Vicente Mijares ~ 'Talented Mexican Lightweight'

Vicente Mijares

http://static.boxrec.com/thumb/1/19/...nteMijares.jpg

A talented Mexican Lightweight from Durango, Mexico.

By June 1975, Vicente {Age; 21 years, 5 months} had built up a record of
14-0-0 {9 KO's} in Mexico.

Included was a big win {W Dec 10} over 'highly-regarded' Sigfrido Rodriguez on March 2, 1975.

Vicente was 'a hot buzz' in mid-1975, and Fight Promoter - Aileen Eaton brought in Vicente
to headline a Fight Card at the 'Olympic Auditorium'

July 12, 1975

Vicente Mijares - 14-0-0 {9 KO's} 128 lbs.
vs.
Sanjo Takemori - 18-6-2 {10 KO's} ~ 128 lbs.

Sanjo Takemori was a 'highly-touted' 21 1/2 year-old Japanese Featherweight who was now moving
up to the Super-Featherweight Division.

This bout was broadcast on Channel 11.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Mexican Mijares Halts Sanjo Takemori In 5 ~

Exciting banger Vicente Mijares of Durango, Mexico slammed Japan's Sanjo Takemori to the canvas
'twice' in Round 4, and put the finisher in during Round 5.

In what was billed as a 'Featherweight Fiesta', the Mexican tore into the Takemori from the outset,
and continued to score with heavy left-hooks to the head.

The Japanese fighter who had a reputation as an 'explosive' right-hand puncher, could not land his
vaunted fist, and was forced to fight while backing away.

By the end of Round 3, Takemori was on the complete defensive, and took a hard lathering over
the last 30-Seconds.

Midway thru Round 4, Mijares caught the Japanese fighter with a powerful left-hook to the head,
and dropped him for a 3-Count.

Later in the Round, Mijares raked over Takemori with a series of body-punches, which forced his
opponent to take a knee, and '8-Count'.

In Round 5, the Mexican kept up with his steady attack, and finally put Takemori down for the
count mid-way thru the session with '2' left-hooks to the head, and a short right-hand to the jaw.

Referee - Dick Young counted out the Japanese fighter at {1:32} of Round 5.

July 22, 1975

~ Manager Harry Kabakoff Has Another Mexican Star ~

Russian - Boxing Manager - Harry Kabakoff has another star that he is pushing.

A talented 'master-boxer' in 21 1/2 year-old Vicente Mijares. The Mexican has posted
a record of 15-0-0 with 10 KO's, and is coming off an exciting-and-impressive win {KO 5}
over highly-regarded Sanjo Takemori of Japan '10-days' ago at the 'Olympic Auditorium'.

Harry Kabakoff >
"Vicente is the newest and most talented boxer coming out of Mexico now. He's lightning-fast,
and is a superbly-talented boxer."

"We have signed up with Promoter - Aileen Eaton, and Vicente will now be fighting at the
Olympic Auditorium on a regular basis."

"We have a good bout coming up in 3-weeks {August 9th} against a really tough-kid in
Memin 'El Ardillita' Becerra. He's won '18' of his last 21-Bouts, and his last loss was a
bad-deal {Hometown Decision Loss} in Hawaii to the local favorite.

"This will be a real good test for my fighter. We will be fighting at 128 lbs. for this bout,
but Vicente will eventually move up to Lightweight by the end of 1975."

WBC Lightweight Rankings {July 22, 1975}

*** Ishimatsu 'Guts' Suzuki
#1 . Roberto Duran {WBA Champion}
#2 . Arturo 'Tury' Pineda
#3 . Leonico Ortiz
#4 . Ken Buchanan
#5 . Buzzsaw Yamabe
#6 . Morito Kashiwaba
#7 . Antonio Gomez
#8 . Alvaro Rojas
#9 . Jonathan Dele
#10 Miguel Bertruz

August 9, 1975

Olympic Auditorium ~ Los Angeles, California

* Vicente Mijares - 15-0-0 {10 KO's} ~ 5' 6 1/2" ~ 128 1/4 lbs. ~ {Age; 21 years, 7 months}
vs.
* Memin 'El Ardillita' Becerra - 20-4-1 {5 KO's} ~ 5' 6" ~ 127 lbs. ~ {Age; 21 years, 9 months}
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mijares Remains Undefeated, Scores Wide-Margin Decision Over 'El Ardillita' Becerra ~

Talented 'Super-Featherweight' Vicente Mijares scored an impressive and wide-points 10-Round Decision
over 'gritty' Memin Becerra.

Mijares, a 21 1/2 year-old 'master-boxer' used a variety of left-jabs, '2-Punch' combinations and right-hand
leads to thwart off any charges from 'tough-nosed' Memin Becerra.

Both Mexican fighters came in with 'wins' on their mind, but Beccera was no match for Mijares, as the
'fast-handed' boxer peppered Becerra in nearly every Round with quick-combinations to the head, and
powerful right-hands to the body.

Scorecards
* 7-2
* 7-1
* 7-1

Harry Kabakoff >
"This was a solid win for Vicente. We are now in the Top 10 of the NABF. We will now go up to Lightweight,
and take on somebody in the next level."

September 27, 1975

Olympic Auditorium ~ Los Angles, California

* Vicente Mijares - 16-0-0 {10 KO's} ~ 5' 6 1/2" ~ 134 3/4 lbs. ~ {Age; 21 years, 8 months}
vs.
* Claude 'Danger' Durden - 12-3-1 {10 KO's} ~ 5' 5 1/2" ~ 134 1/4 lbs. ~ {Age; 22 years, 4 months}
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ The Skinny ~

This will be Vicente Mijares' {1st-Bout} at Lightweight, and his 3rd-Bout at the Olympic Auditorium.

