Alfredo Evangilista 'The Safe Spaniard Challenger'

Alfredo Evangilista,,,

In the 'World of Boxing Dictionary'

He is listed as a safe opponent for a Heavyweight World Champion.

A fighter who is unkown outside of his country.

A fighter who the boxing public likes, but knows that he has no chance at winning the fight.

What the fight fans cheer, is his ability to go the distance, while still
cheering for the Champion to win, but not hurt him.

Yes, he will get embarrassed a few times, and made to look like a fool
on occassion, but in the end he will praised for his performance.

 

Boxed Ears,,

Your compliment,,,,,,,,,is much appreciated...

Poor Alfredo,,

November 7, 1989

'Former European Boxing Champion Held On Cocaine Charges'

Alfredo Evangilista was arrested on a central Madrid street, with possession of
cocaine. The former European Boxing Champion was charged with having
9 grams of cocaine in a vial.

The two-time World Heavyweight Challenger, who's claim to fame is going the
distance against Muhammad Ali, as well as being the European Heavyweight Champion.

A police spokesman said that a police patrol saw the Uruguayian-born Evangilista
on a central Madrid street with two woman early today. They saw him throw down
a vial. He was being held on possession charges.

The 34 year-old Evangilista fought 4 World Heavyweight Champions, including
Larry Holmes, Leon Spinks and Greg Page. He had last fought in April 1988 in
Madrid, and had announced his retirement from the ring after that bout.

 

I think he claimed that he was holding it for a friend....:roll:

On a lighter note, while Alfredo was scoring on a central Madrid street in 1989,
he was able to score a couple of rounds against Muhammad Ali in 1977.

As a Challenger, Alfredo Evangilista was ranked #10 by the WBA.

Scoring by the Judges;
10-4-1
11-2-2
11-2-2

 

This may be hard to believe, but

Alfredo qualified for a shot at Muhammad Ali's title by losing an
8-Round decision to Lorenzo Zanon.

Evangilista was ranked #6 by the WBA at the time.
And the recorded account has Zanon winning 7 of the 8 rounds.

As later stated by Howard Cosell on ABC-TV.

'This has to be the worst Heavyweight Championship fight in history.'

 

Billy Aird,,,,,,,another tough Brit,,,,

Made Ring Magazine's Top 20 for a brief moment in 1976.


Alfredo did have a pretty decent amateur career, and a good start
in his Pro career.

Early wins over;
Neville Meade
Bepi Ros
Jose Luis Urtain
Lucien Rodriguez
Mario Baruzzi
Rudi Lubbers
Tony Moore

Alfredo Evangilista sparring partners for the Championship fight with Muhammad Ali;
* Ira Martin
* Wendell Bailey

 

Another bout to remember, versus Leon Spinks.

Leon belted Alfredo around a little, but not before Alfredo staggered Leon
and had him pinned in the corner, and nearly out on his feet.

Alfredo was one good-punch away from a Knock-out upset victory.

Leon recovered to knock-out Alfredo out.

That was a good battle.