Vicente Mijares ~ 'Talented Mexican Lightweight'

[Bill Paxtom]

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}
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~ 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.
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~ 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."