Claude Durden is a 'tough' Bull-Dog who is built like a small Smokin' Joe Frazier. Durden who is
from Los Angeles, is coming off a 'tremendous upset' {KO 4} over previously undefeated and 'touted'
Mexican-prospect - Antonio Gin 1-Month earlier {August 23rd} here at the Olympic.

Claude who is 'on-fire', has won '7-Straight' with {6 KO's} since November 1974.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Vicente Mijares Boxes Rings Around Durden At The Olympic ~

Undefeated Mexican-sensation - Vicente Mijares won by a wide-margin 10-Round Decision over hard-punching
'slugger' Claude Durden.

Mijares using quick footwork, avoided the 'early' forward-charges by 'slugger' Claude Durden, by covering up
well while staying on the perimeter of the Ring.

Though Durden pressed hard in the early going with an aggressive-charge, he unable to land consistently
with his heavy-hands over the first 3-Rounds, as Mijares showed a fine defense.

Starting in Round 4, the Mexican scored repeatedly with his left-jabs as Durden moved in while trying to slug
his way inside.

By Round 6, Durden had slowed down significantly, and was handily out-boxed > as Mijares 'rattled-in' fast left-jabs
and quick right-hands to the face.

Durden was sporting a bloody-nose' in Round 7, and was forced to 'grab-and-hold' to avoid getting 'peppered'
by the incoming fast-punches of the Mexican.

The last 3-Rounds, Mijares continued to jab with fast-stinging left-hands, and smart right-hand counters to
both the head and body.

Scorecards
* Referee - John Thomas ...... 6-2
* Judge - George Latka ........ 7-3
* Judge - Pat Murphy ........... 6-1

November 29, 1975

Olympic Auditorium ~ Los Angeles, California

~ Lightweight Showdown at the Olympic Auditorium ~

* Randy Shields - 26-0-0 {14 KO's} ~ 5' 11" ~ Reach; 73" ~ 136 lbs. ~ {Age; 20 years, 0 months}
vs.
* Vicente Mijares - 17-0-0 {10 KO's} ~ 5' 6 1/2" ~ Reach; 68" ~ 135 lbs. ~ {Age; 21 years, 10 months}
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ The Skinny ~

Randy Shields, the tall-and-lanky boxer with the spearing left-jab. Shields is now ranked as the
#6 World-Ranked Lightweight.

Randy, who has only been a Professional since January 1974 {22-Months} is coming off an
'upset-win' {W Dec 10} over #2 World-Ranked - Arturo 'Tury' Pineda on August 23rd.

The North Hollywood Lightweight also has quality wins over >
* Centavito Hernandez
* Miguel Mayan - {twice}
* Arturo Leon
* Raul 'Rocky' Montoya

The Fight Poster bill lists Randy Shields with a record of 28-0-0 {19 KO's}.

The Mexican - Vicente Mijares will be facing his toughest opponent yet, and is listed as a {3-1} Betting-Underdog.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bill Paxtom

November 29, 1975

Olympic Auditorium ~ Los Angeles, California

~ Lightweight Showdown at the Olympic Auditorium ~

#4 WBC / #5 WBA - Randy Shields - 26-0-0 {14 KO's} ~ 5' 11" ~ Reach; 73" ~ 136 lbs. ~ {Age; 20 years, 0 months}
vs.
#10 WBC / #14 WBA - Vicente Mijares - 17-0-0 {10 KO's} ~ 5' 6 1/2" ~ Reach; 68" ~ 135 lbs. ~ {Age; 21 years, 10 months}
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ The Skinny ~

Randy Shields, the tall-and-lanky boxer with the spearing left-jab. Shields is now ranked as the
#6 World-Ranked Lightweight by Ring Magazine

Randy, who has only been a Professional since January 1974 {22-Months} is coming off an
'upset-win' {W Dec 10} over #2 World-Ranked - Arturo 'Tury' Pineda on August 23rd.

The North Hollywood Lightweight also has quality wins over >
* Centavito Hernandez
* Miguel Mayan - {twice}
* Arturo Leon
* Raul 'Rocky' Montoya

The Fight Poster bill lists Randy Shields with a record of 28-0-0 {19 KO's}.

The Mexican - Vicente Mijares will be facing his toughest opponent yet, and is listed as a {3-1} Betting-Underdog.

---

Just before this bout >

Los Angeles Times - Sportswriter Jim Murray wrote a great article about Randy Shields. Sonny Shields stated that
his son had a Professional Record of 27-0-0 with 15 KO's, and had posted an Amateur Record of 88-4.

The winner of this bout was to get a World Lightweight Championship Bout in early-1976
against either >
* WBA Champion - Roberto Duran
* WBC Champion - Ishimatsu 'Guts' Suzuki

Saturday ~ November 29, 1975

Olympic Auditorium ~ Los Angeles, California

~ Vicente Mijares In Shocker, TKO's Randy Shields ~

Mexican - Vicente Mijares ended the 'unbeaten string' of Randy Shields at '28', by scoring
a TKO at the end of the 8th Round.

Mijares who is 'unbeaten' himself now, with a record of 18-0-0 scored his '11th' Knockout win.

The 5' 11" Shields was the 'heavy-favorite at {3-1}, and got off to a good start over the first
4-Rounds, as he took advantage of his 5' Height, and 5" Reach advantage.

Shields {136 lbs.} used spearing left-jabs, and long right-hand leads to take 3 of the first 4
Rounds from the smart-boxing Mexican.

