Vicente Mijares ~ 'Talented Mexican Lightweight'

[Bill Paxtom]

~ Mid 1976 Lightweight Happenings ~

WBA Lightweight Champion - Roberto Duran

Had defended his Title on May 23rd with a win {KO 14} over 'pesky' Lou Bizzarro.

Roberto, who had signed a '3-Bout' $375,000 Fight Contract with Promoter - Don King
in December 1975, was trying to 'pick-and-choose' his opponents.

The Duran Camp was contemplating a jump up to the 140 lb. Light-Welterweight Division,
to challenge new Champion > 'teenager' Wilfred Benitez.

The Panamanian-based WBA put 'no pressure' on their favorite son > Roberto Duran to
defend his Lightweight Championship against the 'mandatory challenger'.

Esteban Dejesus won the WBC Championship on May 8, 1976 when he defeated Ishimatu
'Guts' Suzuki by a 'wide' 15-Round Decision.

Esteban had signed a contract to defend his Title against the #1 WBC-ranked Challenger
Hector Julio Medina within the 120-Days stipulated by the WBC. That bout was set for
late-August or early-September.

Vicente Mijares

Had won '4-Straight' Lightweight Elimination bouts since November 29, 1975 > yet was still
waiting for the chance to challenge for the Lightweight Championship.

The 21 1/2 year-old Vicente, now at 21-0-0, was ranked in the Top 3 of both the WBC and WBA.

Harry Kabakoff >
"We have given up on chasing Roberto Duran. The WBA gives us no help, and has allowed him to
defend his Championship against an 'unranked guy' in Lou Bizzarro. He {Bizzarro} was 'undefeated',
but he was a 'club-fighter' who beat no one."

"We are hoping to secure a bout with WBC Champion - Esteban DeJesus for the end of the year,
if he gets by that Dominican {Hector Julio Medina}, which will be no easy task. That kid {Medina}
can fight."

[Bill Paxtom]

Friday ~ September 3, 1976

Plaza de Toros Calafia ~ Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico

Attendance ........... 6700

~ NABF Lightweight Championship ~

* Vicente Mijares - 21-0-0 {11 KO's} ~ 134 lbs. ~ {Age; 21 years, 8 months}
vs.
* Javier Muniz - 21-5-2 {11 KO's} ~ 135 lbs. ~ {Age; 23 years, 1 month}
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny ~

Vicente Mijares continues to fight, and wait for a World Title bout. The 'master-boxing'
Mexican will be defending his NABF Lightweight Championship for the 2nd time.

Javier Muniz is a 'fast-handed' boxer from Los Angeles. The 3-Year Professional was at
18-1-2 only 1-Year earlier in July 1975. But Javier has slid by going { 3-4 } in his last
'7-Bouts' since August 1975.

Also, Javier has a 'granite chin' and has never been floored in his career. His '4' previous
losses {10-Round Decisions} have all been to World Class Lightweights >
* Rudy Hernandez
* Jimmy Heair
* Alfonso Jiminez
* Buzzsaw Yamabe
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ NABF Lightweight Champion Mijares Scores 'Decisive' Win In Mexicali ~

Mexican 'boxing-specialist' Vicente Mijares defended his NABF Lightweight Championship by
scoring a 'decisive' 12-Round Decision over scrappy Los Angeles Lightweight - Javier Muniz.

The 21 1/2 year-old Mijares used a 'consistent-and-sharp' left-hand to build up a wide-points
lead over the first-half of the bout.

In Round 4, Mijares 'badly-shook' Muniz when he caught him with a 'vicious' right-hook to
the jaw, and had his opponent 'wobbling' throughout the middle-session of the Round. But,
Muniz shook off the 'cob-webs' and just barely made it through the Round while back-pedaling
along the perimeter of the Ring.

A still 'groggy' Muniz made it through Round 5 by circling, and moving in close to grab
Mijares each time that he attacked.

Though Muniz was out-boxed, he never stopped trying, as he flung left-hooks and wide
right-hands from the outside against the smooth-boxing Mijares during an 'action-oriented'
6th and 7th Rounds.

But Mijares moved inside during the 8th and 9th Rounds, and slammed the durable Muniz with
left-hooks to the jaw and right-hands to the body, sending the Los Angeles fighter back on
his heels and against the Ropes.

With the bout 'well-in-hand', Mijares went back to 'smart-boxing' over the last 3-Rounds, and
was effective with left-jabs, and quick 'left-right' counter-punches each time that Muniz moved
in to attack.

