1970's ~ Top Heavyweight Upsets

[Bill Paxtom]

Jimmy Young vs. Ossie Ocasio 'I'

Round 5 >
Jimmy finally got it 'in gear', and pressured Ossie with a solid body-attack, of double
left-hands and short right-hands into the Ossie's sides.

Again, Ossie 'thumbed' Jimmy in his 'left-eye' causing Jimmy to complain to Referee -
Buddy Basilico.

Ossie tried to rally late, but Jimmy had neutralized his attack by smothering him
on the inside.

{A 'solid' Round for Jimmy}

Round 6 >
Jimmy again was the effective aggressor, as Ossie was backing away and looking to
throw an occasional counter.

Jimmy landed several good punches on Ossie who was not as active as he had been
over the first 4-Rounds.

Again, Ossie stuck out his left-arm like a measuring stick, and poked Jimmy in the eye.

Jimmy really got mad this time, and raked over Ossie with some harder punches over
the latter-half of the Round.

{Another 'solid' Round for Jimmy}.

Round 7 >
Just as it looked like Jimmy Young had taken control of the bout, he went 'back-to-sleep'.

Ossie was the aggressor here, and scored with repeated quick {but light} punches, as
Jimmy plodded and did little else.

Ossie was in complete control from the start of the Round, as he worked hard as he
fired in fast left-jabs, and quick 'one-two' punches into Jimmy, sending him into the
Ropes and covering up.

With the Round in his 'pocket', Ossie then foolishly thumbed Jimmy in the left-eye again
{at the 2:38 Mark} by sticking out his left-arm like a pole.

Referee - Buddy Basilico 'admonished' Ossie for the foul, and nearly took a Point away from him.

{A 'solid' Round for Ossie}

[Bill Paxtom]

Jimmy Young vs. Ossie Ocasio 'I' > Round 8

Coming out for Round 8, Jimmy was clearly having a bit of trouble here, especially
after getting badly out-boxed in Round 7.

Round 8 >
Jimmy was more aggressive here, and started to slam in his best punches into Ossie's
body.

Ossie was completely on the 'defensive' and moved around the Ring on the outside.

But, the young Puerto Rican was too 'smart' to get caught along the Ropes, or in a
Corner.

Jimmy attempted several 'big' right-hand crosses, but he missed on each occasion.

Still, Jimmy was completely dominant in this Round.

{A 'solid' Round for Jimmy}
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After Round 8 comments >

ABC-TV Announcer - Chris Schenkel, stated that the bout was headed for a 'Draw'.

ABC-TV Announcer {Referee - Arthur Mercante} had Jimmy ahead by a score of 4-3-1
in Rounds.

Chris Schenkel >
"I'm really impressed with Ocasio. He's put up a good fight, and I'm sure that Jimmy
completely under-estimated him."

"He could be up by 1-Point. His corner is really excited, and they are giving him all sorts
of instructions."

Arthur Mercante >
"I have Jimmy up by 1-Point, {4-3-1}. But it is still anybody's fight."

"I think Jimmy will now look to throw the right-hand cross in the 9th Round. Ocasio is
starting to straighten up now, and he's not bending low like he had in the earlier Rounds."

[Bill Paxtom]

Jimmy Young vs. Ossie Ocasio 'I'

Round 9 >

0:04 > Both fighters meet at Center-Ring.
0:05 > Ossie is bouncing on his toes, and still looks spry.
0:06 > Jimmy is 'flat-footed'.
0:07 > Ossie sends out a sharp left-jab.

0:10 > Both fighters are looking to counter.
0:13 > Ossie fires in a left-hook.
0:14 > Jimmy counters with a 'right-left' to the body.
0:16 > Ossie sends in a hard left-hand.

0:17 > Jimmy backs up to the front-left Ring area.
0:20 > Both fighters look for an opening.
0:28 > Ossie flicks in a left-hand.
0:29 > Jimmy counters with a right-cross.

0:33 > Ossie sends in a light right-hand lead.
0:36 > Both fighters are pawing.
0:38 > Ossie sends in a right-hand lead, and then clinches.

0:42 > Both fighters are pawing.
0:47 > Jimmy sends in a 'soft' right-left to the body.
0:54 > Both exchange left-jabs.
0:57 > Ossie is bouncing in his toes.

0:59 > Jimmy looks sluggish.
1:01 > Ossie flicks in a left-jab.
1:01 > Jimmy counters with a short left-jab.
1:06 > Jimmy 'misses' badly with a sweeping right-hand.