But the quick-hitting Mijares {135 lbs.} started to find the range in Round 5, and caught the
tall-and-lanky Californian with 'jarring' left-hooks to the jaw.

Mijares 'staggered' Shields near the end of Round 5 with a powerful right-hand to the chin,
and '2' left-hooks to the temple area.

In Round 6, Shields attempted to 'slug' with the stronger Mexican, and paid the price as he
was 'rocked' by left-hooks to the head, and again was 'staggered' by a right-hand to the chin.

In Round 7, Mijares continued to wear down the lanky-Shields, and at the {1:00 Mark} he caught
Shields with a slicing left-hook to the right-eye, which opened up a small-cut.

And mid-way thru the Round he caught Shields on his right-eye with another left-hook, and opened
up the small-cut, causing it to drip blood. Late in the session, the Mexican also staggered Shields again
with a solid 'left-right' combination to the jaw.

In Round 8, Mijares was relentless in his attack, and slammed in numerous left-hooks to the head,
opening up the cut on Shields right-eye worse, as blood started streaming down his face.

Referee - George Latka called a 'temporary-halt' at the 2:42 Mark, to have the Ringside Physician
check out the cut right-eye. Shields was allowed to continue, but he took another barrage to the area,
and bleeding badly at the end of the Round.

Before the start of Round 9, Randy Shields' corner stopped the bout, as they were unable to stem
the flow of blood.

The win goes down as a TKO 8 for the 'unbeaten' Vicente Mijares.

~ Mijares {Saldivar} TKO's Shields ~

http://img2.newspapers.com/img/thumb....jpg?cs=604800

Ring Magazine {January 1976}

*** Roberto Duran {WBA Champion}
#1 . Ray Lampkin
#2 . Angel Mayoral
#3 . Ishimatsu 'Guts' Suzuki {WBC Champion}
#4 . Hector Julio Medina
#5 . Buzzsaw Yamabe
#6 . Rudy Hernandez
#7 . Vicente Mijares Saldivar
#8 . Randy Shields
#9 . Arturo 'Tury' Pineda
#10. Bobby Chacon

Thursday ~ February 26, 1976

Olympic Auditorium ~ Los Angeles, California

~ NABF Lightweight Championship ~
~ WBC Elimination Bout ~

#4 WBC - Vicente Mijares - 18-0-0 {11 KO's} ~ 135 lbs. ~ {Age; 22 years, 1 month}
vs.
#7 WBC - Randy Shields - 27-1-0 {15 KO's} ~ 134 1/2 lbs. ~ {Age; 20 years, 3 months}
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny ~

This bout is both for the NABF Lightweight Championship, as well as a WBC Lightwieght Eliminator,
with the winner 'guaranteed' a bout with WBC Lightweight Champion - Ishimatsu 'Guts' Suzuki next.

Randy Shields is out to 'reverse' his loss by {TKO 8} to the smart-boxing Mexican 3-Months earlier,
back on November 29, 1975.

Manager - Harry Kabakoff {for Vicente Mijares} stated that his fighter will have no problem getting
by Randy Shields again.

The WBC Lightweight Champion - Ishimatsu 'Guts' Suzuki of Japan last defended his Title on
December 4, 1975 > when he stopped {TKO 14} Alvaro Rojas.

The WBC has stated that the winner here, will get to challenge for the WBC Championship in
early-May 1976 > providing the fight purse bid offer is accepted.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ Vicente Mijares Repeats Win Over Randy Shields ~

Mexican boxing-master - Vicente Mijares repeated his earlier success, with anther win over 'highly-touted'
Californian - Randy Shields.

This time is was by a 12-Round Unanimous Decision, to capture the NABF Lightweight Championship.

Just as in their 1st-Bout, the tall-and-lanky Shields got off to a fast start, as he landed with his long
left-jab, and right-hand leads to the head over the first 4-Rounds.

But, Mijares used a steady body-attack throughout the middle-Rounds to erase the taller Shields' early
Rounds lead, as the Californian had taken advantage of his 5" Reach advantage to win the early sessions.

The Mexican started to move inside in Round 5, and slammed the 'thin-body' of Shields with solid
right-uppercuts to the mid-section and left-hook to the ribs.

The fast-handed Mexican hurt Shields with body-punches in Rounds 6 and 7, and had his opponent
backing away and 'scampering' in Rounds 8 and 9.

In Round 10, a now-desperate Shields attempted to 'swing-the-tide', and went toe-to-toe with Mijares,
and held his own for the first 2-Minutes of the session.

But by the end of the Round, Mijares had Shields backing away and to the Ropes. Mijares raked the
body of Shields, and had the 20 year-old bending in pain at the Bell.

Over the last 2-Rounds, Mijares used a 'stiff' left-jab to keep Shields on the outside and on the defensive,
as he went on to score a solid 12-Round Decision win.

Scorecards
* Referee - Dick Young ..... 6-4
* Judge - Larry Rozadilla ... 7-4
* Judge - Rudy Jordan ...... 7-5

March 1, 1976

~ Harry Kabakoff Seeks Lightweight Championship For His Fighter ~

Fight Manager - Harry Kabakoff is hoping to get WBC Lightweight Champion
Ishimatsu 'Guts' Suzuki to sign a deal to defend his Title against Vicente Mijares
for sometime in late-April of early-May, and at the 'Olympic Auditorium'.

Harry Kabakoff >
"We beat Randy Shields last week for the NABF Title, and it was a WBC Eliminator. Now
we are supposed to be the next one in line."

"We have $95,000 on the table for the Japanese fighter, and all we have to do is get
him to sign the contract."

