Thread: Nicolino Locche ~ 'Comeback 1975'

April 17, 1975

~ Nicolino Locche ~ 'To Comeback, Vows To Reclaim Light-Welterweight Title' ~

Argentinian - Nicolino Locche, the former WBA Light-Welterweight Champion is planning
to return to the Ring.

'El Intocable' last fought on March 17, 1973, when he was stopped on a cut {L TKO 10} to
Antonio Cervantes in his attempt to reclaim his WBA Championship.

Locche {Age; 35 years, 7 months} will begin training in his hometown of Mendoza, Argentina
and plans to make his 'comeback bout' within 3-Months.

A late-July or early-August date is planned.

Nicolino who left the Ring with a record of 110-4-14 with {14 KO's} as a 140 lb. Light-Welterweight
stated that he was now 170 lbs., and would get back down to 140 lbs. and compete in his
previous Division.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nicolino Locche >

"When I left the Ring in March 1973, it was the correct time for me to rest. Now it's been 2-Years,
and I'm ready to dedicate myself, and get back into the Ring."

"I will have a 90-Day Training Camp, and then plan to fight someone in the Top 25. If all goes well,
I will then have {3} more tune-up bouts against better competition, and then take on somebody
in the Top 10 by the end of the year {December 1975}."

"If I win all my bouts, I will put a claim in to challenge for the WBA Light-Welterweight Championship."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Current 'Ring Magazine' Ratings {April 1975}

*** Antonio Cervantes {WBA Champion}
#1 . Esteban Dejesus
#2 . Hector Thompson
#3 . Monroe Brooks
#4 . Tony Petronelli
#5 . Perico Fernandez {WBC Champion}
#6 . Antonio Ortiz
#7 . Emiliano Villa
#8 . Leonico Ortiz
#9 . Brooks Byrd
#10. Miguel Barreto

August 9, 1975

Estadio Luna Park ~ Buenos Aires, Argentina

Attendance .... { 13,350 }

{NR} Nicolino Locche - 110-4-14 {14 KO's} ~ 5' 6" ~ 141 lbs. ~ {Age; 35 years, 11 months}
vs.
{20} Javier Ayala - 51-14-1 {44 KO's} ~ 5' 8" ~ 150 3/4 lbs. ~ {Age; 31 years, 11 months}
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ The Skinny ~

Nicolino Locche will be stepping into the Ring for the 1st-Time in {29-Months}, since March 10, 1973.

His opponent, will be #20 WBA-ranked - Javier Ayala, who is a strong and aggressive fighter, who
throws bombs with wide-hooks.

Javier was ranked in the Top 10 in 1973, and is both a 'Knockout' and 'Upset Artist'.

Javier is a 12-year Pro, who has been competing since 1963.

Javier went 10-Rounds with both > Roberto Duran on {March 17, 1973} and Esteban Dejesus on
{September 12, 1974}.

Javier did score a 'Major Upset' {TKO 3} over #1 WBA-ranked Light-Welterweight - Hector Thompson on
December 6, 1974, when the Australian injured his knee during an exchange.

in his last bout, Javier was 'upset' on June 9, 1975 > when he lost {L Dec 10} to Frankie Benitez in Puerto Rico.

Currently, Javier Ayala is ranked as the #20 WBA Light-Welterweight.

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~ Locche Wins, But Victory Is Objectionable ~

~ Locche Scores Win In Comeback, But Performance Left Much To Be Desired ~

Over 13,000 fans flooded the Esatadio Luna park arena to the see the comeback of the Argentinian Hero - Nicolino Locche.

Though the 35+ year-old former Light-Welterweight World Champion won, his victory was objectionable, and there was
no excessive margin in points.

Over the early going, Javier Ayala was aggressive and took the action to Locche who was forced to back away and stay
on the defensive.

Using his size {150 3/4 lbs.} and punching-power, the Los-Angeles-based Mexican came out bombing. Ayala had Locche
backing up to the Ropes, where he slugged away with hard-hooks. The former Champion was forced to bend-and-block
the incoming punches while staying on the defensive.

But Locche {141 lbs.} giving up nearly {10 lbs.} in weight, started to put his punches together in Round 6, and took
control of the box-and-punch bout by landing fast left-jabs and left-hooks into the ever-pressing visitor.

