Hector Thompson 'The Brisbane Bomber'

October 10, 1975

Festival Hall - Brisbane, Australia

WBA Light-Welterweight Elimiantion.

The #1 WBA-ranked Hector 'The Brisbane Bomber' Thomspon takes on #2 WBA-ranked
Adriano 'Nani' Marrero in a 10-Round, with the winner getting a shot at WBA Champion
Antonio Cervantes in November, and in Panama.

The 26 year-old Thompson who has been on a run over the last 18-months by winning
'15' of '16' bouts with (8 KO's) over a litany of World-Ranked opponents. Hector's only loss
was due to a knee injury. The 5' 7" powerfully built Thomspon, has a variety of offensive
weapons, to go along with a sturdy defense. Hector will bring a record of 54-4-2 (16 KO's)
into the ring.

24 year-old 'Nani' Marrero of the Dominican Republic, is the #2 WBA-ranked challenger. Marrero
is a 5' 8" tall, smooth-boxing counter-puncher, with excellent hand speed and a great defense.
'Nani' has a record of 18-4-2 (1 KO), and though he has 'no power', he will provide a difficult
opponent for the Australian as he is extremely cagey.

Adriano 'Nani' Marrero
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The Fight

Hector Thompson did the stalking and the punching, while 'Nani' Marrero did the moving
and avoiding. The Australian was easily the stronger of the two, and was the aggressor
from the opening bell. By Round 5, Hector was pitching a shut-out, and cruised over
the last 5-Rounds as 'Nani' was content to counter with light one-two's and then
clinch.

The 'swift' Dominican did little in offense, and fought passively. Thompson was unchallenged
by the visiting Marrero, and won a very easy 10-Round Decision.

Scorecard....Referee - Des Crabbe 49-45 (5-1-4 in Rounds) for Hector Thompson.

Hector Thompson improved his record to 55-4-2, and will now fight for the WBA
Light-Welterweight Championship.

 

Saturday Night - November 15, 1975

Gimnasio Nuevo - Panama City, Panama

WBA Light- Welterweight Championship

Antonio 'Kid Pambele' Cervantes vs. Hector 'The Brisbane Bomber' Thompson

Tale of the Tape

Antonio Cervantes (Columbia)
WBA Champion
Record..........73-9-3 (34 KO's)
Age..............29 years, 11 months
Height...........5' 9"
Reach............72"
Weight...........139 1/2 lbs. lbs.

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The Skinny

Antonio 'Kid Pameble' Cervantes is making the 10th Defense of WBC Championship. He is fighting
in Panama, in Roberto Duran's backyard. 'Kid Pamble' has been pressuring WBA Lightweight
Champion - Roberto Duran to jump up in weight and fight him. Antonio would like nothing more
than to be impressive in Panama in front of Duran's fans, while calling 'El Cholo' out.

'Kid Pambele' is no stranger to the Gimnasio Nuevo Arena, as he has has fought here '4-times'
before, winning each Championship bout.

The Champion also last fought Esteban DeJesus here in May 1975, winning a one-sided 15-Round
Decision, including flooring DeJesus '4' times.

Since losing to Nicolino Lochhe in December 1971, Cervantes has gone 'undefeated', going 18-0-0
with (14 KO's). This will be his '10th defense' of his WBA Championship, and 'Kid Pameble' has been
listed as a 'solid' (5-2) Betting-Favorite.

The 'negative', insiders say that Cervantes is closer to age 35, than the 30 he will soon be next month.
And he has been in close to 125-bouts, not the '85' he has listed on his record.

Antonio Cervantes, 'I would like nothing better than to win here again, and in front of El Cholo's fans.
I know they will root against me, because they know I'm good. I'm not taking Hector lightly, because
I've seen him fight. He is very strong, and I excpect a tough fight.'
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Hector Thompson (Australia)
#1 WBA Light-Welterweight
Record..........55-4-2 (16 KO's)
Age..............26 years, 4 months
Height...........5' 7"
Reach...........68"
Weight..........138 1/4 lbs.

