Perico Fernandez 'I Got KO'd By A 2-Bout Pro'

Perico Fernandez (Spain)

The WBC Light-Welterweight Champion, always got a 'bad rap' for getting
'Knocked-Out' by 2-Bout Professional, Saensak Muangsurin.

Though it was a 'shocking upset' to lose to the power-punching Saensak in 1975,
Perico was in fact, a terrific little fighter who baffled many with his quick counter-punching
style, muscular physique, and remarkable endurance.
His 5' 6 1/2" compact frame made him a difficult target to hit, and he was
regarded by many as one of the best 'defensive fighters' in boxing.

The Spaniard started out in 1972 as a 135 lb. Lightweight, but moved up to
the 140 lb. Light-Welterweight Division, when the opportunity presented
itself in mid-1974.

First by winning the European Light-Welterweight Title on July 26, 1974
by defeating (KO 12) #3 WBC-ranked Antonio Ortiz (Spain), and then quickly defending his European
Championship by defeating (TKO 2) Piero Cetu (Italy) one-month later on August 23, 1974.

His performances moved the 21 1/2 year-old Perico into the #1 WBC Light-Welterweight position,
and an opportunity to fight for the 'vacant' Championship only month later.

On September 21, 1974, Perico faced #2 WBC-ranked Lion Furuyama 31-6-2 (22 KO's), the
tough-banging Japanese southpaw for the 'vacant' WBC Championship.

In Rome, Italy - 'Little Perico' outhustled the Japanese Light-Welterweight Champion, to earn a close
hard-fought 15-Round Split-Decision, to capture the WBC Championship.

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Perico Fernandez, turned professional at age 19 1/2.

First professional bout, on May 20, 1972

In just '10' short months, had '17' bouts, and went 14-1-2 (5 KO's) as a 135 lb. Lightweight.

Included in his '14 wins, was a March 3, 1973 victory (W Dec 12) over veteran and 'long-time'
Spanish Lightweight Champion Kid Tano (73-15-9) for the Spanish Lightweight Championship.

By September, 1973, was Spain's 'Hottest Lightweight', with a record of 22-1-5 (9 KO's), and was ranked
as the #16 WBC Lightweight.

October 11, 1973 - Is on his way to a 10-Round Decison win over the 'light-punching' French Lightweight,
Jean-Pierre Younsi 10-2-0 (1 KO), but suffers a 'cut-eye' and the bout is stopped. Perico suffers a
{L TKO 8} loss and falls to 22-2-5.

Returns on November 23, 1974

Goes 6-0-3 (5 KO's) in his next '9' bouts, including a March 1, 1974 impressive (TKO 3) over
veteran Manuel Calvo (55-14-6), in defense of his Spanish Lightweight Title.

As of July 6, 1974 - Perico is 28-2-8 (14 KO's)

Perico, is the Spanish Lightweight Champion, and is also ranked as the #3 European Lightweight, and
is now ranked the #9 WBC Lightweight.

 

July 26, 1974

Palacio de Deportes, Madrid, Spain

Attendance (15,000)

"Little Perico' moves up to 140 lbs.

Perico Fernandez challenges and wins the European Light-Welterweight Championship, by stopping (KO 12) European
Champion, Spaniard Antonio 'Toni' Ortiz.

Perico Fernandez, the 21 year-old Spanish Lightweight Champion and #9 WBC Lightweight stops the veteran
29 year-old and #3 WBC-ranked Antonio 'Toni' Ortiz, to win the European Light-Welterweight Championship.

Perico, improves his record to 29-2-8 (15 KO's), and now moves up to the #2 WBC Light-Welterweight.
'Little Perico' is now in line for a shot at the vacant WBC Championship Title.

The victory over Antonio 'Toni' Ortiz is highly impressive, as the 29 year-old veteran (now 43-20-9 with
22 KO's) was ranked as the #3 WBC Light-Welterweight. Just '5' months earlier, 'Toni' Ortiz had given
WBC Light-Welteweight Champion Bruno Arcari all he could handle for 7 Rounds, before being stopped
by a TKO in 8.

Fight Purse.......1,000,000 Pesetas ($17,000 in U.S. Dollars)

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One month later, on August 23, 1974 - in Toscana, Italy - Perico Fernandez defends his European Light-Welterweight
Championship by demolishing {TKO 2} Italian Light-Welterweight Champion Piero Ceru 30-11-6 (12 KO's).

