1970's ~ Top Heavyweight Upsets

[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}.
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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.

[Bill Paxtom]

~ Upset Special #55 ~

Thursday ~ November 4, 1976

Circle Star Theatre ~ San Carlos, California

Promoter > Nipi Sekona
Attendance > { 802 }

Fonomanu 'Young Sekona' ~ 35-1-0 {20 KO's} ~ 198 lbs. ~ 5' 11 1/2" ~ Reach; 75" ~ {Age; 24 years, 9 months}
vs.
Mike Weaver ~ 14-4-0 {9 KO's} ~ 205 lbs. ~ 6' 1" ~ Reach; 78" ~ {Age; 25 years, 6 months}
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~ The Skinny ~

Fight Promoter - Nipi Sekona is promoting this bout, featuring his nephew {Fonomanu 'Young Sekona'} as the Main Event.

Nipi Skeona is a 'cement contractor' from Tonga, who runs his fight promoting business out of Hawaii.

'Young Sekona', a 6-Year Professional, has been competing since {Age; 18} in 1970. > He won the South Seas
Heavyweight Championship on November 16, 1973 when he defeated {W Dec 15} 'highly-touted' Mani Vaka.
He has defeated Mani Vaka '4-Times'.

'Young Sekona' {from Tonga} had started out his career in Tonga {1971}, then moved to Fiji {February 1974},
and then on to New Zealand in {February 1975} where he is currently based.

He has also had his last '3-Bouts' in Hawaii, to get more exposure. His biggest win was his last bout, when he scored
a {KO 1} over 'big-hitting' Larry Frazier on September 30, 1976.

'Young Sekona' was shipped to Los Angeles in the '1st-Week' of October 1976 to prepare for this bout.

The 'talk' here > Is that if 'Young Sekona' is impressive, he will next get a Television Bout on one of Don King's
fight cards in Las Vegas.

'Young Sekona' has a listed record of 21-1-0 {11 KO's}, but the Fight Poster shows it at > 35-1-0 {20 KO's}.

The Tongan Heavyweight is currently ranked at > #3 British-Commonwealth, and at #17 WBC.

Young Sekona >
"I was in the best shape of my career for my last bout {September 30th} when I 'Knocked Out' {KO 1} Larry Frazier
in Hawaii."

"I came here to Los Angeles, to train for 30-Days. I'm as sharp as a razor, and as quick as a 'Leopard'. I plan on
taking out Mike Weaver early. Look for a 2nd-Round Knockout. It won't go much longer than that."

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Mike Weaver has been brought in as an 'opponent'. Mike is a decided Underdog at {3-1}.

Mike's record is posted at 14-4-0 {10 KO.s}, but it is also listed at 9-6-0 {5 KO's}. Mike has been primarily Ken Norton's
sparring-partner while Ken was in Los Angeles and San Diego.

Mike's last bout was {July 14, 1976}, when he defeated { W Dec 10} Jody Ballard. But before that he last fought in
June 1975. Mike has only had '3-Bouts' in the past 2+ Years.

Mike signed for this bout on October 27th, so he has only had 1-Week to prepare for this 'tough bout'.

Mike Weaver >
"I only had 1-Week to get ready for this bout. It's typical for me to be a last-minute fighter. But, I had to take this
bout because I need the money."

"I know that he's tough, but he has a wide-open offense. He is dangerous early, but he leaves himself open. If I
can get by the first 3-or-4 Rounds, I'll be able to pick him apart later in the bout."

[Bill Paxtom]

~ Upset Special # 55 ~

Thursday ~ November 4, 1976

~ Mike Weaver Scores Upset, Halts 'Young Sekona' In 6 ~

~ Weavers Wins In Heavy Upset ~

Slugging San Diego Heavyweight - Mike Weaver floored 'Young Sekona' 3-Times in Round 6 to score
an 'upset' Knockout over the heavily-favored Tongan Heavyweight.

'Young Sekona' came into the Ring as a 'highly-touted' South Seas Heavyweight, and was heavily
favored at {3-1} over Weaver.

Sekona {198 lbs.} had his way in Round 1, as he scored with a series of solid blows into Weaver {205 lbs.},
while shaking him several times with left-hooks and short straight right-hands to the head.

The Tongan Heavyweight continued with his assault in Round 2, and 'badly staggered' Weaver with a left-hook
to the jaw mid-way thru the session. Then Sekona caught Weaver with a 'right-left' to the chin, and the San Diego
Heavyweight's knee's buckled as he sagged into the Ropes.

Sekona then poured it on, as he drove Weaver from Ring-Post to Ring-Post with left-hooks to the head and
right-hands to the body. The San Diego Heavyweight barely made it out of Round 2.

In Round 3, Sekona kept slugging away, but the 24 1/2 year-old Tongan started to tire at the {2:00 Mark} of
the Round. Weaver sensing that his opponent was tiring, reeled of a series of left-hands to back Sekona up to
the Ropes over the last 30-Seconds.

In Round 4, the action was rough as both fighters slugged away. The Tongan was in control early, as he pinned
Weaver on the Ropes and slammed away with powerful lefts-and-rights into Weaver's head and chest.

But by the {1:40 Mark}, Sekona tired and Weaver started to come back. Weaver scored with stiff left-jabs and
short left-hooks into the muscular Sekona. Weaver then caught Sekona with a hard-flurry late in the Round,
that spun the Tongan sideways on 'shaky-pins'. Sekona looked weakened over the last 20-Seconds of Round 4.

Coming out for Round 5, Sekona suddenly looked tired. Weaver moved in quickly, and raked the Tongan
with left-hands and right-hooks. Sekona was forced to back up and while covering up, as Weaver tee'd off
with a steady volley of punches throughout the Round.

In Round 6, Weaver kept up the pressure, and 'nailed' the weary Tongan with a jarring right-cross to the
jaw. Sekona went down to his knee's. Sekona was up at the '4-Count', and was ready to continue.

But moments later, Weaver sent the tiring Sekona down again with left-hook and right-cross to the head.
Sekona was up at the '6-Count, and was ready to go on.

Weaver then set up the battered Tongan by sending in a steady-flow of left-jabs, and then finished Sekona
off with a straight right-hand to the chin at the 1:43 Mark.

Mike Weaver was awarded a Knockout {KO 6} victory.

Fight Promoter; Nipi Sekona >
"I'm completely shocked. Fonomanu was in excellent shape only 30-Days ago in Hawaii when he KO'd
Larry Frazier in 1-Round."

"I sent him to Los Angeles on October 2nd, for 30-Days of 'heavy-training' to help him get ready for this
important bout. Obviously he didn't train. He nearly knocked out Weaver in Round 2, but he started to
tire after that. Fonomanu grew weaker and weaker, and by the end of the 4th-Round I knew he was
finished."

[Dart340]

Duce, one you didn't list that was a head shaker was Charlie "Candyman" Johnson beating Ibar "The Sailor" Arrington by lopsided decision in Washington in 1978. Loved this thread BTW.