"We wanted to Challenge WBA Champion - Roberto Duran as well, but he was supposed
to defend against San Diego's - Angel Mayoral in Las Vegas. But nobody has seen Duran
since December 1975, when he defeated {KO 15} Leonico Ortiz."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WBC Ratings .......................... WBA Ratings

*** ................................................. Roberto Duran
#1 .................................................. Ray Lampkin
#2 .................................................. Angel Mayoral
#3 .................................................. Ishimatsu 'Guts' Suzuki {WBC Champion}
#4 .................................................. Buzzsaw Yamabe
#5 .................................................. Vicente Mijares
#6 .................................................. Hector Julio Medina
#7 .................................................. Randy Shields
#8 .................................................. Arturo 'Tury' Pineda
#9 .................................................. Rudy Hernandez
#10 ................................................ Bobby Chacon

Thursday ~ April 22, 1976

Olympic Auditorium ~ Los Angeles, California

Attendance .......... 5131
Gate Receipts ..... $41,600

~ NABF Lightweight Championship ~
~ WBC Lightweight Eliminator ~

#4 WBC - Arturo 'Tury' Pineda - 26-6-1 {22 KO's} ~ 5' 6" ~ 134 1/2 lbs. {Age; 23 years, 10 months}
vs.
#5 WBC - Vicente Mijares - 19-0-0 {11 KO's} ~ 5' 6 1/2" ~ 135 lbs. ~ {Age; 22 years, 3 months}
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny ~

Arturo 'Tury the Fury' Pineda is regarded as the one of the hardest-hitters in the Lightweight Division.

'Tury' is most dangerous when he's hurt, as he can 'bomb' with either hand. Pineda is no stranger to
the Lightweight Championship , as he has fought WBC Champion - Ishimatsu 'Guts' Suzuki {twice} and
both times nearly came out a Champion.
* September 12, 1974 ..... Draw 15
* June 5, 1975 ................ L Dec 15

Harry Kabakoff {Manager for Vicente Mijares} >
"We know that Pineda is one of the hardest punchers in the Lightweight Division, but he's got to
hit Vicente on the chin and that is no easy task."

"Vicente is too skilled of a boxer, and he is going to 'stiff' Pineda. We'll stop him in the 6th Round."

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bill Paxtom

Thursday ~ April 22, 1976

Olympic Auditorium ~ Los Angeles, California

Attendance .......... 5131
Gate Receipts ..... $41,600

~ NABF Lightweight Championship ~
~ WBC Lightweight Eliminator ~

#4 WBC - Arturo 'Tury' Pineda - 26-6-1 {22 KO's} ~ 5' 6" ~ 135 bs. {Age; 23 years, 10 months}
vs.
#5 WBC - Vicente Mijares - 19-0-0 {11 KO's} ~ 5' 6 1/2" ~ 134 1/2 lbs. ~ {Age; 22 years, 3 months}
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny ~

Arturo 'Tury the Fury' Pineda is regarded as the one of the hardest-hitters in the Lightweight Division.

'Tury' is most dangerous when he's hurt, as he can 'bomb' with either hand. Pineda is no stranger to
the Lightweight Championship , as he has fought WBC Champion - Ishimatsu 'Guts' Suzuki {twice} and
both times nearly came out a Champion.
* September 12, 1974 ..... Draw 15
* June 5, 1975 ................ L Dec 15

Harry Kabakoff {Manager for Vicente Mijares} >
"We know that Pineda is one of the hardest punchers in the Lightweight Division, but he's got to
hit Vicente on the chin and that is no easy task."

"Vicente is too skilled of a boxer, and he is going to 'stiff' Pineda. We'll stop him in the 6th Round."

---

~ Vicente Mijares Takes Decision Over 'Tury' Pineda In Fight Of The Year ~

Both Mexican country-man took turns punching each other for 12-Rounds, and Vicente Mijares
came out on top, by scoring a Unanimous 12-Rond Decision over 'Tury' Pineda.

Mijares also retained his NABF Lightweight Championship.

The action got heated immediately, as both fighters exchanged hard-hooks in the Opening Round,
with each getting 'rocked'.

Mijares, the better boxer of the two, had a great Round 2, as he 'staggered' Pineda with left-hooks,
and opened up a cut over Pineda's left-eye with a 'slashing' right-hand.

Mijares continued with his smooth boxing in Round 3, and 'jarred' Pineda with several right-hooks
to the head, as well as maintaining a solid body attack.

But the tough and hard-hitting Pineda came back strong in Round 4, by winging in bombs
from the outside, forcing Mijares to cover up, and move.

Pineda kept up the fast-pace in Round 5, and slammed in several right-hands to the nose of
Mijares, causing it to flow blood.

But in Round 6, Mijares stemmed-the-tide, and 'staggered' Pineda with a left-hook to the jaw, and
battered Pineda into the Ropes. Mijares also ripped away with combinations opening a cut over
Pineda's right-eye.

Both fighters went toe-to-toe in an all-action Round 7, as each landed good punches in
non-stop trading.

In Round 8, Mijares 'raked' Pineda over with a 'two-fisted' barrage, and opened up another cut
over his countryman's right-eye, as well as 'staggering' Pineda 'twice' with sold left-hooks to
the head.

But Pineda showed heart and courage, as he came back late in Round 9 with a torrid and blistering
attack, that had Mijare's nose flowing blood badly.

But Mijares showed his marvelous boxing-skills, as he jabbed, countered and then rocked Pineda
with 'left-right' attacks during Round 10.

