Nicolino Locche vs. Alfonso Frazer ~ "WBA Champion Upset In Panama"

[Bill Paxtom]

December 11, 1971

~ WBA Ratings ~

*** Nicolino Locche
#1 . Bruno Arcari {WBC Champion}
#2 . Joao Henrique
#3 . Antonio Cervantes
#4 . Alfonso Frazer
#5 . Bunny Grant
#6 . Domingo Barrera
#7 . Chang Ki-Lee
#8 . Chris Fernandez
#9 . Angel Robinson Garcia
#10. Johnny Gant

According to Manager - Carlos 'Tito' Lecture >

This was to be Nicolino's last defense before challenging WBC Light-Welterweight Champion - Bruno Arcari
in a World Unification Bout, with a proposed date for June 1972.

And, the guarantee fight purse of { $75,000 } plus the Broadcast ancillary rights of { $50,000 } was worth the risk
to got to Panama to defend the Title, as Alfonso Frazer {though very good} was not considered to be in the 'class'
of the WBA Champion.

Also, Nicolino was coming off a 'super impressive' and one-sided win {W Dec 15} over Antonio Cervantes only
3-Months earlier on {December 11, 1971}.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ The Panama Skinny ~

Alfonso 'Peppermint' Frazer was a 5' 8" lanky boxer, with fast-hands and good power. Alfonso was also a very good
boxer/puncher who had an aggressive and busy style.

Alfonso was a 7-Year Professional who stated out at {Age; 17} in 1965 as a 'skinny' Featherweight. Alfonso grew
into a 135 lb. Lightweight, and won the Panamanian Lightweight Title on November 30, 1968.

Alfonso was coming into the Ring unbeaten in his last '12-Bouts', by going 11-0-1 with {8 KO's} since September 1969,
and with bouts against >
* TKO 8 ................ Jose Isaac Marin
* W Maj. Dec 10 .... Eddie Linder
* W Dec 10 ........... Jaguar Kakizawa
* Draw 8 ............... Eddie Blay
* KO 8 .................. Eugenio Espinal
* KO 2 .................. Antonio Herrera

And since July 1967 > Alfonso has only lost once, by going 15-1-1, with his only loss {L TKO 3} to Chango Carmona
on July 26, 1969.

Alfonso's last bout was {4 1/2 months ago} on October 30, 1971 with a win {W TKO 8} over Jose Isaac Marin.

'Ring Magazine' > At the end of 1971, Alfonso was ranked as the #7 Lightweight, behind compatriot Roberto Duran
who was ranked at #6.

[Bill Paxtom]

Friday ~ March 10, 1972

Gimnasio Nuevo {New City Gym} ~ Panama City, Panama

Niccolino Locche vs. Alfonso Frazer
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ The Bout ~

The Challenger - Alfonos 'Peppermint' Frazier fighting in front of over 15,000 Panamanian supporters
was aggressive early, and was attacking to establish an ealy lead over the defensive-wizard in
Champion - Nicolino Locche.

Alfonso {137 1/4 lbs.} used fast left-jabs over the first 2-Rounds, as the Champion {140 lbs.} was
content to 'bait-and counter'.

In Round 3, Alfonso scored with a heavy-attack, and stayed on the offensive as he was over-whelming
the Champion with a 'fast' two-fisted barrage.



The Champion got it going in Round 4, as he landed several solid-blows on the Challenger's head, and
buckled Alfonso's knee's with a vicious right-cross to the jaw. But the Champion's lack-of-power prevented
him from finishing the job on a hurt Challenger.

But in Round 5, the Challenger was 'keen-to-the-task', and rallied strongly with a heavy-fisted attack that
had the Champion covering up and bending low.

The fighters maintained 'even exchanges' in Round 6, but the Challenger was growing in confidence.

In Round 7, the Champion started off well, and landed several solid-blows on the Challenger. But Frazer took
the punches well, and rallied back at the end of the session by landing a slashing right-hand to the Nicolino's
left-eye, that opened up a bad-cut on the eye-brow. Then the Challenger targeted the 'cut' with a series of
left-jabs that had the Champion bleeding by the Round's end.

In Round 8 the Challenger kept up with his heavy-attack and rained punches on the Champion who was using
his 'bob-and-weave' defense. But Frazer got through, and opened up another cut, this time a 'gash' near the
Champion's right-eye.

In Rounds 9 thru 14 {6 Rounds}, the pattern was the same, with the Challenger using excellent movement,
by circling to his left, while firing in sharp left-jabs, mixed in with fast combination punches.

Alfonso stayed on the offensive, and also mixed it up by using good side-to-side movement, as well as darting
in on the slower Champion. And, Alfonso's hand-speed was much faster than Nicolino's, as each time they
traded the Challenger got the better of the exchanges.

Nicolino spent much of his time 'bobbing-and-weaving' or resting in on the Challenger's chest, while throwing
very few punches. Overall, Nicolino's offense was 'minimally effective' at best.

