Antonio Cervantes 'Went in the Tank versus Wilfred Benetiz'

All Systems Go,

Antonio Cervantes with $200,000 in the bank from the 'tank job' versus Wilfred Benitez
on March 6, 1976 in Puerto Rico, and his Manager Ramiro Machado with another $45,000
couped in from a $15,000 winning bet with 3-1 Odds.

May 23, 1976

Kid Pambele returns to the ring in Maracay, Venezuela - and scores an 'easy' (KO 1) over Mexican
- 'Los Angeles-based' Javier Ayala 25-16-1 (19 KO's).

Antonio improves to 75-10-3 (36 KO's), by flattening the hard-punching Javier Ayala, in only 2:29 of Round 1.
The same Javier Ayala who had gone 10-Rounds with both Roberto Duran and Esteban De Jesus.

 

While Antonio Cervantes was staying 'sharp' in Venezuela,,,,,,,,,

In San Juan, Puerto Rico

Monday Night -March 31, 1976

WBA Light-Welterweight Championship

Wilfred Benitez fulfills his commitment (with the WBA and Ramiro Machado) by making
the 'first defense' of his Championship by taking on #4 WBA Challenger - Emiliano Villa.

The 23 year-old Colombian - Emiliano Villa with a record of 25-2-1 (13 KO's) is a
favorite son of the WBA, and is Managed by Ramiro Machado and Tabanito Sanz,
who both have close ties to the WBA.

Emiliano is actually a pretty good fighter. A 5' 9" southpaw, with average hand speed and
a decent left hand. But Emiliano is a straight forward moving fighter, who can be
hit fairly easy, as his defense is 'fair' at best. Emiliano has had only 'one-bout'
outside of Colombia, and that was a 'close' Decision Loss to the 'Great' Nicolino Locche
in Argentina in early-1976.

Emiliano was a very good amateur, with a record of 81-9, and was the Colombian
Light-Welterweight representative at the 1972 Olympic Games. Currently, Emiliano is
the Colombian Light-Welterweight Champion.

In front of 9000 pro-Benitez fans at Roberto Clemente Stadium, Emiliano Villa wins Round 1.
But the 17 1/2 year-old Wilfred Benitez takes over in Round 2, and starts scoring with double
left-jabs, as Emiliano has some difficulty versus the quicker 'Wunderkind'

Emiliano is aggressive over the first 6-Rounds as he moves forward, but cannot match the skills
of Wilfred who counter-puches with left jabs. The bout appears the 'Even' on the scorecards
after 6-Rounds.

In Round 7, Wilfred scores with a 'volley' of punches that has Emiliano dizzy, and Emiliano leaves
the round with a brusied face. The Champion controls Rounds 8, 9 and 10 by landing quick
jabs, and several right-hand leads to the upright Colombian.

Emiliano tries, but falls short in landing any decent punches until Round 11, when he lands a
good right hook. But the young Champion returns to out-boxing his Challenger in Rounds
12 and 13, by switching back and forth from orthodox-to-southpaw.

Going into the 'Final Round', Emiliano is behind by a 'wide-margin' of 11, 11 and 10 points.
Knowing that he needs a 'knockout' to win, the Colombian attacks and starts unloading
with everything he has. Wilfred, surprisingly, goes toe-to-toe with Emiliano, as both
boys whack each other for 3-minutes, until the final bell rings.

Wilfred Benitez will win a 'Unanimous' 15-Round Decision.

Scorecards;
Referee, Ismael Falu (Puerto Rico).....150-138 (12-0-3 in Rounds)
Judge, Rudy Ortega (United States)...149-137 (13-1-1 in Rounds)
Judge, Waldemar Schmidt.................148-137 (13-2-0 in Rounds)

The Assoicated Press......................147-139 (11-3-1 in Rounds)

As per the agreement Gregorio 'Papa' Benitez made with the WBA and Ramiro Machado,
the fighters will 'split' the total fight purse bid of $120,000 - with each fighter receiving $60,000.