Scorecards
* 118-113 {7-2-3 in Rounds} > Vicente Mijares
* 118-111 {9-2-1 in Rounds} > Vicente Mijares
* 117-112 {8-3-1 in Rounds} > Vicente Mijares

[Bill Paxtom]

Thursday ~ November 4, 1976

Olympic Auditorium ~ Los Angeles, California

#3 WBA / #3 WBC - Vicente Mijares - 22-0-0 {11 KO's} ~ 5' 6 1/2" ~ 134 1/2 lbs. ~ {Age; 22 years, 10 months}
vs.
#11 WBA / #16 WBC - Mar 'Sea Base' Basa - 44-3-1 {14 KO's} ~ 5' 7" ~ 136 lbs. ~ {Age; 26 years, 10 months}
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny ~

Vicente Mijares in a 'stay busy' bout, while waiting for a World Championship bout.

Mar Basa is a quick and crafty-boxer from The Philippines. 'Sea Base' is a stable-mate
of WBA Super-Featherweight Champion - Ben Villaflor.

Up thru May 1976, Mar Basa had a 'posted' record of 43-1-1 with {14 KO's}, and was ranked
as the #7 WBA Super-Featherweight.

But a loss {L TKO 9} to #1 World-ranked Super-Featherweight - Samuel Serrano in Puerto Rico
on May 8th ended his incredible run.

The 8-Year Professional bounced back by scoring an 'upset win' {W Dec 10} over highly-regarded
and #12 WBA-ranked Lightweight Korean - Chung-Moon Chin back on August 10, 1976.

But on September 15th, 'Sea Base' was stopped {L KO 5} by #5 WBC Lightweight - Buzzsaw Yamabe
in a WBC South-Pacific Elimination bout in Honolulu, Hawaii.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Mijares Chases Down Filipino, Scores Decision Win At The Olympic ~

#3 World-rated Lightweight - Vicente Mijares chased-and-chased, and scored a wide-points 10-Round
Decision over 'fleet-footed' southpaw Mar Base of The Philippines.

The 'smart-boxing' Mijares stalked the light-punching Filipino for the outset, by firing in steady left-jabs,
and short right-hands to the body, as Mar Base stayed on the outside and tried to counter with right-jabs.

When the Filipino moved in close to trade, he was out-punched, and was forced to retreat and attempt
to counter from the outside.

Mijares had his way over the early going, and scored a 'flash-knockdown' in Round 4, when he caught
Mar Base with a hard-counter right-hand to the chin.

The Mexican then kept up the pace with a steady-offense, and had the Filipino in retreat-mode in every
Round. The Filipino was hurt in Rounds 8 and 9 as well, but the crafty-boxer was able to use his quick
footwork to escape and avoid getting trapped.

Scorecards
* Referee - John Thomas ...... 100-92
* Judge Eddie Fiero .............. 100-89
* Judge - Marty Dankin .......... 99-90
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harry Kabakoff {Manager for Vicente Mijares} >
"There is not much more we can do, but wait for a contract to Challenge for one of the World Titles. We were
offered $10,000 to fight WBC Champion - Esteban DeJesus in a {non-title bout} on Television, and set for the
end of November. That is not acceptable for us."

'We are only looking for a Championship Bout now, no 'non-title' bouts."

[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}
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ 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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ 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."

[Bill Paxtom]

Saturday ~ June 25, 1977

Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium ~ Bayoman, Puerto Rico

Promoter .......... Don King
Attendance ....... 5500 ... {Capacity; 12,500}

WBC Lightweight Championship

* Esteban Dejesus - 50-3-0 {29 KO's} ~ 5' 4 1/2" ~ 135 lbs. ~ {Age; 25 years, 10 months}
vs.
#1 Vicente Mijares - 24-0-0 {11 KO's} ~ 5' 6 1/2" ~ 135 lbs. ~ {Age; 23 years, 5 months}
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny ~

Esteban DeJesus will be making the 3rd-Title defense of WBC Championship he won back on
May 8, 1976.

This bout was 'originally' scheduled for May 13th, but Esteban requested a 6-Week postponement,
claiming a hand-injury {left-hand}.

On the line, is not only the WBC Lightweight Championship, but a $250,000 fight purse to face
Roberto Duran for later in the year.

Vicente Mijares has been at the 'top' of the Lightweight Division for 18-Months {since November 1975},
and the Mexican 'master-boxer' has been waiting a long time for a World Title bout.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny 'II'

Esteban has looked good in sparring with Brooklyn, New York 'southpaw' Lightweight - Carlos Soto,
a fast-handed boxer.

Also, former WBA Welterweight Champion - Angel Espada has come in to help out Esteban in some
later sessions.

Vicente Mijares arrived with Arizona Lightweight - Arturo Leon, a compact and strong boxer. Vicente
has looked both sharp-and-quick in sparring sessions.