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The Skinny

Hector, the muscular and physically fit Australian is the #1 Light Welterweight. Hector has gone
16-1-0 with (7 KO's) over the last 17-months, and over a litany of World-Ranked contenders.

Hector's only loss, was when he injured his knee in a bout (December 1974) which sidelined him for 5-months.

Before that, he lost to Roberto Duran in June 1973, when he was a last-minute replacement (1-weeks notice)
and fought well before being stopped by a TKO 8 in a challenge for Duran's WBA Lightweight Championship.

Hector Thompson, 'I have been staying busy, while waiting for my opportunity versus 'Kid Pambele'. I'm
in great condition, and ready to win the Light-Welterweight Championship. I have to put pressure on him
in hopes of wearing him down, then I'll take over late in the fight.'

 

Saturday Night - November 15, 1975

The Panama boxing fas in attendance immediately boo'd Columbian - WBA
Light-Welterweight Champion upon his announcement.

The Australian - Hector Thompson was the overwhelming crowd favorite, and
their hopes were that that the #1 WBA Light-Welterweight would knock off
the 'bragging' Champion.
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Round 1

'Kid Pambele' came out fast, and launched his famous spear like left jabs with
rapid-fire, by tossing then while leaning forward n his left leg.

At 5' 9" and with a 4" reach advanatage, Cervantes had no problem landing his
famous left hand.

Hector was able to land a good left hook to the body at the 1:10 Mark, and the
Gimnasio Nuevo Arena fans cheered loudly. Hector was also able to land a good
counter left hook at the 1:36 Mark, after the Champion missed a right hand lead.

Cervantes went back to sharp left jabs, and regained control. But, Hector landed
another good right to the body at the 2:42 Mark, and the fans roared with approval.

The Champion landed a good left-right with 10-seconds left in the round, and was
sharp.

(Round 1 for Antonio Cervantes)
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Round 2

The Champion again came out fast, and fired hard and sharp left jabs. Cervantes controlled
the first-half of the round.

Hector was able to get off a good left-right at the 1:25 Mark, but could not maintain a
steady attack.

Cervantes was back to left jabs, and Hector got off a good counter left hook at the 2:20 Mark.

Hector backed the Champion to the ropes, and fired away with a sharp 5-punch combination,
but nothing heavy landed.

(Round 2 for Antonio Cervantes)
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Round 3

Cervantes again started the round off fast, and fired snappy left jabs from long range. The Champion
also landed a good one-two at the 0:19 Mark, and a sharp left-right at the 0:55 Mark.

Hector got going at the 0:55 Mark, and fired off a good double left jab to the Champion's face.
A hard right-left at the 1:01 Mark got the Panamanian fans to roar.

Hector rattled off a good '3-punch' combination at the 1:41 Mark, which drove the Champion back
into the ropes. Hector backed that up with a sharp double left jab and right cross at the 2:17 Mark.

Hector is pushing Cervantes backwards, and lands a good left hook to the body at the 2:19 Mark.

Cervantes rallies a bit over the last 25-seconds with a steady flow of left jabs.

(Round 3 for Hector Thompson)
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Round 4

The Champion again opens up by firing numerous left jabs. Thompson counters with a good left cross
at the 0:17 Mark.

The bout stays in 'center-ring', and Cervantes lands a good overhand ring at the 0:34 Mark. The Challenger
can't get close to the Champion, as Cervantes is too fast and has too long of a reach.

For the next 30-seconds, Cervantes continues to land with 'spear-like' left jabs, and 'sneaky' right hands
over the top. Hector manages to land a good left-right at the 1:07 Mark that drives Cervantes to the ropes.

The Champion comes back with several good left jabs, and a nice overhand right at the 1:34 Mark.