Now, with the 'mandatory defense' out of the way, Gregorio 'Papa' Benitez announces that his son
will stay in Puerto Rico for another defense, and most likely versus New England Light-Welterweight
Tony Petronelli, or Chile Light-Welterweight - Eduardo 'El Latigazo' Aracena.

Gregorio Benitez, 'We have been offered $100,000 by Tito Lecture to go to Argentina to fight
Nicolino Locche at the end of June. I don't want to take my 17 year-old son out of Puerto Rico
and disturb his life. He is still a young man.'

 

Lora,,,,,,,

As you know, no Challenger is going to get a 'fair scoring' in Puerto Rico,
in front of the 'hometown fans'.

I will agree, many of the rounds were close, and I had it closer than the scorecards
and even the Associated Press scorecard.

I cannot locate El Tiempo's scorecard.

But, after the bout - Tabacito Sanz (Emiliano's manager) did not complain.

And Bill Brennan, the WBA Observer had it solidly for Wilfred also, which I believe
was 147-142 (8-3-4 in Rounds).

 

lora,,,,

The UPI report,

Wilfred Benitez 'butchered' Emilaino Villa's face, and sliced him, enroute to a largely uneventful 15-Round
Unanimous Decisoion.

Wilfred Benitez was a lightly backed 2-1 Betting Favorite, as many who had attended the bout, thought that the
23 year-old Emiliano Villa had the skills to defeat this young 17 year-old school kid.

Wilfred in the red trunks, and Emiliano in the white trunks.

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The bout was promoted by Salinas Sports Promotion, President Pepito Cordero.

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Meanwhile,,,,,,back in Maracay, Venezuela

July 17, 1976

The 'supposedly 'worn out, tired and semi-retired' Antonio Cervantes scored a
very quick '6-punch' 45-second 'knockout' (KO 1) over American journeyman
'Irish' Beau Jaynes 48-31-0 (13 KO's).

The 30+ age- 'Kid Pambele' moves to 76-10-3 (37 KO's), and remains as the #1 WBA
Light-Welterweight.

And in Saint Just, Perto Rico at the Benitez Boxing Camp,

Gregorio 'Papa' Benitez announces that his son Wilfred will defend his WBA Light-Welterweight
Championship on Saturday Night - October 16, 1976 in Puerto Rico versus either,

#8 WBA Challenger - Eduardo Aracena (Chile) with a record of 29-2-0 (6 KO's)
#9 WBA Challenger - Tony Petronelli (USA) with a record of 35-1-0 (22 KO's)

WBA Ratings

*** Wilfred Benitez
#1.. Antonio Cervantes
#2.. Hector Thompson
#3.. Nicolino Locche
#4.. Emiliano Villa
#5.. Wongso Suseno
#6.. Ariel Maciel
#7.. Adriano Nani Marrero
#8.. Eduardo Aracena
#9.. Tony Petronelli
#10. Saoul Mamby
#11. Frankie Benitez
#12. Cemal Kamaci
#13. Lion Furuyama
#14. Carlos Maria Giminez
#15. Carlos Omar Alvarez
#16. Juan Jose Giminez
#17. Chung-Moon Chin
#18. Juan A. Merlo
#19. Mike Everett
#20. Dale Hernandez

 

Saturday Night - October 16, 1976

Maracay, Venezuela

Fighting in Venezuela, as part of the 'closed circuit broadcast' of the
Wilfred Benitez vs. Tony Petronelli 'WBA Light-Welterweight Championship'
which is held in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The nearly 31 year-old (but much older) Antonio 'Kid Pambele' Cervantes, the #1 WBA
Challenger takes on Uruguay's - Ariel Maciel. Maciel is an 'undefeated' 21 1/2 year-old
5' 10" southpaw, with a record of 23-0-0 (7 KO's), and is the #6 WBA Challenger.

In the opening round, the younger Maciel boxes nicely, keeping 'Kid Pambele' at
long range, and it appears that he may a bit troublesome for the former-Champion.