Both fighters were bloody, as they banged away over the last 2-Rounds, but it was Mijares
who landed the sharper punches, and had Pineda reeling over the last-half of Round 12,
and nearly 'out' at the Final Bell.

Scorecards
* Referee ......... 7-4
* Judge ............ 8-3
* Judge ............ 8-3

April 25, 1976

WBA Ratings ................................................ WBC Ratings

*** Roberto Duran ................................................ Ishimatsu 'Guts' Suzuki
#1 . Ishimatsu 'Guts' Suzuki {WBC Champion} ........ Roberto Duran {WBA Champion}
#2 . Hector Julio Medina ........................................ Esteban DeJesus
#3 . Esteban Dejesus ............................................. Hector Julio Medina
#4 . Vilomar Fernandez .......................................... Vicente Mijares
#5 . Vicente Mijares ............................................... Randy Shields
#6 . Leonico Ortiz .................................................. Arturo 'Tury' Pineda
#7 . Tony Jumoa-As .............................................. Vilomar Fernandez
#8 . Tae-Ho Kim .................................................. .. Buzzsaw Yamabe
#9 . Buzzsaw Yamabe ............................................ Fernand Roelands
#10. Ray Lampkin .................................................. Edwin Viruet

Harry Kabakoff >
"They tell me that Roberto Duran has ate himself out of the Division, and is over 150 lbs. now.
He's never getting back down to Lightweight. They might as well 'vacate' the Title."

"Hell, his Manager {Carlos Eleta} and Promoter {Don King} won't let him fight anybody good."

"We were supposed to get the next fight with 'WBC Champion - 'Guts' Suzuki, but they just
offered him $170,000 to go to Puerto Rico to hand over his Title to Esteban Dejesus. We
were 'back-dealt' by the World Boxing Council 'twice' in 2-months."

June 15, 1976

Nassau Coliseum ~ Long Island, New York

'Main Event' ..... George Foreman vs. Joe Frazier

Promoter ......... Don King
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ WBC Lightweight Eliminator ~

#4 WBC - Vicente Mijares - 20-0-0 {11 KO's} ~ 5' 6 1/2" ~ 68" ~ 135 lbs. ~ {Age; 22 years, 5 months}
vs.
#7 WBC - Vilomar Fernandez - 19-4-1 {4 KO's} ~ 5' 6" ~ 67" ~ 135 lbs. ~ {Age; 23 years, 10 months}
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny ~

This will be the 4th-Straight bout for Mexican - Vicente Mijares that is a WBC Eliminator.

Harry Kabakoff {Manager for Vicente Mijares} >
"They {World Boxing Concil} keep giving us these promises. We have won '3-Staright' bouts
over Top-Rated WBC fighters, and each time that we win, we get jerked around."

"I told WBC President - Jose Suliaman, that this is it. No more 'shenanigans'. When we
beat Vilomar Fernandez, we want a contract handed to us in the locker room after the bout."

"We are coming here to New York, and into Vilomar Fernandez' back yard. This is a big risk,
because Vilomar gets a lot of close Decision's here. I'll be watching the Official's with a sharp
eye, and they better be fair, or I'll destroy the place."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Vilomar Fernandez is a quick-and-nifty boxer, who has a great defense, and excellent technical
skills. Though Vilomar is not a big-puncher, he is a sharp counter-puncher.

The Bronx, New York based Puerto Rican has won '5-Straight', but only has fought {once} since
August 22, 1975 > that being an impressive 10-Round Decision over World-Rated - Ray Lampkin
4-Months earlier on February 6, 1976.

Vilomar Fernandez >
"I beat 'undefeated' - Ray Lunny 'III' back in August 1975 for the American Lightweight Championship,
and I was supposed to get a World Title bout. I sat around for 3-Months waiting, and then they
'shuffled' the Ratings in November 1975, and I was pushed aside."

"It's not me. I want to fight, but nobody wants to come up against me, because I'm too tricky. They
call me 'a cutey', and a guy to stay away from."

June 15, 1976

Nassau Coliseum ~ Long Island, New York

Vicente Mijares {Gold Trunks} vs. Vilomar Fernandez {Blue Trunks}

Vicente used an aggressive attack early, by moving in with right-hand leads, and fast left-hooks
to the head over the first 3-Rounds.

Vilomar was forced on the defensive early, and could not match Vicente's hand-speed or more
effective offense.

In Rounds 4 and 5, Vilomar went to 'side-to-side' movement, and frustrated the aggressive Mexican by
staying outside, where he avoided exchanges. Vilomar was able to hold the aggressive Mexican 'even'
during the exchanges.

In Round 6, Vilomar had his best session, as he scored with 'quick' right-hand leads, and fast 'left-right'
counters each time that Vicente missed with a lead punch.

By Round 7, Vicente was ''frustrated' with chasing the elusive New Yorker. Now, Vicente loaded-up,
looking the 'one-punch' knockout.

This played right into Vilomar's hands, as he was effective with counter-punching, by scoring with
left-jabs, and fast right-hand counters, then moving away in Rounds 7 and 8.

In Round 9, the action was 'even', until late, when Vicente caught the tricky New Yorker with a
'jolting' left-hook to the jaw, that buckled Fernandez' legs. Vicente then ripped away with a series
of punches that had Vilomar covering up along the Ropes.

In Round 10, Vicente tore into Vilomar with 'left-right' combinations, and 'shook' the crafty New Yorker
with a flurry at Center-Ring.

Vilomar was forced to cover up, and was 'badly peppered' by the Mexican over the last-half of
the 10th Round.

