Pancho Villa (boxer)

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Pancho Villa
Pancho Villa BNF.jpeg
Statistics
Real nameFrancisco Villaruel Guilledo
Nickname(s)Pancho Villa
Filipino Whirlwind
Little Brown Boy
Weight(s)Flyweight
Height5 ft 1 in (154 cm)
NationalityFilipino
Born(1901-08-01)August 1, 1901
Ilog, Negros Occidental, Philippine Islands
DiedJuly 14, 1925(1925-07-14) (aged 23)
San Francisco, California, U.S.
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights103 (17 NWS)
Wins89 (13 NWS)
Wins by KO22
Losses8 (4 NWS)
Draws4
No contests2

Francisco Villaruel Guilledo (August 1, 1901 – July 14, 1925), more commonly known as Pancho Villa, was a Filipino professional boxer. Villa, who stood only 5 feet and 1 inch (154 cm) tall and never weighed more than 114 pounds (51 kg), despite the racial discrimination of that time, rose from obscurity to become the first Asian to win the World Flyweight Championship in 1923, earning the reputation in some quarters as one of the greatest Flyweight boxers in history.[1][2] He was never knocked out in his entire boxing career, which ended with his sudden death at only twenty-three from complications following a tooth extraction.

Early life and Philippine boxing career[]

Guilledo was born in Ilog, Negros Occidental, the son of a cowhand who abandoned his family when Guilledo was just six months old. He grew up in the hacienda of a wealthy local, helping his mother raise goats she tended on the farm.

When Guilledo was 11, he sailed to Iloilo City to work as a bootblack. While in Iloilo, he befriended a local boxer and together they migrated to Manila, settling in Tondo. He would occasionally spar with friends and soon attracted the attention of local boxing habitués. He fought his first professional fight in 1919 against Alberto Castro. Within two years, he was the Philippine Flyweight Champion, having dethroned Terio Pandong. He nearly gave up boxing after being spurned by a woman he courted, actually returning to Negros early in 1922 to retire. The clamor of Filipino boxing fans compelled him to return to the ring.

It appears that during this period, Guilledo was under the tutelage of at least two important local boxing figures. One was the American boxing promoter based in Manila, Frank E. Churchill. Another was a Filipino ice plant executive and boxing manager named . The renaming of Francisco Guilledo to Pancho Villa has been attributed to both men, depending on the source. One version tags Churchill as having renamed Guilledo into Villa, taking the name from the Mexican guerrilla leader.[3] Another version maintains that Paquito Villa had legally adopted Guilledo as early as 1918, renaming him Pancho.[4]

Not long before coming to America, he met future American World Junior Lightweight Champion Mike Ballerino nine times in Manila between January 1920, and October 1921 defeating him in six bouts. Ballerino would also be managed by Frank Churchill after coming to America.

World Flyweight Champion[]

Pancho Villa (left) vs. Jimmy Wilde (right)

In May, 1922, Villa received an invitation from famed boxing promoter Tex Rickard to fight in the United States. He accepted the invitation and sailed to America together with Churchill and Paquito Villa. Upon arrival he was set up with a very young but talented sparring partner in Enrique Chaffardet and immediately won his first overseas fight against Abe Goldstein in Jersey City on June 7, 1922. He then fought and defeated by Frankie Genaro on August 22, 1922. By this time, Villa had caught the attention of boxing aficionados and he was slated to fight against the American Flyweight Champion Johnny Buff on September 15, 1922.

Villa defeated Buff in an upset, knocking out the champion in the 11th round to win the American Flyweight Championship. At this point, Villa had been in the American phase of his career for only 4 months. Villa lost the title early the following year to Genaro, who defeated the Filipino on points in a widely criticized decision. The unpopularity of Villa's defeat on points proved fateful. Jimmy Wilde, the Welsh-born boxer and former World Flyweight Champion, had decided to end his recent retirement and seek the then vacant World Flyweight Championship in a fight to be staged in America. While Genaro, the American Champion, seemed as the logical choice to fight Wilde, Villa's growing popularity soon convinced promoters that the Filipino would prove as the better draw.

In what were described in that era as "pre-battle statements," the 31-year-old Wilde said: ~"I appreciate the fact that in Villa, I am going to meet one of the toughest little men in boxing. I appreciate the fact that I am going to be put to a real test, and that is what I have prepared for." In comments that summed up his fighting style, Villa said: ~"I am in condition and once in condition, my worries are over. I do not intend to give Wilde a minute's rest while we are in the ring."

