So "Little Poison" never did win the title at Bantamweight. He fought Ruben Olivares in 1971. Pimentel, though the number 1 contender was 31 years of age and past his prime. He put up a gallant effort, nearly dropping Olivares who was in his prime at 23. Pimentel, was a vicous puncher winning 68 of his 77 fights by KO, and losing only 7. Ring Magazine in its list of 100 greatest punchers of all time placed Pimentel at #60. Pimentel, had the misfortune of fighting an ATG in Olivares in his prime for his title shot while he was past his at 31. How do you see Pimentel matching up against the prior 2 Bantamweight champions, Lionel Rose and Fighting Harada? These fights would have taken place closer to Pimentels prime.Does Pimentel defeat Harada or Rose and win the title?
Pimental was actually signed to fight both Eder Jofre and Fighting Harada for the title, but ended up pulling out of both due to issues his manager Harry Kabakoff had at the time with the respective promoters. He may have come up short if both those fights went live, but it would have been something to watch.
Kabakoff, was a good and loyal mananager. He basically scouted the barrios of Mexican cities looking for talent. He saw Pimentel in Mexicali and they were together until Pimentel retired. You're correct that Kabakoff would back out of title fights if he thought his fighter was at risk.Kabakoff, took some heat for backing out of those title shots. Pimentel, was perhaps the greatest Bantamweight to never win the title.
Interesting note that George Parnassus, the promoter for the Olivares-Pimental fight, had paid Rafael Herrera a stipend to be on standby in case Kabakoff pulled a no-show again.