Scorecards
* Referee - Pete Della ........... 5-3 > {Vicente Mijares}
* Judge - Tony Castellano ..... 5-4 > {Vilomar Fernandez}
* Judge - Harold Lederman ... 6-4 > {Vicente Mijares}







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~ Mid 1976 Lightweight Happenings ~

WBA Lightweight Champion - Roberto Duran

Had defended his Title on May 23rd with a win {KO 14} over 'pesky' Lou Bizzarro.

Roberto, who had signed a '3-Bout' $375,000 Fight Contract with Promoter - Don King
in December 1975, was trying to 'pick-and-choose' his opponents.

The Duran Camp was contemplating a jump up to the 140 lb. Light-Welterweight Division,
to challenge new Champion > 'teenager' Wilfred Benitez.

The Panamanian-based WBA put 'no pressure' on their favorite son > Roberto Duran to
defend his Lightweight Championship against the 'mandatory challenger'.

Esteban Dejesus won the WBC Championship on May 8, 1976 when he defeated Ishimatu
'Guts' Suzuki by a 'wide' 15-Round Decision.

Esteban had signed a contract to defend his Title against the #1 WBC-ranked Challenger
Hector Julio Medina within the 120-Days stipulated by the WBC. That bout was set for
late-August or early-September.

Vicente Mijares

Had won '4-Straight' Lightweight Elimination bouts since November 29, 1975 > yet was still
waiting for the chance to challenge for the Lightweight Championship.

The 21 1/2 year-old Vicente, now at 21-0-0, was ranked in the Top 3 of both the WBC and WBA.

Harry Kabakoff >
"We have given up on chasing Roberto Duran. The WBA gives us no help, and has allowed him to
defend his Championship against an 'unranked guy' in Lou Bizzarro. He {Bizzarro} was 'undefeated',
but he was a 'club-fighter' who beat no one."

"We are hoping to secure a bout with WBC Champion - Esteban DeJesus for the end of the year,
if he gets by that Dominican {Hector Julio Medina}, which will be no easy task. That kid {Medina}
can fight."

Friday ~ September 3, 1976

Plaza de Toros Calafia ~ Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico

Attendance ........... 6700

~ NABF Lightweight Championship ~

* Vicente Mijares - 21-0-0 {11 KO's} ~ 134 lbs. ~ {Age; 21 years, 8 months}
vs.
* Javier Muniz - 21-5-2 {11 KO's} ~ 135 lbs. ~ {Age; 23 years, 1 month}
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny ~

Vicente Mijares continues to fight, and wait for a World Title bout. The 'master-boxing'
Mexican will be defending his NABF Lightweight Championship for the 2nd time.

Javier Muniz is a 'fast-handed' boxer from Los Angeles. The 3-Year Professional was at
18-1-2 only 1-Year earlier in July 1975. But Javier has slid by going { 3-4 } in his last
'7-Bouts' since August 1975.

Also, Javier has a 'granite chin' and has never been floored in his career. His '4' previous
losses {10-Round Decisions} have all been to World Class Lightweights >
* Rudy Hernandez
* Jimmy Heair
* Alfonso Jiminez
* Buzzsaw Yamabe
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ NABF Lightweight Champion Mijares Scores 'Decisive' Win In Mexicali ~

Mexican 'boxing-specialist' Vicente Mijares defended his NABF Lightweight Championship by
scoring a 'decisive' 12-Round Decision over scrappy Los Angeles Lightweight - Javier Muniz.

The 21 1/2 year-old Mijares used a 'consistent-and-sharp' left-hand to build up a wide-points
lead over the first-half of the bout.

In Round 4, Mijares 'badly-shook' Muniz when he caught him with a 'vicious' right-hook to
the jaw, and had his opponent 'wobbling' throughout the middle-session of the Round. But,
Muniz shook off the 'cob-webs' and just barely made it through the Round while back-pedaling
along the perimeter of the Ring.

A still 'groggy' Muniz made it through Round 5 by circling, and moving in close to grab
Mijares each time that he attacked.

Though Muniz was out-boxed, he never stopped trying, as he flung left-hooks and wide
right-hands from the outside against the smooth-boxing Mijares during an 'action-oriented'
6th and 7th Rounds.

But Mijares moved inside during the 8th and 9th Rounds, and slammed the durable Muniz with
left-hooks to the jaw and right-hands to the body, sending the Los Angeles fighter back on
his heels and against the Ropes.

With the bout 'well-in-hand', Mijares went back to 'smart-boxing' over the last 3-Rounds, and
was effective with left-jabs, and quick 'left-right' counter-punches each time that Muniz moved
in to attack.

Scorecards
* 118-113 {7-2-3 in Rounds} > Vicente Mijares
* 118-111 {9-2-1 in Rounds} > Vicente Mijares
* 117-112 {8-3-1 in Rounds} > Vicente Mijares

Thursday ~ November 4, 1976

Olympic Auditorium ~ Los Angeles, California

#3 WBA / #3 WBC - Vicente Mijares - 22-0-0 {11 KO's} ~ 5' 6 1/2" ~ 134 1/2 lbs. ~ {Age; 22 years, 10 months}
vs.
#11 WBA / #16 WBC - Mar 'Sea Base' Basa - 44-3-1 {14 KO's} ~ 5' 7" ~ 136 lbs. ~ {Age; 26 years, 10 months}
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny ~

Vicente Mijares in a 'stay busy' bout, while waiting for a World Championship bout.

Mar Basa is a quick and crafty-boxer from The Philippines. 'Sea Base' is a stable-mate
of WBA Super-Featherweight Champion - Ben Villaflor.