Villa did not disappoint the ever pleasing crowd. On June 18, 1923, at the Polo Grounds in New York City, Villa was cheered on to victory over Wilde by more than 20,000 fans screaming "Viva Villa!" The win came by knockout in the 7th round, caused by a crashing right to Wilde's jaw.[5] Villa was described as relentless, pummeling Wilde with both hands and causing the Welshman to also drop in the fourth and fifth rounds. Wilde never fought again.

His wife Gliceria (née Concepcion) who was left in Manila, asked by the media outfits for reaction had this to say: "You cannot imagine the happiness I felt upon receiving the first notices of the victory of my husband. I cried not because of pain but emotion. I was hoping for his triumph."

Former President General Emilio Aguinaldo, voicing the sentiment of the entire nation said: "Congratulations, Pancho, Come back to us and defend your title here."

A hero's welcome greeted Pancho when he disembarked from the "SS President Grant," the same luxury liner that brought him to the United States on April 2, 1922 to launch his campaign in the land of promise.

A reception at the Malacanan Palace hosted by then President Manuel Quezon followed a massive parade from the airport passing through Manila's major streets where thousands greeted the returning sports hero.[6]

The new World Flyweight Champion successfully defended his title several times and never relinquished it until his death just two years later. Villa returned to a hero's welcome in Manila in September 1924, feted with a parade and a reception at Malacañan Palace. He also returned to his old haunts in Iloilo and his hometown in Negros Occidental. Before returning to the United States, he fought one more bout in Manila, against Clever Sencio, on May 2, 1925. Villa prevailed. None of the thousands of fans who saw that fight at Wallace Field knew that they had just witnessed Villa's final victory and the second to the last fight of his life.

Death[]

Villa returned to the United States to prepare for his next match, a non-title fight against Jimmy McLarnin scheduled for July 4, 1925, at Ewing Field in San Francisco. In the days leading to the fight, Villa's face became swollen due to an ulcerated tooth. According to contemporary newspaper accounts, on the morning of the fight, Villa went to a dentist to have the tooth extracted. Despite the pain and swelling, Villa insisted on going ahead with the fight with McLarnin. Villa ended up spending most of the fight using one hand to protect his afflicted face. Given these circumstances, Villa naturally lost, though he managed to stay the distance. It was to be Villa's last fight.

Two or three days after the McLarnin fight, he had three more teeth extracted after an infection was discovered. Against his dentist's prescription of bed rest, Villa spent the next few days carousing with friends. His condition worsened, and by July 13, 1925, he had to be rushed to the hospital. It was discovered that the infection had spread to his throat, resulting in Ludwig's angina. Villa was rushed into surgery, but he lapsed into a coma while on the table and died the following day, July 14, 1925. Tragically, his death occurred only 17 days before his 24th birthday.

His remains were returned to Manila, and in August 1925, he was buried at Manila North Cemetery.

Family[]

His younger half-brother, Eulogio Villaruel Tingson also known as "Little Pancho", was a professional boxer who compiled a record of 103(19 KO)–18–26 with 1 No Contest.

Honors[]

Villa's 1923 victory made him the first Asian in history to have won an international boxing championship. In October 1961, Villa was added by Ring Magazine to its own boxing hall of fame. He was inducted belatedly into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1994, the second Filipino boxer so honored after Gabriel "Flash" Elorde, who was born nearly a decade after Villa's death.

Villa was ranked the 59th best fighter by Ring Magazine in 2002 in a list of the 80 Best Fighters of the Last 80 Years.

He was voted as the #1 flyweight (along with Miguel Canto) of the 20th century by the Associated Press in 1999.[7]

Professional boxing record[]

89 Wins (22 knockouts, 67 decisions), 8 Losses (0 knockout, 8 decisions), 4 Draws, 2 No Decision
Newspaper Decision (13 Wins, 4 Losses, 0 Draws)Notes[8]

All Newspaper decisions are regarded as “no decision” bouts as they have “resulted in neither boxer winning or losing, and would therefore not count as part of their official fight record."