The fight stays in 'center-ring', and the Champion maintains a good pace of left jabs, while Thompson is
looking to land one hard counter-punch.

Thompson lands a good left hook at the 2:23 Mark.

Cervantes comes back with '3' hard left hands (jab-uppercut-jab), then whips a left uppercut that misses, but
counters with a perfect overhand right to the left side of Hector's head.

Thompson is stunned by the right hand at the 2:30 Mark, and Cervantes 'unloads' on his dazed opponent.

A 12-punch barrage of (hooks, uppercuts and crosses) drives Thompson into the ropes, but he spins off, and
moves to center-ring, but Cervantes is not finished, and unloads a 22-punch assasult of lefts and rights.

Thompson recovers at the 2:54 Mark, and rides out the last 6-seconds of the round, as the Champion backs off.

Amazingly, Hector Thompson weathers the barrage, and calmy walked back to his corner at the end of
the Round.

(Round 4 for Antonio Cervantes)
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Round 5

The Champion is back to the same old routine of left jabs from long range, and many of them. At the 0:30
Mark, Cervantes bulls Hector backwards. Both fighters exchange good left hooks.

Cervantes lands a good left-right to the body at the 0:51 Mark, and a big overhand right at the 0:56 Mark.

Thompson starts to come back, and lands a good left to the body at the 1:15 Mark, and follows up with a
nice left-right to the head.

Cervantes doubles-up on the left, and follows with a lead right at the 1:23 Mark.

Thompson will not back down, and shoots a hard right, and double left at the 1:49 Mark, which backs the
Champion up to the ropes. Cervantes then counters with two left jabs, and whips a left hand to the body.

Hector scores with a left-right to the head at the 2:22 Mark, and follows up with a fast double left hand.

The Champion returns with a hard left to the body, and then doubles up again on his left jab at the 2:35 Mark.

Hector comes right back with '4' good left jabs, as Antonio counters with on overhand right amd left uppercut
at the end of Round 5.

(Round 5 Even)

Round 6

The pace is slow in the opening 25-seconds. Then the Champion whips in a hard left underneath, and follows
with a 'grazing' overhand right.

Hector bounces back with a stiff left-right at the 0:40 Mark.

Cervantes waits patiently, then whips in a hard left-right at the 1:10 Mark.

The Champion controls the middle portion of the round with numerous left jabs, while Hector is looking for
an opening to counter.

Cervantes lands a good left-right at the 2:38 Mark, and follows with a good jab, and then a good right at the
2:50 Mark.

(Round 6 for Antonio Cervantes)

Round 7

The Champion opens up with a fast pacem and fires a quick '3-punch combination right-left-left to the head.

Cervantes tosses out light left jabs to measure Hector, than lands a hard right hand to the left eye, opening
a small cut near the corner of the eye.

Hector comes back with steady left jabs at the 1:00 Mark. And though he scores, they are not hard punches.

Cervantes lands a good double left and right hand at the 1:32 Mark. Cervantes is wild with a left-right at the
1:35 Mark.

Thompson counters with a hard left-right at the 1:41 Mark, which momentarily 'shakes' the Champion.

Both fighters are in a stalling-period, then Thompson counters with a decent left hand at the 2:20 Mark.

Thompson is pressing, but does not land throw anything. Cervantes double jabs, and whips in a slashing
left uppercut to Thompson's 'right-eye' just before the bell, slashing it open.

As the Champion walks back to his corner, he makes a 'slashing gesture' across his throat, indicating
that he inflicted a cut on his Challenger.

(Round 7 for Antonio Cervantes)

After discussion between Rounds, Hector Thompson appears ready to come out for Round 8. At the bell to
start the round, Hector looks at his chief cornerman, who then changes his mind, and says no.

Referee - Isaac Herrera waves it off, and raises Antonio Cervantes hand.

* Winner by TKO 8 - Antonio 'Kid Pambele' Cervantes.