The victory over Piero Ceru moved Perico Fernandez 30-2-8 (16 KO's) into the Top-slot for the vacant WBC Light-Welterweight
Championship, to be held in Rome, Italy on September 21, 1974.

Italy's Bruno Arcari, the WBC Light-Welterweight Champion, had vacated his Title back in February 1974, with
plans of moving up to challenge World Welterweight Champion, Jose Napoles.

 

September 21, 1974

Rome, Lazio, Italy

Spaniard, Perico Fernandez wins the vacant WBC Light-Welterweight Championship by defeating Japan's Lion Furuyama.

The #1 WBC-ranked Fernandez {now 31-2-8} scored a hard-fought 15-Round Split-Decision over the tough
26 year-old southpaw, the #2 WBC-ranked Furuyama (now 31-7-2).

Perico Fernandez who had his rib injured (broken) early in the bout from a Lion Furuyama body-shot, had wanted to retire
on his stool after the 5th Round. But Perico was convinced by his cornermen (Martin Miranda and Joseph Couto) to fight on.

In the 7th Round, Perico landed a hard right hand to Furuyama's jaw, that staggered the Japanese southpaw,
which turned the 'tide' of the bout.

Perico using a high punch-rate, scored with another hard-right in Round 10.

From that point on, the 21 1/2 year-old Fernandez suprised Furuyama with his strength, and controlled the remainder
of the bout with stiff jabs and right-hand counters. The durable Furuyama, attempted to land his power left-hand again, but was
unable to break through the Spaniard's tightened defense.

Scorecards;
Judge - Roland Dakin......146-145 (5-4-6 in Rounds)....Perico Fernandez
Judge - Yoshida.............148-146 (4-2-9 in Rounds).....Lion Furuyama
Judge - Perotti...............148-143 (7-2-6 in Rounds)....Perico Fernandez

Italian - Bruno Arcari who had vacated the title, said he thought that Lion Furuyama had done
enough to win. But, that neither fighter was worthy of his 'crown', following their ring performance.

Fight Purses
Perico Fernandez.......($32,500 in U.S. Dollars)
Lion Furuyama...........($32,500 in U.S. Dollars)

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November 6, 1974

Spain's Perico Fernandez, the new WBC Light-Welterweight Champion, and
his country's most popular boxer, says that he would love to fight either
the former Lightweight Champion, Scot Ken Buchanan or current WBC Lightweight
Champion Ishimatsu 'Guts' Suzuki.

'I'm really a 135 lb. Lightweight', stated the 21 year-old 140 lb. WBC Champion.

In a non-title bout in Madrid, 'Little Perico' stops (KO 4) American 'record-padder' Winston Noel,
in a one-sided fight.

Perico Fernandez is now 32-2-8 (17 KO's), and is rated by Ring Magazine as the #3 Light-Welterweight.

Perico has plans to defend his WBC Championship in January 1975, against American-Filipino
#4 WBC Rudy Barro, the "Upset Knockout-Artist' from California. But Rudy takes a trip to
Bangkok, Thailand, on November 16, 1974 - and runs into a right-hook from Saensak Muangsurin
(a Thai-fighter making his pro debut), and that ended that.

 

January 10, 1975 (Palacio Municipal de Deportes - Barcelona, Cataluna, Spain)

Something you don't see too often.

A World Champion taking a 'non-title' fight against a 'tough opponent'.

WBC Light-Welterweight Champion, Perico Fernandez 32-2-8 (17 KO's) takes on the hard and powerful
Nigerian Lightweight, Jonathan Dele 36-6-6 (23 KO's). The same fighter that Perico fought a tough bout
with {Draw 8} back in January 1974.

The 34 year-old Nigerian, now living in Spain, is a fast-handed boxer and a sharp puncher.
The 5' 7" tall 'Dangeous Dele', as he likes to be called, is the #2 British-Commonwealth Lightweight.
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A 'huge buzz' was in the arena, as the fans would see the newly crown WBC Light-Welterweight Champion.

In a highly competitive bout, Perico Fernandez (140 lbs.) uses an aggressive charge in catching the older, yet quicker
Jonathan Dele (137 lbs.). Only briefly, will the fleet-footed Nigerian stay stationary, and exchange with the slick-boxing
Perico. The Nigerian, behind on points after 7-Rounds, turns aggressive and rallies over the last 3-Rounds,
to squeeze out a 10-Round Draw with the Spanish Judges.