But in Round 2, 'Kid Pambele' figures Ariel out, and staggers the Uruguayan with a
left uppercut and short right hand. By midway through the round, Ariel is getting
pounded, and is looking for a place to hide. A big left uppercut buckles Ariel's legs,
and he his a defensless as the Referee jumps in to the stop the bout at 2:12 of Round 2.

'Kid Pambele', 'We're ready for the rematch with Benitez. If he wins his title defense
tonight, he has to fight me next, and within 60-days, and here in Venezuela.'

 

Saturday Night - October 16, 1976

Antonio 'Kid Pambele' Cervantes watches the 'Boy Wonder' Wilfred Benitez destroy Tony Petronelli by KO 3.

Wilfred Benitez, the 18 year-old 'Boy Wonder' successfully defended his WBA Light-Welterweight Championship
for the '2nd-time' by scoring a devastating knockout at 0:53 of Round 3.

The Champion staggered the New England Light-Welterweight near the end of Round 2 with a blistering right
hand to the chin. Petronelli, who was in bad shape during the last seconds of the round, barely managed to
stay upright, until being 'saved by the bell'.

Immediately in Round 3, Benitez went after the still dazed Petronelli, and staggered him again with a left hook
and right hand, and then driving him back toward the ropes. There, the Champion unleashed a flurry of lefts
and rights, and capped it off by landing a hard left-right, that dropped Petronelli flat on his back.

Tony got up at the 4-Count, and after the fighting resumed, Benitez unloaded with quick barrage that had
Petronelli hanging over the ropes, when the Referee jumped in and stopped the bout at 0:53 of Round 3.
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The 26 year-old Tony Petronelli, who was the #9 WBA Challenger, had entered the ring with a fine record of
35-1-0 (22 KO's), and was the reigning NABF Light-Welterweight Champion. The 5' 7" New England fighter
had a reputation as a good infighting boxer, who was willing to slug it out with his opponents.

Wilfred Benitez improves his record to 28-0-0 (21 KO's). He is next scheduled to meet former Champion
Antonio 'Kid Pamble' Cervantes on December 6, 1976 and in Venezuela.

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In early November,

Wilfred Benitez got into a car accident, and suffered lacerations to his hands, and
bruises to his body.

Gregorio 'Papa' Benitez immediately asked for a postponement of the December 6, 1976
bout with Antonio Cervantes. There were 'skeptics' in the WBA and Cervantes' camp
that believed that this was all a fabrication, as to avoid giving 'Kid Pambele' his 'guaranteed'
rematch.

While it appeared that a 'delay' would happen, Antonio Cervantes scheduled a 10-Round
tune-up bout in November, to stay sharp. 'Kid Pambele' had '3-bouts' since the
'Dump The Title Loss' to Wilfred Benitez in March 1976, and each bout resulted in an
early 'knockout win' (KO 1 - KO 1 and KO 2)

Needing a good 10-Round work-out, Ramiro Machado signed up Bronx, New York
Light-Welterweight - 'the travelling' and always available - Sweet Saoul Mamby,
to come to Venezuela for a November 13th bout for a decent $4000 fight purse.

The 29 1/2 year-old, #10 WBA-ranked -Saoul Mamby, at 19-9-5 {8 KO's} is the perfect
tune-up fighter, as he is durable, can take a punch, and will be there for 10-Rounds.
What makes Saoul a safe opponent, is that he doesn't have much of a punch, and he
is not overly aggressive.

Out of the ring for 6-months, Saoul Mamby is more than willing to come to Venezuela, in hopes
of scoring a 'major upset'. In his last '3-bouts' with World-rated fighters, Saoul had a
10-Dound Draw with Harold Weston, a 10-Round Decision Loss to Roberto Duran, and an
'upset' 10-Round Decision win over #7 WBA Challenger - Adriano 'Nani' Marrero.

 

Harry,

November 13, 1976

When Antonio Cervantes beat (W Dec 10) Sweet Saoul Mamby, the Bronx
Light-Welterweight was ranked in the Top of the Light-Welterweights at #10,
and Saoul was considered a good 140 lb. fighter, despite his 19-9-5 record.