There were even times, when a 'frustrated' Champion would just drop his hands by his side, and let the Alfonso
hit him at will. Nicolino was never hurt, a testament to his 'steel bar' reinforced rock chin.

Coming out for Round 15 >

Nicolino was behind on Points {3, 6 and 2} on the Scorecards, and he knew that he needed a Knockout to retain
his Championship Belt.

The Challenger - Alfonso Frazer was 'arm-weary', but the young Panamanian still had some reserve left in the tank,
as he bounced up-and-down on his toes in his Corner.

[Bill Paxtom]

~ Round 15 ~

0:00 > Both fighters meet at Center-Ring {Nicolino is on the left, and Alfonso is on the right}.
0:03 > Nicolino starts off by firing out '2' left-jabs.
0:06 > Alfonso circles 360* and stays outside
0:18 > Alfonso sends in a left-jab.

0:19 > Nicolino is 'loading up' for one punch.
0:21 > Nicolino lands with a shiort right-hand.
0:25 > Nicolino is 'stalking' as Alfonso stays outside to protect his Points lead.
0:27 > Alfonso circles again 360*, and flicks out '3' long-range left-jabs.

0:29 > Nicolino has his hands held low at Center-Ring, while trying to bait Alfonso in close.
0:31 > Alfosno moves in and fires off a fast 'left-right-right'.
0:32 > Alfonso backs out quickly, and darts in-and-out.
0:34 > Alfonso moves back to the front-center Ropes.

0:36 > Nicolino moves in.
0:37 > Alfonso circles out 180* to Center-Ring.
0:39 > The fighters clinch.
0:42 > Alfonso lands with a fast 'right-left', and moves out.

0:43 > Alfonso circles to his right.
0:44 > Nicolino goes back to 'stalking'.
0:49 > Both move in, and trade with 'left-right' punches to the head.
0:53 > Nicolino backs up to the left-side Ring area.

0:56 > Nicolino backs up into the left-side Ropes, but he is not punching.
1:04 > The action moves out to Center-Ring, where both clinch.
1:07 > Neither fighter is punching, and they both rest on the inside.
1:12 > Nicolino stays in close, and lands with a 'left-right'.

1:17 > Alfonso moves in close, and smothers Nicolino.
1:25 > The Referee calls 'Break'.
1:29 > Neither fighter is punching while in close and at Center-Ring.
1:32 > Nicolino does not look desperate to punch away.

1:37 > Alfonso pushes Nicolino backwards and into the right-side Ropes.
1:43 > Alfonso leans in on Nicolino's chest, and stays busy by throwing very-light punches to the body.
1:48 > Nicolino is resting the Ropes, and is letting Alfonso hit him.
1:50 > Alfonso is tossing in 'light punches'.



1:52 > Alfonso backs out fast to Center-Ring.
1:54 > Nicolino walks out stalking, with his hands down by his side.
1:58 > Alfonso fires out with a fast 'left-right-left-right'.
2:00 > Nicolino is 'not fazed' by the punches.

2:02 > Alfonso backs up to the left-side Ring area.
2:04 > Nicolino walks in with his hands down.
2:05 > Nicolino is still 'not' punching.
2:06 > The fighters move in close.

2:07 > Nicolino fires in with a hard left-hook to the ribs.
2:08 > Alfonso counters with a quick 'right-left'
2:12 > Both fighters get off and exchange with a fast-flurry.
2:17 > The fighters move in close, but do not exchange.

2:21 > Still there is no punching.
2:24 > Nicolino scores with a good right-hand to the chin.
2:27 > Alfonso counters with 'light' pepper-punches.
2:29 > The fighters move to Center-Ring.

2:34 > Nicolino leads off with a 'left-right' to the Challenger's face.
2:35 > Alfonso counters with a fast 'left-right-left' to the Champion's face.
2:36 > The flurry drives Nicolino backwards into the left-side Ropes.
2:40 > Alfonso moves in close, and the fighters 'clinch'.

2:44 > While on the Ropes, both fighters pepper each other with light counters.
2:48 > Alfonso is punching, but he has 'nothing' on his punches.
2:50 > Nicolino moves to his right, and backs into the front-left Ropes {near his own Corner}.
2:52 > Alfonso rushes in to pin the Champion there.

2:54 > Alfonso throws a 'left-right' to the body.
2:57 > Nicolino is doing nothing.
3:00 > 'Bell'

After the 'Bell', Alfonso Frazer lifts both hands in the air, as Nicolino put his gloves out to congratulate him.

Alfonso walks over to Nicolino's corner and gets a good sportsmanship welcome.

Alfonso Frazer's handlers rush into the Ring, and grab their fighter under his arms, and walk the exhausted
Challenger back to their Corner to wait for the Official Decision.