Dele, was ranked as the #12 WBC Lightweight at the time. 4-months later, he defeated Scotland's Jim Watt for
the vacant British-Commonwealth Lightweight Title.

Jonathan Dele was a good aggressive boxer who could fight.

Jonathan Dele
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Friday Night - February 21, 1975 (Palacio de Deportes, Madrid, Spain)

Attendance (11,000)

WBC Light-Welterweight Champion 'Spaniard' - Perico 'Fasan' Fernandez 32-2-9 (17 KO's)
takes on 32-year-old Italian Light-Welterweight - Romano Fanali 44-9-2 (14 KO's) in
a 10-Round 'non-title' bout.

The 22 year-old WBC Champion, has not yet defended his WBC Light-Welterweight Championship
that he won on September 21, 1974 (5-months earlier).

This bout will be the Champion Fernandez' '3rd' straight non-title bout.

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The 32 year-old Romano Fanali, does not appear to present a difficult opponent, as
the 'light-punching' and fading veteran has lost '4' of his last '6' bouts, and has fallen out
of the Top 10 Eurpoean Light-Welterweight rankings.

Romano Fanali is the #4 ranked Italian Light-Welterweight
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The Fight

In a 'shocker', 32 year-old Romano Fanali, out-hustled the younger, stronger and quicker 22 year-old
Perico 'Fasan' Fernandez over 10-Rounds in a 'non-title' scrap in Madrid.

The 5' 8" Italian, repeatedly scored with double-jabs and counter-punches to keep the shorter
Champion at bay. Each time Perico got close, Fanali would tie up his opponent, and walk him back into
the ropes, where he would would counter with quick straight rights to the face.

Fernandez only had success in the middle-rounds (Rounds 4, 5 and 6), when he was able to get low and
under Romano Fanali's guard, and score with one-two left-right's to the body.

Romano had his biggest rounds in the 8th, 9th and 10th, as he was able to land hard right hands on the Champion,
who slowed down considerably after his mid-rounds rally.

The '3' Judges from Madrid scored the bout Unanimously for Romano Fanali { 97-95 }

The Madrid fans 'jeered' the Champion's non-performance and lack of effort during the 'last' 3-Rounds
of this bout. Perico was boo'd as he left the ring, after the Decison was announced.

Fight Purse;
Perico Fernandez..........1,000,000 Pesetas ($17,000 in U.S. Dollars)
Romano Fanali................ 250,000 Pesetas ($4000 in U.S. Dollars)

 

Saturday - April 19, 1975 (Barcelona, Cataluna, Spain)

La Monumental Arena (Attendance: 20,000)

WBC Light-Welterweight Champion - Perico 'Fasan' Fernandez of Spain will make the
'First Defense" of his Championship that he won in Rome, Italy on September 11, 1974.

The 22 year-old - 5' 6 1/2" Champion at 32-3-9 (17 KO's) will be an 'underdog' when he faces the
visiting #1 WBC Challenger, Joao Henrique 44-3-1 (32 KO's) of Brazil, as Fernandez will be at a
disadvantage in height, reach, strength, punching power and experience.

The 29 year-old Brazilian at 5' 9" is a 'stylist' and an experienced fighter, with a hard-punch and sharp
ring skills. Henrique has been in the ring with Light-Welterweight Champions - Eddie Perkins,
Nicolino Locche and Bruno Arcari 'twice'.

Joao Henrique
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The Fight

The Brazilian - Joao Henrique wasted no time going after the shorter Champion Fernandez, by scoring with
sharp jabs and right-crosses, to dominate the first '3' Rounds.

In Rounds 4 and 5, Henrique was hurting Perico with hard body punches, forcing the Champion to whince in pain.
To avoid getting hammered by the body blows, the shorter Champion would bend over, and when close would
grab the Challenger by the waist.

Perico attempted to get back into the fight in Round 6, by bulling the experienced Challenger into the ropes, where
he could land his own body punches.

Rounds 7 and 8, were fought on 'Even' terms, as the Champion Fernandez landed some decent body punches,
and the Challenger Henrique countered with sharp left jabs, and quick snappy right hands to the face.

In Round 9 - Joao Henrique went back to throwing harder punches, and backed the Champion up several times
with sharp right hands. By mid-way through the round, Joao Henrique had the Champion in 'desperation', after
landing a hard left hook and short right that shook the Perico. Just then, as Henrique moved forward,
Perico Fernandez leaped forward and threw a 'desperation' right hand to jaw, which floored the Challenger for the
'Full-Count' at 2:06 of Round 9.