Res. Record Opponent Type Rd., Time Date Location Notes
Loss 77–4–4 (19) Canada Jimmy McLarnin PTS 10 1925-07-04 United States Oaks Ballpark, Emeryville, California
Win 77–3–4 (19) Philippines Clever Sencio UD 15 1925-05-02 Philippines Wallace Field, Metro Manila Retained NBA, NYSAC, and The Ring flyweight titles
Win 76–3–4 (19) Philippines Francisco Pilapil KO 8 (15) 1925-03-09 Philippines Iloilo City, Iloilo
Win 75–3–4 (19) United States Amos Carlin PTS 15 1924-08-18 United States Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Win 74–3–4 (19) United States Frankie Murray NWS 8 1924-07-28 United States Bacharach Ball Park, Atlantic City, New Jersey
Win 74–3–4 (18) United Kingdom Willie Woods PTS 10 1924-07-21 United States Mechanics Building, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Win 73–3–4 (18) United States Henry Catena KO 5 (12) 1924-07-02 United States Playgrounds Stadium, West New York, New Jersey
Win 72–3–4 (18) United States Bud Taylor PTS 12 1924-06-10 United States Henderson's Bowl, Brooklyn, New York
Win 71–3–4 (18) United Kingdom Frankie Ash UD 15 1924-05-30 United States Henderson's Bowl Brooklyn, New York Retained NBA, NYSAC, and The Ring flyweight titles
Draw 70–3–4 (18) United States Eddie McKenna PTS 10 1924-04-23 United States Milwaukee Auditorium, Public Hall Cleveland, Ohio
Win 70–3–3 (18) United States Billy Bonillas NWS 4 1924-03-22 United States10th Street Arena, Modesto, California
Win 70–3–3 (17) United States Georgie Lee NWS 4 1924-03-21 United StatesL-st Arena Sacramento, California
Loss 70–3–3 (16) United States Bud Taylor NWS 12 1924-03-06 United States Auditorium Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Win 70–3–3 (15) United States George Marks UD 15 1924-02-08 United States Madison Square Garden, New York
Win 69–3–3 (15) United States Mike Moran UD 10 1924-01-21 United States Motor Square Garden, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Win 68–3–3 (15) United States Tony Norman PTS 10 1924-01-01 United States Motor Square Garden, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Win 67–3–3 (15) United States Pasty Wallace PTS 10 1923-12-10 United States Arena Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Win 66–3–3 (15) Canada Donnie Mack KO 4 (10) 1923-12-05 Canada Coliseum Toronto, Ontario
Win 65–3–3 (15) United States Joey Schwartz NWS 10 1923-11-19 United States Detroit Michigan
Win 65–3–3 (14) United States Jabez White NWS 8 1923-10-22 United States Arena Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Win 65–3–3 (13) United States Benny Schwartz PTS 15 1923-10-12 United States 5th Regiment Armory, Baltimore, Maryland Retained NBA, NYSAC, and The Ring flyweight titles
Win 64–3–3 (13) United States Tony Thomas PTS 10 1923-09-24 United States Mechanics Building, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Win 63–3–3 (13) United States Bud Taylor NWS 10 1923-09-08 United States Hawthorne Race Course, Chicago, Illinois
Win 63–3–3 (12) United States Jackie Feldman KO 3 (10) 1923-08-22 United States Velodrome, New York New York City
Win 62–3–3 (12) United States Kid Williams NWS 8 1923-07-31 United States Shetzline Ballpark, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Win 62–3–3 (11) United States Abe Friedman PTS 10 1925-07-20 United States Mechanics Building, Boston, Massachusetts
Win 61–3–3 (11) United Kingdom Jimmy Wilde KO 7 (20) 1923-06-18 United States Polo Grounds, New York New York City Won NBA and inaugural NYSAC and The Ring flyweight titles
Loss 60–3–3 (11) United States Bobby Wolgast NWS 8 1923-05-24 United States Shibe Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Win 60–3–3 (10) United States Battling Al Murray NWS 10 1923-05-11 United States Dexter Park Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois
Win 60–3–3 (9) United States Clarence Rosen NWS 10 1923-04-23 United States Detroit, Michigan
Win 60–3–3 (8) United States Willie Darcy PTS 12 1923-03-24 United States State Armory, Waterbury, Connecticut
Win 59–3–3 (8) United States Young Montreal NWS 8 1923-03-19 United States Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Loss 59–3–3 (7) United States Frankie Genaro SD 15 1923-03-01 United States Madison Square Garden, New York Lost American Flyweight Title
Win 59–2–3 (7) United States Henry Kid Wolfe KO 3 (8) 1923-02-20 United States Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Win 58–2–3 (7) United States Frankie Mason KO 5 (10) 1923-02-13 United States Mechanics Building, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. American Flyweight Title