 

March 12, 1976

Festival Hall - Brisbane, Australia

Hector Thompson returned the ring after 4-months, following his 'cut-eye' TKO 8
loss to WBA Light-Welterweight Champion - Antonio Cervantes.

The 26 year-old Aussie, now at 145 lbs. boxed cautiously over the first half of the
bout, before opening up in Round 6 versus Philadelphia Welterweight -Alfonso 'Fonzie'
Hayman.

Hector, now 56-5-2, shook his American opponent in Rounds 7 and 9 with hard right hands,
enroute to a 'solid' 10-Round Decision win. Alfonso Hayman (146 lbs.) who was ranked as the
#10 Welterweight in 1975 following an 'upset knockout' win over Johnny Gant, was unable
to get his powerful right hand into the 'tough shell defense' of the Brisbane Bomber.

Alfonso Hayman falls to 16-6-3.

Hector Thompson, 'Yes, I'm upset in the loss to Cervantes in Panama. Had I won,
Roberto Duran had agreed to come to Australia and fight me for the Light-Welterweight
Championship here. That would have been a 'tremendous fight' for the Australian fans.'

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Friday - April 2, 1976

'Fighter Near Death'

Chuck Wilburn (Cleveland, Ohio) is worked on in the ring corner by his
seconds, after he was knocked out by Australian - Hector Thompson
in the 10th Round of a Light-Welterweight bout at the Blacktown RSL
Club in Sydney, Australia - Thursday Night.

The 22 year-old American was rushed to the Blacktown Hospital 20 miles
west of the arena, where brain surgeons operated on the stricken boxer.
Doctors then performed an emergency 4-hour surgery, to relieve fluid
pressure on the brain.

The hospital spokesman stated Mr. Wilburn was close to death, and
that his family members in the United States were contacted, and that
arrangements were made to bring Chuck Wilburn's wife Caroline and
his mother to Sydney immediately.

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Hector Thompson, the Top-rated Light-Welterweight from Brisbane, and American
Chuck Wilburn engaged in a scheduled 10-Round bout at the Blackwown RSL Club.

The bout was well-fought and competitive over the first 6-Rounds, which included some
'brutal exchanges'. But the World-class Australian began to dominate in Round 7, as the
'gritty' American began to fade under the steady attack.

In Rounds 8 and 9, Thompson pounded at Wilburn, who was now absorbing some hard head blows,
which were rocking him backwards.

In Round 10, early in the round, Thompson again landed some hard blows, which shook the American.
Then mid-way through the round at the 1:55 Mark, Thompson landed a hard left hook to the head,
that 'badly' hurt Wilburn. The Australian then landed a 'heavy barrage' to the unprotected and
stunned Chuck Wilburn, who then staggered to his corner and collaped at the 2:05 Mark.

Referee - Alf Weymark waved it off, as Chuck Wilburn's cornermen rushed into the ring, to tend
their felled fighter. The American was unconcious, and the ringside physician was immediately
called into the ring.

 

Saturday - April 3, 1976

'Boxer Chuck Wilburn Hovers Near Death After KO'

22 year-old Chuck Wilburn lies in a 'deep coma' in the Blacktown Hospital in Sydney.

The boxer, who was knocked out in the 10th Round on Thursday Night, in a bout with
World-ranked Hector Thompson, had emergency surgery on Thursday Night after the bout,
and is 'critically ill'.

The bout ended at just 45-seconds before the bell ending the 10th Round.

Officials are looking into the specifics of the bout, and are trying to determine whether
Chuck Wilburn should have even been allowed to face a World-rated fighter as Hector Thompson.

Chuck Watkins, the manager of the 'stricken boxer', said Mr. Wilburn was in good condition prior to
the bout, and that his fighter had been cleared to fight by all officials in control of the bout at the Blacktown RSL Club.