The bout was held in Venezuela, and after an 'Even' fight for the first '3-Rounds',
Kid Pambele hurt Saoul with a hard body punch in Round 4, then pretty much cruised
from that point on.

Scorecards; { 100-93 / 100-97 / 99-91 }

Antonio Cervantes, now at 78-10-3 (38 KO's), only had to wait for Wilfred Benitez to
recover from his accident. The original 'rematch' was set for December 6, 1976 -
but the WBA allowed a 30-day postponement.

But by late-December, it was obvious that Gregorio 'Papa' Benitez had no interest in
allowing Wilfred to fight Antonio again, escpecially outside of Puerto Rico.

 

January 1977

The World Boxing Associaton has stripped Wilfred Benitez of his 'crown' as the
Puerto Rican Champion has refused to sign to fight #1 WBA Challenger, former
Champion - Antonio Cervantes.

As per an earlier agreement, the 'two' boxers were scheduled to meet on December 6, 1976
- but a postponement had puhsed that date to January 6, 1977.

But it appears that Gregorio 'Papa' Benitez has no intentions of giving 'Kid Pambele' a rematch,
even in Puerto Rico.

Dr. Elias Cordova, Chairman of the WBA will insitute a WBA-Elimination Tournament, which will
include the following WBA Top-Rated Light-Welterweights;

#1 - Antonio Cervantes (Colombia)
#2 - Hector Thompson (Australia)
#3 - Carlos Maria Giminez (Argentina)
#4 - Adriano 'Nani' Marrero (Dominican Republic)

Dr Elias Cordova, 'We have offered Roberto Duran the #2 WBA position if he wants to participate in
the Elimination Tournament, but he has not accepted.

 

Hedge,,,,,,

The tournament for the 'vacant' WBA Light-Welterweight Championship got off to a 'slow start' in early 1977.

Antonio Cervantes was not 'in-shape' in January, and Hector Thompson (Australia) had injured his knee again.

The Championship was re-scheduled for March, but #2 Hector Thompson was still not ready, and
#3 Carlos Maria Giminez was still making 'decent money' picking up several easy fights in Argentina.

 

Saturday Night - March 19, 1977

Cesar Giron 'Bull Ring' - Maracay, Venezuela

Attendance; 3800

While waiting for Hector Thompson (Australia) to recover from a 'knee injury', and
Carlos Maria Giminiez (Argentina) to prepare in his homeland,,,,

The 31 year-old (going on 36) 'Kid Pambele' takes a 'tune-up' versus Adriano 'Nani' Marrero.
The #1 WBA-ranked Cervantes at 78-10-3 (38 KO's) 'on paper' should have no problem with
the 'light-punching' Dominican.

The 26 year-old - Adriano 'Nani' Marrero at 22-7-2 (3 KO's), is a skillful boxer, with a great
chin. 'Nani' is a slick stylist, who can make anybody look bad in the ring.

'Nani' has not fought in 6-months, since losing a 'hometown' 10-Round Decision to Puerto Rican
Lightweight Champion - Jose Marquez in Puerto Rico in October 1976. Before that 'Nani' had
'upset' Top-ranked Carlos Maria Giminez in July 1976, which earned 'Nani' a Top 10 ranking.

Currently, the WBA has Antonio Cervantes as the #1 Light-Welterweight, and Adriano Marrero
ranked as #12.
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The Colombian Cervantes gets off to a very slow start, as the 5' 8" Dominican sweeps the first
'3-Rounds, by landing stiif jabs, and then ties up 'Kid Pambele' when he moves in close to punch.

Holding a slight-edge on the scorecards though 5-Rounds, 'Nani' Marrero has a good 6th Round,
when he suprisingly stings 'Kid Pambele' with a great 3-punch combination, forcing the former
Champion to hold on.

