Cruz Marcano ~ The Boxer that they called 'El Loco"

[Bill Paxtom]

June 6, 1969

Nuevo Circo ~ Caracas, Venezuela

{#4} - Cruz Marcano ~ 21-0-2 {12 KO's} ~ 5' 6 1/2" ~ 129 lbs. ~ {Age; 23 years, 3 months}
vs.
{#14} - Bobby Valdez ~ 22-7-4 {8 KO's} ~ 5' 6" ~ 129 lbs. ~ {Age; 26 years, 6 months}
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Cruz Marcano has now moved up to the #4 World Ranked Featherweight. A win here,
and Cruz has a date set for him in Los Angeles for August.

Bobby Valdez, a stylish-boxer from San Diego, California. Only 5-Months ago, Bobby
was slotted as the #5 World-Ranked Featherweight.

But, back-to-back losses to {L TKO 6} Felipe Torres on January 13, 1969 - and a
{L Dec 10} to Godfrey Stevens on April 19, 1969 ~ has dropped the California Featherweight
down to the #14 Featherweight.
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~ Cruz Marcano Chases, Scores Decision Over 'Speedy' Bobby Valdez ~

Venezuelan - Cruz Marcano fighting in front off 8000 home-country supporters at the Nuevo Circo
chased all noght in trying to catch California Featherweight 'Speedy' Bobby Valdez.

After losing the 1st-Round, Marcano took control in Round 2 when he staggered Valdez with a
left-hook to the jaw, and had him wobbly. Marcano then literally chased the Californian around
the Ring, in attempt to unload his heavy-fists.

By the 5th Round, Marcano became frustrated, and threw his arms 'up-in-the-air', and yelled at his
American opponent > "C'mon, lets fight".

The fast, but light-hitting Valdez stayed on his wheels, and circled about on the outside, and away
from the Venezuelan.

Marcano spent most of the bout moving in, and trying to dish out combinations. But the Venezuelan
had to take what was available, and was only able to score with left-jabs, or an occasional wide-sweeping
hook.

Scorecards >
* 98-94 = {6-2-2 in Rounds} = Cruz Marcano
* 99-94 = {6-1-3 in Rounds} = Cruz Marcano
* 98-93 = {7-2-1 in Rounds} = Cruz Marcano