Chuck Wilburn's wife, Mrs. Caroline Wilburn and his mother have arrived here in Sydney, to be with the
stricken fighter, who remains in a 'deep coma'.

The Fight Promoters paid $1800 each for flights, to get the women here immediately.

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Monday - April 5, 1976

'Boxer Chuck Wilburn Not Expected To Recover'

American Boxer, Chuck Wilburn who has not regained conciousness since
being 'knocked out' in the 10th Round - Thursday Night, April 1st, is
not expected to recover, and his family is preparing for the worst.

The Blacktown Hospital has released a bulletin, and Mr. Wilburn is still
in critical condition, and lays in a deep coma following emergency brain surgery.

The hospital neurosurgeon stated that we were hoping for some sign of
recovery within 24 to 48 hours, but Mr. Wilburn did not respond to the
surgery to remove fluid from the brain. The next 24 to 48 hours are
critical, and if Mr. Wilburn does not respond or show some action, we
believe he will expire.

A Press Conference is scheduled for later, on Monday Night.

 

Monday Night - April 5, 1976

Sydney, Australia

'Chuck Wilburn Hurt During Fight, Boxer Still In Deep Coma After 5-Days'

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The head neurosurgeon for the Blacktown Hospital stated that American
Boxer - Chuck Wilburn remains critically ill, and does not expect the
boxer to survive.

Press Conference

Australian Boxing Officials are looking into suspending professional boxing
for 90-days, while they investigate the circumstances concering
Thursday Nights bout.

Hector Thompson, 'Yes I'm concerned about Chuck Wilburn. But, I'm a
professional boxer too, with a wife and four children to support. I will
continue to box, as that is my profession.'

Mrs. Chuck Wilburn, 'I have no malice against Hector Thompson. My husband
wanted to fight, and at no time did he ever want to quit. He did stop competing
a few times, but he never wanted to give boxing up. I also had never seen
my husband hurt in a fight. He was never hurt, and he had never complained
about any injury.'

Mrs. Chuck Wilburn, 'I talked to my husband on Wednesday, and he said he would
be returning over the weekend, after his fight on Thursday Night.'

Chuck Wilburn's mother,' My son was 'not' qualified to fight against a
World-class fighter like Hector Thompson. Who allowed this fight to be
sanctioned. I'm not blaming Mr. Thompson, but I am blaming the people who
allowed this fight to be held.'

Chuck Watkins, Manager for Chuck Wilburn, 'Chuck was in good condition,
and had been in the gym for 6-weeks in Cleveland, prior to me getting a call
for this fight on March 15, 1976. Chuck had 2-weeks to prepare for this bout,
and he felt that he had the style to defeat Hector Thompson.'

Chuck Watkins, Manager for Chuck Wilburn, 'Chuck was to receive half of the
$10,000 fight purse, to be split between Hector Thompson and my fighter.'

 

Monday - April 5, 1976

Hurt Boxer's Wife and Mother By His Side'

Caroline Wilburn and her Mother In-law are waiting at Chuck Wilburn's bedside,
as the 'critically ill' boxer lies in a deep coma.

The two arrived at the Sydney Airport on Sunday (April 4th) and were rushed to
the Hospital in Blacktown, Sydney - to be by the side of Mr. Wilburn.

The Blacktown Returned Servicemen's League Club paid for the airfare for the two
American women.

They have avoided the rush of newsmen who are asking questions whether the 'stricken boxer'
will survive, and whether professional boxing should be banned.

A spokesman for Chuck Wilburn's wife Caroline, and his mother have stated that they do not
wish to speak the press, and that they hold no malice towards Chuck Wilburn's opponent in
the ring, Hector Thompson.

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Tuesday - April 6, 1976

"Boxer Wilburn Dies After KO"

American Boxer, Chuck Wilburn died today, 5-Days after being knocked out in the 10th Round of a bout held
at the Blacktown RSL Club in Sydney.