Though the visiting Ayala stayed aggressive, he was no match for the 'tricky' Locche, as over the second-half of the
bout, Nicolino used quick moves and accurate counter punching to thwart off the rushes and wild-swings of the hard
punching Mexican.

Locche had a solid Round 8, as he tagged Ayala coming in with left-hooks that hurt the Mexican, and had him bending
over and in some pain.

Scorecards
* 197-196 - {4-3-3 in Rounds}
* 197-196 - {4-3-3 in Rounds}
* 198-196 - {4-2-4 in Rounds}

Saturday ~ September 13, 1975

Estadia Olympia ~ Venado Tuerto, Santa Fe, Argentina

Attendance ..... { 4000 }

{20} Nicolino Locche - 111-4-14 {14 KO's} ~ 5' 6" ~ 141 lbs. ~ {Age; 36 years, 0 months}
vs.
{NR} Omar Zarza - 21-9-7 {5 KO's} ~ 5' 9" ~ 147 lbs. ~ {Age; 25 years, 11 months}
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ The Skinny ~

Nicolino Locche will be having his 2nd-Bout during his comeback, just 5-Weeks after his
1st win.

Omar Hermelindo Zarza is called 'The Bulldog', as he is a tough-and-durable fighter who
mauls his opponents.

Zarza, a Welterweight, has never been stopped or dropped in '37-Bouts' over his 3 1/2 year
career.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Nicolino Locche Wins Decision Over Tough 'Bulldog' Zarza ~

Nicolino Locche was forced to work hard against the tough-brawler Omar Zarza. The
36 year-old Locche, used his defensive-skills early, to avoid the hard-charges of the strong
Zarxza, who 'bull-dogged' his way inside and mauled the little former-Champion,
especially in Rounds 2 and 3.

Locche did get tagged a few times by looping right-hands which swelled his left-cheek,
but the former-Champion was never hurt by his opponents punches.

Locche put together a solid effort in Rounds 4 and 6, as he rocked Zarza back with
solid left-hooks to the chin.

Both fighters brought the crowd of { 4000 } to their feet in Round 7, as both slugged
it out at Center-Ring.

Locche exhibited his masterful defensive-wizardry in Rounds 8 and 9, as Zarza swung
but missed with nearly every punch he threw, while Locche countered with quick
left-hands.

The former Champion was very effective in the Final Round, as he peppered the tiring
Zarza with light left-jabs and right-hands to the face.

Scorecards
* 198-196 - {4-2-4 in Rounds}
* 198-195 - {5-2-3 in Rounds}
* 198-195 - {5-2-3 in Rounds}

Saturday ~ October 18, 1975

Estadio Luna Park ~ Buenos Aires, Argentina

Attendance ..... { 13,800 }

{15} Nicolino Locche - 112-4-14 {14 KO"s] ~ 5' 6" ~ 141 lbs. ~ {Age; 36 years, 1 month}
vs.
{25} Jimmy Heair - 42-6-0 {23 KO's} ~ 5' 8" ~ 140 lbs. ~ {Age; 23 years, 3 months}

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ The Skinny ~

Nicolino Locche goes for win #3 in his comeback run.

'Irish' Jimmy Heair is a tough-kid, who was ranked as the #1 Lightweight in May 1974. But,
Jimmy has gone 9-6-0 in his last '15-Bouts', and has fallen down to #25 WBA in the
Light-Welterweight Division.

But, Jimmy is still a 'name opponent', and Fight Promoter - Carlos 'Tito' Lectoure had to cough
up { $10,000 } plus expenses to get the Houston-based American to come here.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Locche Dominates American Over 10 Rounds ~

~ Jimmy Heair Loses Decision in Argentina

~ Nicolino Sensacional ~

Former WBA Light-Welterweight Champion - Nicolino Locche dominated from the Opening Round,
and won a one-sided 10-Round Decision over American 'Irish' Jimmy Heair.

The 36 year-old Argentinian sent the 23 year-old American reeling to the Ropes several times
during the first 5-Rounds, after delivering hard left-hooks and right-crosses to Heair's face.

Below, Nicolino exhibiting his famous 'pose-and-tease' defensive-wizardry in front of
Jimmy Heair in Round 5.



