJ
Tuesday, September 22nd, 1992
Bones Adams 26-0-1 (16) Kentucky WBO
vs.
Junior Jones 27-0-2 (17) New York WBC
- Despite the lack of excitement produced in both fighters title winning efforts at this same venue in July, boxing fans turned out in force to see who would win between the two undefeated fighters who appeared on their way to possibly being boxing stars.
- The betting public installed Junior Jones as a 2-1 favorite. Each fighter promised the fans that this would be a more exciting fight than their individual title winning efforts had been.
- Both fighters came into the ring in excellent condition. Adams put in extra time to focus on his conditioning, as he was planning on taking the fight to Jones and not allowing the New Yorker to utilize his movement and height advantage. The 5’5 ½ Adams was decidedly shorter than the 5’8 tall Jones.
- Once the bell rang the fight started on a bad note for Adams, “*Adams looks like he’s trying to mask an injury of some type. He appears to be in some pain but from what it’s impossible to say.”
- The first round was excellent and fans witnessed plenty of give and take action, as Adams followed through on his goal of taking the fight to Jones on the inside.
- Bones was effective at cutting off the ring on Jones.
- In the fifth round Adams was stunned by a big Jones hook and replied with a low blow that gave him a few moments rest while Jones recovered. It also drew a stern warning from the referee, but not a point deduction. Adams was soon hurt once again, this time from a vicious uppercut. The ALC crowd that had begun the fight solidly supporting Adams, now seemed to be shifting it’s support to Jones.
- Jones was winning round 6 and landing the punches of consequence in the fight, when with less than a minute remaining in the round he got caught by a Adams uppercut on the inside and found himself laying on his back! Jones was up at 6, but out on his feet. He held and moved to survive the round.
- After 6 rounds of action Ringside Expert Mike Hanson had Adams ahead 58-56.
- Punches landed favored Jones 173 to 142.
- The left eye of Adams had some puffiness (4) and he was now carrying his arms by his side in fatigue.
- World class trainer Jesse Reid was working Bones corner and he instructed him to jump right back on Jones and knock him out if the opportunity presented itself, but to not get reckless.
- Jones showed that he was fully recovered from the previous rounds knockdown and took the fight to Adams in round 7. Bones was tired and a took a knee after a series of body shots. Up at the count of 8, Adams held and moved until the bell rang. This unification battle was living up to expectations!
- Both fighters came out looking to land a kayo blow in the 8th and the crowd was on their feet knowing that they were witnessing a classic battle of wits, skills, and wills. For the next 2 rounds they took turns winging punches at one another on the inside. Jones showed himself to be the stronger of the two.
- Adams left eye (11) was a problem for him in round 9 when it became ½ closed.
- Ringside Expert Mike Hanson had it 86-84 favoring Jones after 9 rounds.
- Jones landed more punches through 9 rounds, 244 to 176.
- In round 10 Adams changed his strategy and began boxing defensively. This seemed to confuse Jones, who had become accustomed to Adams attacking him.
- Over the final 3 rounds Jones remained convinced that he could take Adams out and he recklessly attacked his shorter foe. Adams during those rounds fought defensively out of a crablike shell, where he would peek out and potshot Jones.
- The final 3 rounds seemed to favor Adams. Ringside Expert Mike Hanson had it 114 to 113 for Adams. Final punches landed numbers favored Jones 270 to 252. Both fighters seemed to believe they had won the fight.

The scorecards were read by Ring Announcer Mark Beiro: “Ladies and gentleman, we have a split decision. 114-113 for Junior Jones, 114-113 for Bones Adams, and 114-112 for the winner and now holder of the WBO and WBC titles…..JUNIOR JONES!!

When Sean O’Grady asked Adam’s after the fight why he had been grimacing in the 1st round and did so off and on throughout the fight, Adams shared that he had suffered a groin injury while running hills during training. The groin injury limited the leverage he was able to put into his punches and would cause him pain when he put too much weight behind them.
Junior Jones Ws12 Bones Adams (wins WBO and defends WBC title)

Bones Adams vs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCZPZIvW2OQ

Bones Adams vs. Nestor Garza
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7joE...eature=related

Bones Adams vs. Mario Lozano
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjATi...eature=related

Bones Adams vs. Tommy Parks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED5vG...eature=related

Bones Adams vs. Orlando Canizales
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjIvT...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4ycO...eature=related

[Infinity]

With a fight that close, a rematch is in order!