1:08 > Both fighters move in close, and trade.
1:10 > Both fighters are at Center-Ring.
1:12 > Ossie bounces on his toes.
1:14 > Jimmy lands a right-hand to the body.

1:17 > Ossie leans in and lands with a 'slapping' right-hand to the head.
1:19 > Jimmy is warned by the Referee for pulling Ossie's head down.
1:27 > Both fighters are at Center-Ring.
1:28 > Jimmy lands a 'sloppy' left-right-left to the body.

1:33 > Ossie lands a left-hand.
1:34 > Jimmy scores with a 'light' right-hand lead to the head.
1:38 > Ossie measures Jimmy with a long left.
1:40 > Ossie darts in, and scores with a 'sharp' left-right to the head.

1:41 > Ossie then smartly ducks away, and moves to the front-right Ring area.
1:44 > Both fighters move in to clinch.
1:46 > Jimmy pulls away, and complains about a thumb in his right-eye.
1:48 > Ossie scores with a light left-hand.

1:54 > Both fighters set up at Center-Ring.
2:00 > Jimmy moves in, and lands a 'right-left-right' to the body.
2:03 > Ossie pushes Jimmy backwards to the front-right Ring area.
2:09 > Both fighters exchange 'soft-punches'.

2:14 > Jimmy scores with a 'double' left-jab.
2:15 > Jimmy 'misses' with a 'double' left-jab.
2:19 > Ossie scores with a left-jab to the body.
2:22 > Ossie circles to his left, while flicking out a left-jab.

2:24 > Jimmy is short with a left-jab.
2:25 > Jimmy looks sluggish.
2:29 > Ossie scores with a 'left-right' to the head.
2:32 > Ossie lands a left-jab, and bounces on his toes.

2:36 > Ossie flicks out a left-jab.
2:40 > Jimmy is slowly plodding forward.
2:44 > Ossie backs up to the back Ropes.
2:47 > Jimmy steps in, and misses with a right-hand lead.

2:48 > Ossie moves in forward, and pushes Jimmy to Center-Ring.
2:52 > Both fighters clinch.
2:55 > The fighters are at Center-Ring, but neither fire a punch.
3:00 > 'Bell'

[Bill Paxtom]

Jimmy Young vs. Ossie Ocasio 'I'

Round 9 'Recap'

Ossie was both 'spry' and quick. Though Jimmy pressed, he was not firing his punches
with any authority.

Ossie just plain 'out-worked' Jimmy. And, Ossie landed the 'best' punches of the Round
when he tagged Jimmy with a hard 'left-right' at the {1:40 Mark}.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In Ossie's corner before Round 10, they were excited, and told Ossie that he was leading
by 2-Points after his good work in Round 9.

Ossie was instructed to box-and-move, and to stay away from Jimmy.

Ossie Ocasio's Cornermen
* Archie 'Moore' Ocasio
* Johnny Tocco
* Bill Presant

In Jimmy's corrner, they looked worried. Jimmy was both frustrated and had a look of disinterest.

Jimmy is instructed to put the pressure on Ossie, and to fire the right-cross when he gets in close.

Jimmy Young's Cornermen
* Slim Pickens
* Bobby Brown
* Mickey Grandiato

[Bill Paxtom]

Tuesday ~ April 3, 1979

Halifax Metro Center ~ Halifax, Nova Scotia

'WBC Continental Americas Championship'

Trevor Berbick ~ 11-0-0 {10 KO's} ~ 6' 2" ~ 216 lbs. ~ Reach; 78" ~ {Age; 24 years, 8 months}
vs.
Bernardo Mercado ~ 21-2-0 {18 KO's} ~ 6' 4" ~ 218 lbs. ~ Reach; 80" ~ {Age; 27 years, 2 months}
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

'The Skinny'

The Fight Promoters are trying to get Trevor Berbick name recognition. The word is, that if Trevor can beat the
'big' Colombian, he will get a chance at WBC Champion - Larry Holmes sometime in the Summer of 1979.

Trevor had a very good Amateur career, where he went 90-6 with {51 KO's}. Trevor won a Bronze Medal
at the 1975 Pan Am Games.

Trevor also competed at the 1976 Olympics, losing a close Decision to Romanian - Mircea Simon who went
on to earn a Silver Medal.

After the 1976 Olympics, Trevor {who is Jamaican} moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia and decided to turn Professional
where he would have access to better Training Facilties, as well as getting better bouts.

Trevor Berbick >
Trevor is both big and strong, and can punch very hard. But he is slow and plodding at times, and can be fooled
by 'feints'.