But the visiting American did not stop trying, and rallied by landing several good blows into Locche's
face in Rounds 6 and 7.

But just as Heair gained momentum, Locche came 'whizzing' back with fast '2-Punch' combinations to take
control in Round 8, as well as having the upper-hand during the last 2-Rounds.

Scorecards
* 198-194 - {6-2-2 in Rounds}
* 198-193 - {7-2-1 in Rounds}
* 198-194 - {6-2-2 in Rounds}

Summation

Great defensive talent but mediocre opposition.

Guys with 70, 80, 90 fights shouldn't regularly be fighting guys with less than 10 wins or losing records. His career is what many perceive JCCs career to be.

Originally Posted by Bill Paxtom

Saturday ~ October 18, 1975

Estadio Luna Park ~ Buenos Aires, Argentina

Attendance ..... { 13,800 }

{15} Nicolino Locche - 112-4-14 {14 KO"s] ~ 5' 6" ~ 141 lbs. ~ {Age; 36 years, 1 month}
vs.
{25} Jimmy Heair - 42-6-0 {23 KO's} ~ 5' 8" ~ 140 lbs. ~ {Age; 23 years, 3 months}

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ The Skinny ~

Nicolino Locche goes for win #3 in his comeback run.

'Irish' Jimmy Heair is a tough-kid, who was ranked as the #1 Lightweight in May 1974. But,
Jimmy has gone 9-6-0 in his last '15-Bouts', and has fallen down to #25 WBA in the
Light-Welterweight Division.

But, Jimmy is still a 'name opponent', and Fight Promoter - Carlos 'Tito' Lectoure had to cough
up { $10,000 } plus expenses to get the Houston-based American to come here.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Locche Dominates American Over 10 Rounds ~

~ Jimmy Heair Loses Decision in Argentina

~ Nicolino Sensacional ~

Former WBA Light-Welterweight Champion - Nicolino Locche dominated from the Opening Round,
and won a one-sided 10-Round Decision over American 'Irish' Jimmy Heair.

The 36 year-old Argentinian sent the 23 year-old American reeling to the Ropes several times
during the first 5-Rounds, after delivering hard left-hooks and right-crosses to Heair's face.

But the visiting American did not stop trying, and rallied by landing several good blows into Locche's
face in Rounds 6 and 7.

But just as Heair gained momentum, Locche came 'whizzing' back with fast '2-Punch' combinations to take
control in Round 8, as well as having the upper-hand during the last 2-Rounds.

Scorecards
* 198-194 - {6-2-2 in Rounds}
* 198-193 - {7-2-1 in Rounds}
* 198-194 - {6-2-2 in Rounds}

Ron Swanson

You're forgetting,

That Nicolino loved to box in the Ring, and display his defensive-wizardry.

He loved to hear the crowds cheer, when he bopped-and-weaved, as well as putting his
hands behind his back, enticing his opponent to throw a punch.

Nicolino Loved The Sport of Boxing...........

November 24, 1975

~ Nicolino Locche Returns To 'Ring Magazine' Top 10 ~

*** Antonio Cervantes {WBA Champion}
#1 . Adolfo Viruet
#2 . Hector Thompson
#3 . Monroe Brooks
#4 . Saensak Muangsurin {WBC Champion}
#5 . Lou Bizzarro
#6 . Esteban Dejesus
#7 . Leonico Ortiz
#8 . Cemal Kamaci
#9 . Nicolino Locche
#10. Carlos Maria Giminez

Nicolino Locche, who has won '3' straight in his comeback run since August 9th, has
also been slotted at #9 WBA in the Light-Welterweight Division.

Friday ~ December 19, 1975

Polideportivo Municipal ~ Rio Cuarto, Cordoba, Argentina

Attendance ... { 4100 }

{9} Nicolino Locche - 113-3-14 {14 KO's} ~ 141 lbs. ~ {Age; 36 years, 3 months}
vs.
{NR} Obdulio Rogelio Zarza - 19-10-4 {11 KO's} ~ 146 lbs. ~ {Age; 23 years, 3 months}
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ The Skinny ~

Nicolino, who is now ranked as the #9 WBA and 'Ring Magazine' Light-Welterweight goes
for his 4th-straight win.

Nicilono is taking on a very tough Welterweight in Obdulio Rggelio Zarza.