Scorecards
* Referee - Jesus Celis ........... 147-143 ~ {7-3-5 in Rounds}
* Judge - Juan Carlos Tapia .... 148-141 ~ {9-2-4 in Rounds}
* Judge - Luis Allede .............. 149-146 ~ {4-1-10 in Rounds}

* Associated Press ................. 149-140 ~ {10-1-4 in Rounds}

[Bill Paxtom]

~ Alfonso Frazer Unseats Champion - Locche ~

~ 'Shocking Upset' - Panamanian Upsets The Great Nicolino Locche ~

~ Panamanian Frazer Uses Speed And Quickness To Defeat 'El Intocable' Over 15 ~


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

Alfonso Frazer >

I followed my corner's instructions, and used fast-punches from the outside. I tried to stay away
from getting in close, because Nicolino is so good there.

Right from the out-set, I knew that he couldn't match my speed. I have faster hands than him,
and my footwork was excellent, as that is what we worked on for 2-Months in preparing for this
fight.

I'd like to defend my Title here in Panama, then I'll see about going to Argentina to give Nicolino
a rematch.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ray Arcel {Trainer for Alfonso Frazer} >

I watched Nicolino Locche in his sparring-sessions in Panama City. His style is to come out to
Center-Ring, then back up to the ropes where he can bait you in. When you move in, he's so
strong and tricky, that he can hit you with short punches, and then spin you around before you
know what's happening.

I told Alfonso to just stand there and look at Nicolino when he backs up, and don't follow him in.
Frustrate him by staying outside. By the end of 7th Round, Nicolino was 'flustered' and had to start
chasing Alfonso. Then my guy just boxed his ears off for the next 6-Rounds and built up a big lead
heading down the stretch.

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

Nicolino Locche >

I have no excuses. The Panamanian was the better fighter. He stayed outside, and kept away
from me.

He does have quick feet, and it was difficult to try and catch him. I really didn't have my best
equipment in Panama, as I was out-of-rhythm and couldn't get my punches off.

I'll get my Title back, when we have a rematch in Argentina.

[Bill Paxtom]

March 1972

Alfonso 'Peppermint' Frazer

~ WBA Fighter of the Month ~
~ Ring Magazine Fighter of the Month ~

WBA Ratings

*** Alfonso Frazer
#1 . Antonio Cervantes
#2 . Joao Henrique
#3 . Nicolino Locche
#4 . Jimmy Robertson
#5 . Eddie Perkins
#6 . Frank 'Paco' Flores
#7 . Carlos Giminez
#8 . Rodolfo Gonzales
#9 . Jeff White
#10. Roger Zami

[Bill Paxtom]

March 18, 1972

~ Nicolino Claims He Wasn't Prepared In Panama ~

Nicolino Locche 'El Intocable' says that he wasn't properly prepared for his bout
with Alfonso Frazer on March 10, 1972 in Panama.

The defensive-wizard lost his WBA Light-Welterweight Championship after holding
it for 3+ years, and after making '5' Title Defenses.

Nicolino Locche >

"I have no excuses, but I did not have good preparation before the bout. I travelled
to Panama City on February 28th."

"I only had 10-Days to prepare in Panama City, and I was rushing to get in Rounds
with my sparring-partners."

"When I walked into the Ring on March 10th {Friday Night}, I was less than I should
have been. My timing was off, and my speed was poor."

"I only ask for a rematch, and would hope to have that bout here in Buenos Aires as I
travelled to Panama to defend against Frazer. The 'new' Champion should afford me the
same courtesy."

"I beat 'Kid Pambele' {Antonio Cervantes} only 3-Months ago, and he is a much better
fighter than Alfonso Frazer. So I know that I can still win. You will see the old 'Nico'
in the rematch."

[Bill Paxtom]

Macrh 27, 1972

~ Nicolino Will Have To Wait For Rematch ~

Nicolino was hoping to get a rematch with conqueror Alfonso Zamora immediately,
and hopefully for a setting at Luna Park in Buenos Aires.

But, Argentinian Fight Promoter - Juan Carlos Lectoure stated that there was 'no'
rematch clause signed by either fighter in their March 10th bout.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Juan Carlos Lectoure {Argentinian Fight Promoter} >

"There will be no rematch here in Buenos Ares, no matter what 'Nico' says. I have
talked to Carlos Eleta {Alfonso Frazer's advisor}, and he says that the new Champion
will take 3-Months off."

"They then have plans to have 1 or 2 {10-Round} 'non-title' bouts, and will defend
the WBA Title in September or October."

"Nicolino will just have to stay in Mendoza and spend some of his 'bag' {money} and
wait. Maybe he should get prepared by having a 'tune-up' bout or two in Mendoza."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nicolino Locche >

"I will ready for a rematch, as long as I have 2-Months to prepare. I am not interested
in having any tune-up bouts. If they don't want to bring the Panamanian {Alfonso Frazer}
here to Buenos Aires, I will fight him on a 'Neutral Site' in Central America."