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Fight Purses;
Perico Fernandez.....3,000,000 Pesetas ($50,000 in U.S. Dollars)
Joao Henrique.........1,200,000 Pesetas ($20,000 in U.S. Dollars)

 

May 1975 (Spain)

WBC Light-Welterweight Champion - 22 year-old, Perico Fernandez of Spain stated
today that he would like to Challenge WBA Lightweight Champion - Roberto Duran of
Panama in the near future.

'Little Perico' said he could make 135 lbs. (Lightweight limit) if he had 5-weeks of
training. Perico said he was a 'natural' Lightweight, so getting down to a lower weight
class would not present a major problem for the WBC Light-Welterweight Champion.

In the meantime, German 'fight promoter' Willy Klein said he would like to put together a bout
between the Champion - Perico Fernadez and veteran 32 year-old - #10 WBC ranked
Cemal Kamaci 31-6-5 (11 KO's) of Turkey.

We could have a fight date on May 31, 1975, but the WBC has not said whether they would
sanction this bout as a World Championship.

Manager, Martin Miranda stated, that the WBC has not recognized several of Cemal Kamaci's
victories, as they have questioned the quality of the opponents.

 

Vic-Jofre Brasil,,,,,,,

Thanks again my friend.

I found a good article, where Perico said that Joao Henrique had hurt him
real bad in their Championship fight.

Perico said Joao was the best 'pure stylist' he ever faced. And he was
lucky to land that 'booming right hand' in the 9th Round.

Up to the 'knockout', Joao was doing a 'paint job' on Perico.

Perico Fernandez celebrates, after scoring a 'come-from-behind' one-punch knockout over
superior boxer Joao Henrique.

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Friday Night - June 6, 1975 - (Valencia, Communidad Valenciana, Spain)

Arena Auditorium (Attendance; 7400)

WBC Light-Welterweight Champion - Perico 'Fasan' Fernandez will take on
undefeated' Venezuelan Light-Welterweight - Francisco 'The Mad Bull' Moreno in
a 10-Round 'non-title' bout.

The 22 year-old Champion 33-3-9 (18 KO's) is coming off a 'come-from-behind' knockout
victory in defense of his WBC Championship on April 19, 1975 - over Joao Henrique of Brazil.

22 year-old - Francisco Moreno of Venezuela, 14-1-0 (6 KO's) is unranked, but is
regarded as a future Light-Welterweight contender. The 5' 8" Moreno is a very quick
fast-handed boxer, who has looked very good in recent bouts in his homeland.

Results

Perico Fernandez scored with solid left jabs, and hard right hands to the body throughout, to win a
Unanimous 10-Round Decision over visiting Venezuelan - Francisco Moreno last night.

The WBC Light-Welterweight Champion - in a non-tile bout, took control of the bout in Round 4,
and kept his taller opponent scampering for rest of the 10-Round bout. Perico landed solid right hand
punches in Rounds 4, 5, 7 and 9 - which hurt the Venezuelan.

Moreno, a fast-handed boxer, now 14-2-0, was only able to score with his lightning left jab in
Rounds 1, 2 and 3. By Round 5, Francisco 'smartly' stayed away from the stronger Perico by moving backwards
and clinching whenever the fighters got close.

Fight Promoter; Martin Miranda

Fight Purse;
Perico Fernandez.......1,000,000 Pesetas ($17,000 in U.S. Dollars)
Francisco Moreno.........150,000 Pesetas ($2500 in U.S. Dollars)
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Note: Martin Miaranda, Perico Fernandez 'Fight Manager' has stated that Perico may go to Thailand for
his '2nd Title Defense'. We have a large fight purse offer from a Fight Promoter in Bangkok, to go their
and take on that 'Muay-Thai' puncher-guy named Boonsong Muangsurin.

Note: Martin Miranda further stated, we are just waiting for the WBC Championship Committee to approve
the bout, as Muangsurin (though ranked) has only had '2' professional bouts.

Note: Franciso 'The Mad Bull' Moreno did re-surface again. Over the next 2 1/2 years, Moreno went 14-2-0
to get to 28-4-0, including winning the Venezuelan Light-Welterweight Championship. By April 1978,
Francisco was the #8 ranked WBC Light-Welterweight. On April 8, 1978 - Francisco challenged
WBC Light-Welterweight Champion - Saensak Muangsurin for the Title, and fought well for the
first half of the bout, before being stopped in the 13th Round.