Zarza has scored '2' upsets over highly-touted Cordoba Welterweight Champion
Mario E. Miranda, by scoring a {KO 10} on November 7, 1975 and another {KO 10}
previously, back on August 8, 1975.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Nicolino 'El Intocable', Scores Another Win ~

Former WBA Light-Welterweight Champion - Nicolino Locche scored a convincing 10-Round
Decision win over rugger Welterweight - Obdulio Zarza.

After Zarza had a good 1st-Round where he out-hit the 36 year-old Locche with lefts-and-rights,
Locche picked up the action during Round 2, and peppered the rough-acting Zarza with left-jabs
and counter-right-hand leads.

Locche dominated the next 3-Rounds, as he had Zarza completely be-fuddled and backing
away.

Then, Locche put on a 'defensive-show' during the middle-Rounds {5, 6 and 7} as he dropped his
hands and let Zarza swing at him. Locche did his 'bend-and-bob', and was not hit by a single-punch.

After the little Champion was done 'playing', he went back to out-boxing his opponent with an
assortment of left-hands over the last 3-Rounds to win the 10-Round bout going away.

Scorecards
* 199-191 - {9-1-0 in Rounds}
* 199-192 - {8-1-1 in Rounds}
* 199-192 - {8-1-1 in Rounds}

Sunday ~ January 4, 1976

Nicolino Locche was supposed to face his former conqueror - Alfonso 'Peppermint' Frazer
in 6-Days on Saturday - January 10th at Esatdio Luna Park.

Alfonso Frazer had defeated Nicolino 4-Years earlier {March 10, 1972} in an 'upset' to
capture the WBA Light-Welterweight Championship.

The Panamanian, though still a good boxer, had lost his WBA Title in December 1972,
and had gone 7-7-0 in his last '14-Bouts' over the past 3 years while being stopped
'4-Times'.

The 28 year-old Panamanian was riding a record of 37-11-1 {27 KO's}, and was coming
off a {L Dec 10} to 'talented' Colombian - Emelinao Villa on October 28, 1972.

Alfonso was brought in to Buenos Aires, with a promise of $7500 for his fight purse.

But, when Alfonso and his Handler got to Buenos Aires, the fight promoters told the
Panamanian that he would have to take a {-$2000 cut} in his fight purse, from $7500
to $5500.

Alfonso refused the lower offer, and returned home to Panama.

Saturday ~ January 17, 1976

Estadio Luna Park ~ Buenos Aires, Argentina

Attendance ....... { 14,100 }
Gate Receipts ... { $66,000 }

{9} Nicolino Locche - 114-4-14 {14 KO's} ~ 5' 6" ~ 140 lbs. ~ {Age; 36 years, 3 months}
vs.
{4} Emiliano Villa - 23-1-1 {11 KO's} ~ 5' 9 1/2" ~ 140 lbs. ~ {Age; 23 years, 0 months}
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ The Skinny ~

Nicolino Locche is going for his 5th-Straight' win. The winner here, has been promised a Title Bout
with WBA Champion - Antonio Cervantes.

Emiliano Villa is a 12-Day replacement fighter, filling in for former WBA Champion - Alfonso Frazer
who walked out back on January 4th.

Emiliano who is ranked at #4 WBA, is a talented tall-and-lanky southpaw boxer, and is highly-regarded
back in Colombia, where he has been the Colombian Light-Welterweight Champion since October 1974.

Emiliano also has a recent victory {October 28, 1975} over Alfonso Frazer.

Emiliano is Managed by Ramiro Machado and Trained by Tabanito Sanz.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Nicolino, Hasta En El Infierno ~

A very close and 'Heated Contest in in Hell' as the 36 year-old veteran 'Magician' had to pull
every trick out of his 'Hat' to stall off the fast-charging 23 year-old Colombian southpaw.

Locche, fighting with a {3 1/2" Height} and {4" Reach} disadvantage was forced to fight
off the Ropes during the early Rounds, where he counter-punched Emiliano as he got in close
during Rounds 1, 2 and 3.

During the middle-Rounds, the bout moved to Center-Ring, where the young Colombian
used his fast hands and quick 'right-left' punches to out-speed the older Argentinian.

In Round 7, Locche rallied and put together a 'solid-effort', as he raked the youngster over
with a series of left-hooks and '2-Punch' flurries to the head.