Trevor, a Professional since September 1976 {2 1/2 years}, last fought 6-Months earlier {October 8, 1978},
when he was impressive in stopping {TKO 7} 'highly-regarded' New York Heavyweight - Greg Sorrentino.

Manager - Don Kerr >
"I've been trying to get Trevor some 'name' recognition. We offered George Chuvalo { $17,500 } to come to
Halifax to fight Trevor for the Canadian Heavyweight Championship in January 1979. But he wouldn't return
our telephone calls."

"We wanted to fight the South African - Kallie Knoetze in Florida on CBS-TV. But they turned us down because
they said that Trevor was an 'unknown' and was not known outside of Jamaica and Nova Scotia."

"The problem, is that nobody wants to come here and fight him, because they know that they will end up losing."

Bernardo Mercado >
Bernardo, is a big right-hand swinger from Colombia.

Bernardo also had a very good Amateur career, where he went 142-8 {106 KO's}.

Bernardo has also fought Trevor Berbick once before. In the 1975 Central American and Caribbean Championships
in Guatamala in August 1975. Bernardo defeated {W Dec} Trevor in the Championship Bout.

Bernardo left Colombia in October 1975, and moved to Nevada to turn Professional. He was also a stable-mate
of Oscar Bonavena, where they were both managed by Joseph Confronte of the Mustang Ranch.

Bernardo won 20-Straight with {17 KO's}, and reached the level of the #9 World-Ranked Heavyweight, before
getting 'upset' {L TKO 2} by John Tate in New York on June 22, 1978.

In his next bout {October 22, 1978}, Bernardo was again 'upset' and stopped {L TKO 5} by Mike Weaver.

Bernardo took {3 1/2 Months} off, before returning on February 14, 1979 where he scored a {TKO 7} over Tongan
Heavyweight - Tony Pulu.

Manager - Don Majeski >
"We accepted a small Fight Purse of { $3000 } to get this bout. It's 'win-or-nothing' here for Bernardo. I told
him that he has to win, or his chance of getting an opportunity to fight for the World Championship will end
here in Nova Scotia."

"Double Skinny'

In their {August 1975} Amateur Bout, Bernardo boxed a 'fantastic' first 2-Rounds, as he speared Trevor with
repeated 'sharp' left-hands and straight right-hands to the face.

Behind on Points, Trevor rallied with a strong-attack in Round 3, and 'stunned' Bernardo with some big
right-hands to the temple area. Trevor nearly dropped Bernardo late, after tagging him with an overhand
right to the head. But Bernardo hung on until the Bell, and won the Decision as well as winning the
Central American and Caribbean Championship.

Also >
WBC Heavyweight Champion - Larry Holmes is a "paid guest' to provide for Commentary at Ringside during
the Broadcast. Larry will receive { $1500 } in appearance money, as well as expenses.

Larry is fresh off his Title Defense {TKO 7} over Ossie Ocasio on March 23, 1979.

[Bill Paxtom]

Tuesday ~ April 3, 1979

Halifax Metro Center ~ Halifax, Nova Scotia

Attendance ..... { 11,093 } 'Sell Out'

'WBC Continental Americas Championhsip'

Trevor Berbick ~ 11-0-0 {10 KO's}
vs.
Bernardo Mercado ~ 21-2-0 {18 KO's}

~ Stupid Punch Leaves Berbick Out Like A Light ~

~ Booming Right To Jaw Puts Berbick Out ~

~ Mercado Knocks Berbick Out Cold ~

'The Bout'

In the Opening Round, both fighters moved to Center-Ring, and exchanged light-punches while
attempting to measure each other over the first {1:20}.

At the {1:25 Mark}, Trevor stepped in and landed a sharp 'left-right', forcing Bernardo to step back.

At the {1:45 Mark}, Bernardo then came back with several long left-jabs to the head while Trevor
'slipped' the punches.

At the {2:33 Mark}, Trevor swung with a wide right-hand lead to the head that grazed Bernardo,
who flinched.

Trevor then moved in, but did not throw a follow-up punch. Bernardo then countered with a 'sharp'
left-right at the {2:38 Mark}, and for some reason Trevor lowered his gloves.

Suddenly at the {2:42 Mark}, Trevor stepped forward with his gloves low, just as Bernardo was
unloading a 'booming' sledge-hammer straight right-hand. Trevor literally walked into the punch
which landed squarely on his 'exposed' Lantern-Jaw at the {2:45 Mark}.

Trevor then collapsed on his back, where he was counted out by Referee - Herb McMullen at the
{2:57} of Round 1.