'Nani' keeps up the pace in Round 7, and out-jabs Cervantes 2-to-1, and also lands the sharper
punches. Through 7-Rounds, it appears that the only way 'Kid Pambele' can win is to have big rounds
or knockout 'Nani' Marrero.

In desperation, Cervantes tries for the knockout in Round 8, but Marrero is too elusive and too smart
to get caught by a bomb from the Colombian. 'Nani' just patiently counters over the last 3-Rounds,
and avoids the wild-swing uppercut bombs from Cervantes.

At the bell ending Round 10, 'Nani' Marrero raises his hands above his head, as his handlers rush into
the ring, and congratulate the 26 year-old Dominican on his 'sterling performance'.

Antonio Cervantes walks back to his corner, with a dejected look.

Then the scorecards........

97-96 / 97-96 / 98-97 ----- Winner by Unanimous Decision - 'Kid Pambele' Cervantes

The judges 'screwed' Adiano Marrero, who was clearly the better boxer and winner of the bout.

Adriano 'Nani' Marrero

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Hedge,,

By mid-1977, Wilfred Benitez was far 'north' above 140 lbs., and there was no way
he could meet Antonio Cervantes at Light-Welterweight. By Gregorio 'Papa' Benitez'
own admission, the 18 1/2 year-old Wilfred couldn't even get down to 145 lbs.

On the other hand, #3 WBA-ranked Carlos Maria Giminez (Argentina) filled in for
#2 WBA-ranked Hector Thomspon (Australia) to challenge 'Kid Pambele' for the
'vacant' WBA Light-Welterweight Championship on June 25, 1977 in Venezuela.

 

Hedge,,,

Saturday Night - June 25, 1977

Plaza de Toros Monumental 'Bull Ring' - Maracaibo, Venezuela

Attendance; 12,000

A bout for the 'vacant' WBA Light-Welterweight Championship

Tale of the Tape

Antonio 'Kid Pambele' Cervantes (Columbia)
Ranking.......#1 WBA Light-Welterweight
Age............31 years, 6 months
Height.........5' 9"
Reach..........72"
Weight........139 1/4 lbs.
Record........79-10-3 (38 KO's)

Caros Maria 'The Bahia Blanca Bomber' Giminez (Argentina)
Ranking.......#3 WBA Light-Welterweight
Age............28 years, 6 months
Height.........5' 8"
Reach.........70"
Weight........139 1/4 lbs.
Record........98-7-4 (54 KO's)

The Skinny (Antonio Cervantes)

Antonio Cervantes at age 31 1/2 (going on 36+) is a (2-1) Betting-Favorite. Since 'dumping'
the WBA Championship to Wilfred Benitez in March 1976, 'Kid Pambele' has won '5-straight' with
(3 KO's). But, in his last bout in March 1977, Antonio struggled and won a 'highly controversial'
10-Round Decision over Adriano 'Nani' Marrero.

Antonio has met Carlos Maria Giminez before, back in September 1973, where the then WBA
Light-Welterweight Champion, battered and stopped (TKO 5) the Argentinian boxer-puncher.

But, rumors are abound, that 'Kid Pambele' is not in good physical condition, and drug abuse issues
have been tossed around. Cervantes did not look sharp in training, and seemed to have no punching
power left.

The Skinny (Carlos Maria Giminez)

The 28 1/2 year-old Argentinian is a 'true professional', and is a steady workman with a good standard
one-two punch. With '98' wins on his ledger, Carlos is the top 'win-leader' in all of active boxers.

Carlos Maria, the #3 WBA-ranked Challenger is a replacement for the injured #2 WBA-ranked Hector Thompson.

The Argentinian has won '7-straight', scoring (5 KO's) since losing back-to-back bouts in 1976 to Hector Thompson
and Adriano 'Nani' Marrero. The Argentinian's plan, is to put pressure on Cervantes early, in an attempt to wear him
down and take away his legs in the later rounds. Carlos and his supporters believe he will stop 'Kid Pambele' late,
and Carlos is a well-backed 2-1 Underdog by the Argentinian bettors.