The last 3-Rounds were 'Fought-in-Hell', as both fighters slugged it out as a sell-out crowd
of 14,000+ cheered with roars.

The Colombian stayed busy with his fast-hand '2-Punch' flurries, while Locche was winging
in wide-hooks to the head of his young opponent.

Scorecards
* 196-195 > {5-4-1 in Rounds}
* 197-196 > {4-3-3 in Rounds}
* 197-196 > {4-3-3 in Rounds}

Fight Purses
* Nicolino Lcche ..... { $22,000 } = 33.33% of the Gate
* Emiliano Villa ........ { $8000 }

March 6, 1976

~ WBA Light-Welterweight Division Set On It's Ear ~

Teenage 'Wunderkind' Wilfred Benitez 'upsets' Antonio Cervantes.

17 1/2 year-old Wilfred Benitez upset the great Antonio Cervantes by a 15-Round
Split-Decision in Puerto Rico.

The 'undefeated' teenager fought with radar-like defense and with quick attacks to
fluster the Colombian - Cervantes over 15-Rounds.

The bout was close, and some say that it could have gone either way, and quite possibly
ruled a Draw. But no matter, we now have a new WBA Light-Welterweight Champion,
and his name is Wilfred Benitez.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

March 7, 1976

Immediately, Argentinian fight promoter - Carlos 'Tito' Lectoure contacted Father/Manager -
Gregorio 'Papa' Benitez, offering a fight purse of { $75,000 plus ancillary fee's} to have
his son Wilfred come to Buenos Aires to defend his 'newly' won WBA Championship
against Nicolino Locche on June 6, 1976.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

March 17, 1976

Carlos 'Tito' Lectoure upped his offer to { $100,000 }.

Saturday ~ May 8, 1976

Estadio Luna Park ~ Buenos Aires, Argentina

{4} Nicolino Locche - 115-4-14 {14 KO's} ~ 5' 6" ~ 140 lbs. ~ {Age; 36 years, 8 months}
vs.
{NR} Lorenzo Trujillo - 34-13-4 {11 KO's} ~ 5' 5" ~ 139 lbs. ~ {Age; 27 years, 9 months}

Attendance ...... { 15,700 } 'Sell-Out' with Standing Room
Gate Receipts .. { $96,000 }
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ 'The Skinny' ~

Nicolino, who had now moved up to the #4 WBA Light-Welterweight, was fighting for the
1st-time in 3+ Months {since defeating Emiliano Villa on January 17th}.

Nicolino and his Manager - Carlos 'Tito' Lectoure were still hoping for a Title Bout with
young Wilfred Benitez, but that it would probably have to be in Puerto Rico, as Gregorio
'Papa' Benitez said that he did not want to take his teenage son out of Puerto Rico
for a World Title defense on foreign soil.

They soon found out that Wilfred Benitez was defending his WBA Title on May 31, 1976
and in Puerto Rico.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ The Skinny II' ~

Manager - Carlos 'Tito' Lectoure was told to have Nicolino Locche ready, just in case
Challenger - Emiliano Villa was to pull out of his bout with Wilfred Benitez set for
May 31st.

A back-up date for Saturday ~ June 6th was penciled.

Manager - Carlos 'Tito' Lectoure wanted Nicolino to have at least one more 'tune-up' bout,
just in case they got a call to step in to challenge Wilfred Benitez.

An overflow 'sell-out' crowd of { 15,000 } attended for this bout.

Lorenzo 'Boom Boom' Trujillo was a Houston-based fighter. Lorenzo was a good little
compact fighter, who was ranked in the Top 10 of the Lightweights back in 1973 and 1974.

But Lorenzo, a 7-Year Pro was now just a 'trial-horse', as he had not a single win in
his last '9-Bouts', going 0-8-1 since January 1975.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Nicolino Win Again, Defeats American 'Boom Boom' Trujillo ~

1-week before this bout, Nicolino Locche announced that this would be his 'final bout' at
Estadio Luna Park, and that he would retire, unless he got an offer to challenge for the
WBA Light-Welterweight Championship against Puerto Rican - Wilfred Benitez.

Nicolino Locche, who is still seeking another chance at the WBA Light-Welterweight Crown
easily defeated American - Lorenzo Trujillo over 10-Rounds.