[Bill Paxtom]

Tuesday ~ April 3, 1979

Halifax Metro Center ~ Halifax, Nova Scotia

Attendance ......... { 11,093 } 'Sell Out'
Gate Receipts ..... { $81,980 }

~ Bomber Mercado Flattens Berbick In One ~

'The Skinny'

* This bout was for the 'WBC Continental Americas Championship'.

* Trevor Berbick received a Fight Purse Guarantee of { $35,000 } against 40% of the Gate.
* Trevor also received { $3000 } in ancillary fee's for the Television Broadcast rights in his home country of Jamaica.

* Bernardo Mercado received a Fight Purse Guarantee of only { $3000 } from the Gate Receipts.
* The Mercado Camp also received 'expenses' for {Travel, Hotel and Amenities}.
* Bernardo Mercado also received { $6000 } in ancillary fee's for the Television Broadcast rights to his home country of Colombia,
as well as Central America.

'Funny Skinny'

Bernardo Mercado came into the Ring wearing a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader's Jacket, with 'STUPID' lettered on the back
of the jacket.

'Double Skinny'
WBC Champion - Larry Holmes was supposed to be here, providing commentary at Ringside for the Television Broadcast.

Larry had agreed to an 'Appearnace Fee' of { $1500 }, which included '2' Round Trip Tickets from Easton, Pennsylvania
to Halifax, Nova Scotia as well as 'expenses'. It also included an overnight stay at Halifax's top hotel.

The day before the bout, Larry Holmes 'demanded' { $5000 }. The Promoters told him to 'stick it'.




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

Don Kerr {Manager for Trevor Berbick} >
That was the most vicious right-hand ever launched. It was the hardest punch that I have ever seen. The Referee {Herb McMullen}
could have counted another 20-Seconds, and Trevor still wouldn't have gotten up. That big Colombian is an 'Animal'.

I talked to Trevor in the Dressing Room after the bout, and he was OK. He just had a foolish grin on his face. I told Trevor
that we will take 45-days off, and then come back with 3-or-4 easy bouts. Then we'll go after the Commonwealth Championship
against that Brit {John L. Gardner} in September of October.

Then we'll get that 'Animal' {Bernardo Mercado} back here at the end of the year {1979}.

Trevor Berbick >
I grazed him with a right-hand, and he looked glassy-eyed. So I dropped my hands and walked in looking to bomb him.
It was bad luck, as I just walked into a punch. It's no big deal. I'll knock him out the next time we fight.

Don Majeski {Manager for Bernardo Mercado} >
I never doubted that Bernardo would win. We accepted the 'small' Fight Purse, because we wanted this guy {Trevor Berbick}.
Now we'll see if we can line up a WBC Championship Bout with Larry Holmes.

Manny Ciaca { Trainer for Bernardo Mercado} >
We're going back to Colombia. Bernardo will be welcomed as a Hero. There is no stopping my guy, as he can punch harder
than anybody out there.

Bernardo Mercado >
I caught him with my 'sledge-hammer' right-hand. I call it my 'Stupid Punch', because when it lands my opponent goes 'stupid'.
Now I want Larry Holmes next. Get me Mr. Holmes.

[brocktonblockbust]

I saw I bar Harrington fight Irish pat Duncan.live on ABC.

[Dart340]

You were indeed lucky, BB. No footage of Arrington exists that anyone has been able to access.

Did Mr. Paxtom fly the coop. Always enjoyed his posts.

[Master]

You were indeed lucky, BB. No footage of Arrington exists that anyone has been able to access.

Did Mr. Paxtom fly the coop. Always enjoyed his posts.

Did you really enjoy his post?

[brocktonblockbust]

You were indeed lucky, BB. No footage of Arrington exists that anyone has been able to access.

Did Mr. Paxtom fly the coop. Always enjoyed his posts.

Did you really enjoy his post?

I watched LIVE in January 1976 at the tender age of 12, on WABC Wide World of Sports, "Irish" Pat Duncan vs Ibar Arrington.

I remember seeing Duncan landing 4- and 5-punch combinations to Arrington's head, over and over, and Ibar"s long hair just jolting back and forth from the blows.

At age 12 I got the distinct feeling Duncan totally dominated, yet the judges voted for Arrington.

[brocktonblockbust]

Does anyone have his email?

[Dart340]

Of course I liked his detailed highlighting of forgotten 60's and especially 70's fighters (my favorite era) and their career trajectories and specific fights. Threads about guys like Young Sekona and Walter Moore that nobody else remembers? Absolutely! Yes, I'm aware that he gets a lot of his info from Newspapers.com and yes, like you, I tired of the constant anti-Ali threads, but I loved reading posts about fighters that never got much ink in the boxing magazines of the day.