Harry Kabakoff >
"We expect Esteban to come out fast, and to try and get in his hard left-hooks. That is where we will
be careful. Vicente will box and move for the first-half of the bout, and then take care of business over
the second-half of the bout. Esteban will not be able to match Vicente in hand-speed, especially
late in the bout."

"My boy will surprise everybody. We will stop Dejesus on 'cuts', mark my words. Vicente has fast and
'slashing-fists'. Our strategy is in {3 Parts}."

"Part 1, is to stay away from Dejesus for the first 6-Rounds. > Part 2, is to box him for 4 or 5 Rounds,
until he starts to fade around the 10th or 11th Round. > Part 3, is to open up on him in Round 12.
Vicente will 'slash' him up late, and stop in the 13th or 14th Round."

[Bill Paxtom]

Saturday ~ June 25, 1977

Esteban Dejesus vs. Vicente Mijares

~ Pre-Fight Skinny~

Promoter ........ Don King

Broadcast also on several Spanish Television Networks, throughout North America.

Fight Purses
* Esteban Dejesus ......... $100,000
* Vicente Mijares ............ $25,000 + {$3000 in Hotel and Travel Expenses}

WBC Lightweight Champion - Esteban Dejesus was listed as a {2-1} Betting-Favorite.

At the 'pre-fight' 12:00 PM Noon weigh-in > Vicente Mijares came in a 1/2 pound over the limit.

The Challenger was given 2-Hours to make weight. Vicente then did about 20-Minutes of
Exercises, and then did a light-run of 1.5 Miles.

He made weight at the 2nd weigh-in at 2:00 PM.

The bout was scheduled to begin at 9:00 PM.

Don King had expected the attendance to be around 8000, with Gate Receipts of $120,000.

The turn out was somewhat disappointing at 5500, and with Gate Receipts at $73,000.

Esteban Dejesus >
"He {Vicente Mijares} is very fast. He is quick and moves around the Ring very fast. He can run,
but he can't hide. Sometime during our bout he will have to stop and fight. That is where I will
end it. I don't think it will go past 9 Rounds, as I'm in the best shape that I have ever been in."

[Bill Paxtom]

Saturday ~ June 25, 1977

~ Esteban Dejesus Scores 11th Round Knockout In Title Defense ~

~ Dejesus Stops Mijares In One-Sided WBC Championship Bout ~

Esteban Dejesus retained his WBC Lightweight Championship by scoring a Knockout in the 11th Round
over #1 Challenger - Vicente Mijares of Mexico.

Dejesus took charge from the Opening Bell, and chased the Mexican all around the Ring in a one-sided affair,
as he had the Challenger back-pedaling fast during the early going.

Dejesus displaying good power, landed solid-blows in Round 3, drawing blood from the fast-moving
Challenger's nose.

The Champion landed solid blows in Round 5 as well, opening up a small-cut over the Challenger's right-eye.

Mijares was warned in Rounds 6 and 7 from Referee - Raymond Baldayrou for 'not' mixing it up, as the Mexican
moved swiftly around the Perimeter of the Ring by back-pedaling, using poking left-jabs to stay at a safe-distance
as the Champion pressed and stalked.

In Round 8, the Challenger did make an attempt to trade, but was 'rocked' during the exchanges, as the Champion
landed heavy-hooks to the head.

In Round 9, Mijares started to fight back, and mid-way through the session he moved inside, and caught Dejesus
with '2' good left-hooks to the head and 'wicked' right-uppercut to the jaw, which momentarily 'stunned' the muscular
Champion, sending Dejesus back on his heels.

Mijares also added in a good flurry at the end of the session, for his best Round of the night.

But the Champion changed all that in Round 10, as he 'thumped' the Challenger with a battery of combinations and
hooks, opening up the cut over Mijares right-eye, as well as cutting his left-cheek. With Mijares in a bad way, Dejesus moved
in and 'unloaded' with heavy-hooks to the head, and had the Challenger covering up on the Ropes at the Bell.

In Round 11, both fighters traded medium-power punches at Center-Ring. Mijares was able to hold his own over the
first-half of the session, as he kept up with the Champion by dishing out his own fast-flurries.

But the Champion displayed his power, and 'twice' stunned Mijares with hard right-hooks to the head at the {2:00 Mark}.

Then with 'sudden-swiftness', Dejesus fired off a 'left-right', then a wicked right-uppercut, and then caught Mijares with
a 'wicked' left-hook the chin, dropping him 'flat-on-his-back'.

Referee - Raymond Baldayrou counted out the Challenger at {2:20} of Round 11.