Nicolino took control from the out-set, and easily counter-punched the ever-pressing American,
who just did not have the fire-power to break through the 36 1/2 year-old Argentinian's defense.

Locche would simply back to the Ropes, and either let the American hit him, or bend at the waist
and avoid the incoming punches.

Then, when Trujillo stopped punching, Locche would explode off the Ropes by firing hard 'left-right'
punches on his smaller opponent.

Lorenzo Trujillo was 'penalized' {1-Point} in Round 7, for use of his head.



Scorecards
* 200-193 > {6-0-4 in Rounds}
* 200-193 > {6-0-4 in Rounds}
* 199-194 > {5-1-4 in Rounds}

Fight Purses
* Nicolino Locche ..... { $35,000 }
* Lorenzo Trujillo ...... { $5000 }

After the Decision was announced, the Estadio Lna Park erupted, and all { 15,000 } fans cheered
"Nico, Nico", and sang loudly for their Hero.

Saturday ~ May 8, 1976

Nicolino Locche > Final appearance at Estadio Luna Park.

August 1976

~ Nicolino Locche To Continue ~

Nicolino Locche to meet Chlle Welterweight - Ricardo Molino Ortiz.

The bout is set for August 7th, and the venue will be at the resort Hotel Llao Lloa of
San Carlos de Baniloche, Rio Negro, Argentina.

Nicolino {Age; 36 years, 11 months} will bring his record of 116-4-14 with {14 KO's}
into the Ring against the 25 year-old Chilean, who has a record of 26-5-1 with {12 KO's}.

Ricardo Molina Ortiz, is the former Chilean Welterweight Champion, and is now ranked
as the #2 Welterweight in Chile.
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Promoter > Oluna Pardo

Sold '120' special seats @ $150 for the theatre-style auditorium at the Hotel Llao Llao to
selected guests, with another 500 seats for the locale San Carlos de Baniloche attendees.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday ~ August 7, 1976

Hotel Llao LLlao ~ San Carlos de Banicole ! Rio Negro, Argentina

Attendance ........ { 620 } Specially invited guests by Promoter > Oluna Pardo
Gate Receipts .... { $25,000 }

{3} Nicolino Locche ~ 116-4-14 {14 KO's} ~ 5' 6" ~ 144 lbs. ~ {Age; 36 years, 11 months}
vs.
{NR} Ricardo Molina Ortiz ~ 26-5-1 {12 KO"s} ~ 5' 8" ~ 150 lbs. ~ {Age; 25 years, 3 months}
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ The Skinny ~

Nicolino Locche is still rated at #3 WBA and #6 Ring Magazine at Light-Welterweight.

Though Nicolino announced that he would no longer fight after his last bout which was at Estadio Luna Park
on May 8th {3-Months earlier}, he was enticed to come back by Promoter - Oluna Pardo, as Nicolino
was offered a { $18,000 } fight purse guarantee.

Ricardo Molina Ortiz is a tough Welterweight from Chile, but he is nowhere near as skilled as
an aged Nicolono Locche.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Nicolino Scores Win Over Chile's Ricardo Ortiz ~

Nicolino Locche, fighting 1-month away from {Age; 37} and fighting at the heaviest of his career {144 lbs.},
withstood the hard-charges of his younger opponent 25 year-old Ricardo Ortiz to score 10-Round Decision
in a well fought contest.

Locche found himself pinned on the Ropes in the early going, as Ricardo Ortiz {150 lbs.} came in by bopping
Locche with short left-hooks to the body and right-hands to the head.

But, the 'Magic of Nicolino' was still there, as the former Champion rallied with quick-bolts to the face of
his opponent, and then avoided Ortiz' counters.

The action was fought 'evenly' during the first 6-Rounds, as both fighters had their moments. But Nicolino had
the slight-edge during Rounds 7 and 8, and pulled ahead slightly, as he countered well and avoided any of his
opponents charges.

The last 2-Rounds were again fought 'evenly' as neither fighter landed any damaging bows, though the action
was busy and entertaining.

Scorecards
* 198-197 > {3-2-5 in Rounds}
* 198-197 > {3-2-5 in Rounds}
* 197-196 > {4-3-3 in Rounds}