Up thru May 1976, Mar Basa had a 'posted' record of 43-1-1 with {14 KO's}, and was ranked
as the #7 WBA Super-Featherweight.

But a loss {L TKO 9} to #1 World-ranked Super-Featherweight - Samuel Serrano in Puerto Rico
on May 8th ended his incredible run.

The 8-Year Professional bounced back by scoring an 'upset win' {W Dec 10} over highly-regarded
and #12 WBA-ranked Lightweight Korean - Chung-Moon Chin back on August 10, 1976.

But on September 15th, 'Sea Base' was stopped {L KO 5} by #5 WBC Lightweight - Buzzsaw Yamabe
in a WBC South-Pacific Elimination bout in Honolulu, Hawaii.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Mijares Chases Down Filipino, Scores Decision Win At The Olympic ~

#3 World-rated Lightweight - Vicente Mijares chased-and-chased, and scored a wide-points 10-Round
Decision over 'fleet-footed' southpaw Mar Base of The Philippines.

The 'smart-boxing' Mijares stalked the light-punching Filipino for the outset, by firing in steady left-jabs,
and short right-hands to the body, as Mar Base stayed on the outside and tried to counter with right-jabs.

When the Filipino moved in close to trade, he was out-punched, and was forced to retreat and attempt
to counter from the outside.

Mijares had his way over the early going, and scored a 'flash-knockdown' in Round 4, when he caught
Mar Base with a hard-counter right-hand to the chin.

The Mexican then kept up the pace with a steady-offense, and had the Filipino in retreat-mode in every
Round. The Filipino was hurt in Rounds 8 and 9 as well, but the crafty-boxer was able to use his quick
footwork to escape and avoid getting trapped.

Scorecards
* Referee - John Thomas ...... 100-92
* Judge Eddie Fiero .............. 100-89
* Judge - Marty Dankin .......... 99-90
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harry Kabakoff {Manager for Vicente Mijares} >
"There is not much more we can do, but wait for a contract to Challenge for one of the World Titles. We were
offered $10,000 to fight WBC Champion - Esteban DeJesus in a {non-title bout} on Television, and set for the
end of November. That is not acceptable for us."

'We are only looking for a Championship Bout now, no 'non-title' bouts."

Saturday ~ April 2, 1977

Convention Center Arena ~ San Antonio, Texas

* Vicente Mijares - 23-0-0 {11 KO's} ~ 135 lbs. ~ {Age; 23 years, 3 months}
vs.
* Canelo Salinas - 27-9-0 {10 KO's} ~ 134 lbs. ~ {Age; 24 years, 1 month}
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny ~

Vicente Mijares, now the #1 WBC-ranked Lightweight will be having his final 'tune-up bout' before
Challenging WBC Lightweight Champion.

Mijares had signed a contract back on March 1st, to challenge Esteban Dejesus in Puerto Rico
on May 13th.

Vicente last fought back on November 4th, 1976 {5 months ago}. Vicente was supposed to
fight WBC Lightweight Champion - Esteban Dejesus on February 12, 1977 - but he was 'bumped'
in favor of Shinji 'Buzzsaw' Yamabe.

This bout here in San Antonio is promoted by Don King, and the bout's are part of the
United States Boxing Tournament.

Vicente's bout is 'not' part of the Tournament.

Canelo Salinas is a 'trial-horse' from Mexico. But, the 5 1/2 year Professional does have
'2' early career wins {in 1973} over Rafael 'Bazooka' Limon.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Mijares Blasts Out Salinas In 5, Looks For WBC Lightweight Crown Next ~

Vicente Mijares, the #1 WBC-ranked Lightweight methodically wore down opponent Canelo Salinas
with left-hooks to both the head and body, and finished of the weary Mexicali Lightweight in
Round 5, with a thunderous right-hand to the jaw.

Mijares boxed smoothly over the first 3-Rounds, displaying his excellent boxing skills. Mijares
scored with sharp left-jabs, and lighting-fast combinations on an over-matched Canelo Salinas.

In Round 4, Mijares started to throw harder punches {left-hooks} and had Salinas looking for
cover along the perimeter of the Ring and along the Ropes.

The 'writing-was-on-the-wall' in Round 5, as Mijares thumped his opponent with heavy left-hooks
to the head and body, that him reeling throughout the session. Late in the session, Mijares 'staggered'
Salinas with a straight right-hand to the head, and left-hook to the jaw, sending a 'dazed' Salinas
into a Corner.

Mijares then moved in, and 'slammed' a right-hook into the 'dazed' fighters jaw, dropping him to the
canvas where he was counted out by Referee - Leonard Zuniga at {2:31} of Round 5.

Harry Kabakoff >
"Vicente was 'firing' on all cylinders today. He was both sharp and powerful. I was a bit worried, because
he hasn't fought in 5-Months, and I thought that it would effect his timing. But this kid is a tremendous
boxer, and is without a doubt one of the best 135 lb. fighters {Lightweight} in boxing today."

"Now it's on to Esteban Dejesus. You are going to see a great fight. A classic, between a power-puncher
and a master-boxer. The winner will get Roberto Duran next. This will be Vicente's opportunity to make it
big. He will surprise everyone."

Saturday ~ June 25, 1977

Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium ~ Bayoman, Puerto Rico

Promoter .......... Don King
Attendance ....... 5500 ... {Capacity; 12,500}

WBC Lightweight Championship

* Esteban Dejesus - 50-3-0 {29 KO's} ~ 5' 4 1/2" ~ 135 lbs. ~ {Age; 25 years, 10 months}
vs.
#1 Vicente Mijares - 24-0-0 {11 KO's} ~ 5' 6 1/2" ~ 135 lbs. ~ {Age; 23 years, 5 months}
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny ~

Esteban DeJesus will be making the 3rd-Title defense of WBC Championship he won back on
May 8, 1976.

