Unknown / forgotten fighters who fascinate you or that where special?

Just last week I saw an original fight poster for a Pineda fight, when he was 17-1.

 

Looking at his Boxrec record, if Pineda was 17-1 that poster must have been for the Chacon fight. Very cool

 

Freddie Pendleton's story interested me greatly. A talented ans skilled fighter who overcame a lot to finally get things on track.

At one point Pendleton was the best "bad" fighter in boxing i.e. the best fighter in boxing with a bad record.

Let me summarize some key points -

Turned pro at 18 and lost 4 of his first 6 fights before winning a few.

He came off a basketball court with 1 days notice to beat Tyron Trice in the first round.

Lost 4 of his next 5.

Lost by a bee's prong to Jimmy Paul, ko'd Roger Mayweather, drew with top contender Frankie Randall then lost to 2 clubfighters before drawing Bramble and then ko'ing Fuentes in 15 seconds.

When he was 12-12-1 Ed Gersh watched him sparring 140 champ Billy Costello and saw potential. He saw amazing moves but a bad record.
He sent him down to long term friend and veteran trainer Larry Kent.
After this he went 9-3-2.
At the time Emanuel Steward said he might be the best 135 in the world among other things.
In the early 80's he often accepted fights on one or two days notice.
His previous trainer had taught him how to get thru fights unhurt. This led to close fights often going against him.
Kent taught him the psychology of winning. He had him fight aggressively while still utilizing his speed and defense. He also taught him how to punch with full leverage therefor greatly improving his power.

Freddie learnt to go out there and try to get rid of a guy if the opportunity presented itself. He may have been the second best 135 in the world at one point.

 

Very good choice. I saw Pendleton record his last win. He kept himself in great shape and recorded a one round kayo to claim the IBA Americas title. The fight before that he went to Venezuela and drew with a 2-19 fighter. The fight after that was his final one and Ricky Hatton took him out in two. Pendleton was enigmatic to the very end.

 

Venice Borkosor- a truly tough guy, a beast at the smaller weight classes.
Stanley " Kitten" Hayward- took on all comers, in a packed era ( plus the nickname ) .
Art Hafey- despite a muscle stiffening condition, chewed up tough Mexicans like a walk in the park.
Frankie De Paula- a crude small unorthodox 70s slugger, with a dubious background . keep well.

 

Oh, man, 'Tury the Fury' really takes me back. In the early 70s I was glued to 'Boxing from the Olympic' and 'Boxing from the Forum'. I got to see a show twice a week and really got caught up in their rivalries. The first time I saw Pineda was against Speedy Naldo and I was also lucky enough that they televised the classic 'Battle of the Teeny-Boppers' between Pineda and Danny Lopez. Man, that was a war for the 4 rounds it lasted. I wish that one could be found on YouTube.