Doctors in Sydney tried in vain to save the life of the stricken fighter, who never regained consciousness after
Thursday Nigh'ts bout.

The Australian Minister of Health, Dr. Ralph Hunt has stated that the circumstances of the bout are being investiagted,
from the qualifications of Chuck Wilburn, his previous competition, the safety precautions provided by the promoters,
the observations by the ringside officials, as well as the care provided by the fighters cornermen, and competence of the
referee in the ring.

Dr Ralph Hunt stated, 'An accident can happen in this sport, and that in itself is a tragedy that most boxers understand.
I will look into all the circumstances involving this bout, and I am prepared to go over every issue closely, to insure that
this tragedy never happens again. My heart goes out to the family, and we will provide any support that they need.'

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Tuesday - March 7, 1976

'American Boxer Dies'

Boxer, Chuck Wilburn died today at the Royla Prince Alfred Hospital, after
not regaining consciousness for 5-days, after suffering a brutal 10th Round knockout on Thursday Night.

Caroline Wilburn the boxer's wife, stated through a soft voice, that she
was thankful for all who had helped to in trying to save her husband's lfe.

Missouri Wilburn, the boxer's mother, only stated that she held no malice
towards anyone, and that it will take time to heal from this traumatic
outcome.

Peter Cojeled, head of the The New South Wales Boxing Board said that
the promoters complied with all Wales Boxing regulations for the scheduled 10-Round bout.

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Australian Fighter Magazine (April 1976)

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April 6, 1976

'Hector Thompson, Deeply Upset, But Will Continue'

Australian - Hector Thompson said in a press conference, that he was deeply
disturbed by the death of his opponent, Chuck Wilburn. 'Boxing can be a brutal
sport, but each boxer knows that when he walks into the ring. I don't have an
answer as to why we do this, I guess it is for the love of the sport.'

'I talked to Chuck Wilburn on Tuesday (two-days before the bout), and we had a
a good chat about our sport. He was a gentleman, and we wished each other luck.
Nobody could have predicted this.'

Hector Thompson has no immediate plans to retire, and is still scheduled to meet the
WBA Welterweight Champion - Angel Espada of Puerto Rico here at Emerald Hall in Melbourne,
on Friday Night, April 23rd - in a 15-Round bout for the Championship.

 

April 7, 1976

Chuck Watkins, the Manager of now deceased Chuck Wilburn gave his account of the
the circumstances before his fighter entered the ring versus Hector Thompson on
Thursday Night - April 1st.

'I had received a call, on Monday, March 15 - with an offer for Chuck to fight in Sydney, Australia
on Thursday Night, April 1st - versus Hector Thompson. The bout was a scheduled
10-Rounder, and the contract weight was for 144 lbs.'

'Chuck had been in the Cleveland Gym for about 3-weeks, and was waiting for a fight
to come through. He was in good physical condition, was walking around at 143 lbs.,
so there was no concern about him dropping any weight.'

'The contract was for Chuck to receive $3500, plus a single round-trip airline ticket
worth $1800. The Blacktown RSL Club would provide Chuck with a chief cornerman
and cut-man when he got into the ring.'

'Chuck was to arrive in Sydney on Sunday, March 28th (4-days before the bout).
The promoters were also providing Chuck's expenses of hotel, food and local car travel,
as well as 3-days of access to the Blacktown RSL Club for his daily workout leading up to
Thursday Nights' fight.'

'Again, at no time in the Cleveland Gym did Chuck have any rough sparring, and as I
said he was in good physical condition. The reports from Sydney concerning his daily
workouts, were nothing more than general excercises, and work on the speed bag and
heavy bag. We have no reports of any heavy sparring in the 3-days leading up to the
bout with Hector Thompson.'

'From what the reports that I've seen, Hector Thompson weighed in at 143 1/2 lbs., and
Chuck weighed in at 142 1/4 lbs. There is no issue with that.'