This bout was 'originally' scheduled for May 13th, but Esteban requested a 6-Week postponement,
claiming a hand-injury {left-hand}.

On the line, is not only the WBC Lightweight Championship, but a $250,000 fight purse to face
Roberto Duran for later in the year.

Vicente Mijares has been at the 'top' of the Lightweight Division for 18-Months {since November 1975},
and the Mexican 'master-boxer' has been waiting a long time for a World Title bout.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny 'II'

Esteban has looked good in sparring with Brooklyn, New York 'southpaw' Lightweight - Carlos Soto,
a fast-handed boxer.

Also, former WBA Welterweight Champion - Angel Espada has come in to help out Esteban in some
later sessions.

Vicente Mijares arrived with Arizona Lightweight - Arturo Leon, a compact and strong boxer. Vicente
has looked both sharp-and-quick in sparring sessions.

Harry Kabakoff >
"We expect Esteban to come out fast, and to try and get in his hard left-hooks. That is where we will
be careful. Vicente will box and move for the first-half of the bout, and then take care of business over
the second-half of the bout. Esteban will not be able to match Vicente in hand-speed, especially
late in the bout."

"My boy will surprise everybody. We will stop Dejesus on 'cuts', mark my words. Vicente has fast and
'slashing-fists'. Our strategy is in {3 Parts}."

"Part 1, is to stay away from Dejesus for the first 6-Rounds. > Part 2, is to box him for 4 or 5 Rounds,
until he starts to fade around the 10th or 11th Round. > Part 3, is to open up on him in Round 12.
Vicente will 'slash' him up late, and stop in the 13th or 14th Round."

Saturday ~ June 25, 1977

Esteban Dejesus vs. Vicente Mijares

~ Pre-Fight Skinny~

Promoter ........ Don King

Broadcast also on several Spanish Television Networks, throughout North America.

Fight Purses
* Esteban Dejesus ......... $100,000
* Vicente Mijares ............ $25,000 + {$3000 in Hotel and Travel Expenses}

WBC Lightweight Champion - Esteban Dejesus was listed as a {2-1} Betting-Favorite.

At the 'pre-fight' 12:00 PM Noon weigh-in > Vicente Mijares came in a 1/2 pound over the limit.

The Challenger was given 2-Hours to make weight. Vicente then did about 20-Minutes of
Exercises, and then did a light-run of 1.5 Miles.

He made weight at the 2nd weigh-in at 2:00 PM.

The bout was scheduled to begin at 9:00 PM.

Don King had expected the attendance to be around 8000, with Gate Receipts of $120,000.

The turn out was somewhat disappointing at 5500, and with Gate Receipts at $73,000.

Esteban Dejesus >
"He {Vicente Mijares} is very fast. He is quick and moves around the Ring very fast. He can run,
but he can't hide. Sometime during our bout he will have to stop and fight. That is where I will
end it. I don't think it will go past 9 Rounds, as I'm in the best shape that I have ever been in."

Saturday ~ June 25, 1977

~ Esteban Dejesus Scores 11th Round Knockout In Title Defense ~

~ Dejesus Stops Mijares In One-Sided WBC Championship Bout ~

Esteban Dejesus retained his WBC Lightweight Championship by scoring a Knockout in the 11th Round
over #1 Challenger - Vicente Mijares of Mexico.

Dejesus took charge from the Opening Bell, and chased the Mexican all around the Ring in a one-sided affair,
as he had the Challenger back-pedaling fast during the early going.

Dejesus displaying good power, landed solid-blows in Round 3, drawing blood from the fast-moving
Challenger's nose.

The Champion landed solid blows in Round 5 as well, opening up a small-cut over the Challenger's right-eye.

Mijares was warned in Rounds 6 and 7 from Referee - Raymond Baldayrou for 'not' mixing it up, as the Mexican
moved swiftly around the Perimeter of the Ring by back-pedaling, using poking left-jabs to stay at a safe-distance
as the Champion pressed and stalked.

In Round 8, the Challenger did make an attempt to trade, but was 'rocked' during the exchanges, as the Champion
landed heavy-hooks to the head.

In Round 9, Mijares started to fight back, and mid-way through the session he moved inside, and caught Dejesus
with '2' good left-hooks to the head and 'wicked' right-uppercut to the jaw, which momentarily 'stunned' the muscular
Champion, sending Dejesus back on his heels.

Mijares also added in a good flurry at the end of the session, for his best Round of the night.

But the Champion changed all that in Round 10, as he 'thumped' the Challenger with a battery of combinations and
hooks, opening up the cut over Mijares right-eye, as well as cutting his left-cheek. With Mijares in a bad way, Dejesus moved
in and 'unloaded' with heavy-hooks to the head, and had the Challenger covering up on the Ropes at the Bell.

In Round 11, both fighters traded medium-power punches at Center-Ring. Mijares was able to hold his own over the
first-half of the session, as he kept up with the Champion by dishing out his own fast-flurries.

But the Champion displayed his power, and 'twice' stunned Mijares with hard right-hooks to the head at the {2:00 Mark}.

Then with 'sudden-swiftness', Dejesus fired off a 'left-right', then a wicked right-uppercut, and then caught Mijares with
a 'wicked' left-hook the chin, dropping him 'flat-on-his-back'.

Referee - Raymond Baldayrou counted out the Challenger at {2:20} of Round 11.