Win 57–2–3 (7) United States Battling Al Murray NWS 8 1923-01-01 United States Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Win 57–2–3 (6) United States Terry Martin UD 15 1922-12-29 United States Madison Square Garden, New York American Flyweight Title
Win 56–2–3 (6) United States Young Montreal UD 15 1922-11-27 United States Arena, Boston, Massachusetts
Win 55–2–3 (6) United States Abe Goldstein UD 15 1922-11-16 United States Madison Square Garden, New York American Flyweight Title
Win 54–2–3 (6) United States Pasty Wallace NWS 8 1922-10-30 United States Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Win 54–2–3 (5) United States Danny Edwards PTS 10 1922-10-23 United States Arena, Boston, Massachusetts
Win 53–2–3 (5) United States Johnny Buff TKO 11 (12), 0:27 1922-09-14 United States Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, New York Won American Flyweight Title
Loss 52–2–3 (5) United States Frankie Genaro PTS 10 1922-08-22 United States Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, New York
Win 52–1–3 (5) United States Sammy Cohen PTS 8 1922-08-15 United States Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, New York
Win 51–1–3 (5) United States Johnny Hepburn PTS 6 1922-08-02 United States Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, New York
Win 50–1–3 (5) United States Terry Miller NWS 12 1922-07-27 United States Asbury Park, New Jersey
Win 50–1–3 (4) United States Frankie Murray PTS 8 1922-07-19 United StatesMargolies A.C., Averne, Queens, New York
Loss 49–1–3 (4) United States Frankie Genaro NWS 12 1922-07-06 United States Jersey City, New Jersey
Loss 49–1–3 3) United States Abe Goldstein NWS 12 1922-06-07 United States Oakland A.A., Jersey City, New Jersey
Win 49–1–3 (2) Philippines Pete Sarmiento PTS 15 1922-04-01 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila
Win 48–1–3 (2) Philippines Max Mason PTS 15 1922-03-19 Philippines Iloilo City, Iloilo
Win 47–1–3 (2) United States Georgie Lee PTS 15 1922-02-12 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila
Win 46–1–3 (2) Philippines Kid Abayan PTS 8 1922-01-12 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila
Win 45–1–3 (2) Philippines Battling Ongay KO 1 (?) 1921-12-29 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila
Win 44–1–3 (2) Australia Jimmy Taylor PTS 8 1921-12-15 Philippines Ground Opera House, Manila, Metro Manila
Win 43–1–3 (2) Australia George Mendies KO 3 (10) 1921-12-08 Philippines Olympic Stadium, Manila, Metro Manila
Win 42–1–3 (2) Philippines Kid Garcia PTS 8 1921-11-17 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila
Win 41–1–3 (2) Philippines Kid Aguila PTS 8 1921-11-10 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila
Win 40–1–3 (2) Philippines Kid Aguila PTS 8 1921-10-19 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila
Win 39–1–3 (2) United States Mike Ballerino PTS 20 1921-08-23 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila
Win 38–1–3 (2) Philippines Leoncio Bernabe PTS 20 1921-09-21 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila
Win 37–1–3 (2) Australia Syd Keenan PTS 8 1921-09-07 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila
Win 36–1–3 (2) Philippines Cowboy Reyes PTS 8 1921-09-03 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila Orient bantamweight title
Win 35–1–3 (2) United States Mike Ballerino PTS 20 1921-08-23 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila
Loss 34–1–3 (2) United States Eddie Moore DQ 10 1921-08-09 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila
Draw 34–0–3 (2) United States Mike Ballerino PTS 15 1921-07-25 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila
Win 34–0–2 (2) Philippines Young Modejar PTS 6 1921-07-11 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila
Draw 33–0–2 (2) Philippines Leoncio Bernabe PTS 6 1921-06-20 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila
Win 33–0–1 (2) Philippines Pete Alberto PTS 6 1921-06-06 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila
Win 32–0–1 (2) Philippines Knockout Lewis KO 4 (?) 1921-05-22 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila
Win 31–0–1 (2) United States Mike Ballerino PTS 15 1921-05-08 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila
Win 30–0–1 (2) Philippines Stiff Irineo KO 2 (?) 1921-04-24 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila
Win 29–0–1 (2) Philippines Kid Garcia PTS 8 1921-04-10 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila
Win 28–0–1 (2) Philippines Valentin Santos KO 7 (?) 1921-03-26 Philippines Olympic Stadium, Manila, Metro Manila
Win 27–0–1 (2) United States Mike Ballerino PTS 10 1921-03-05 Philippines Olympic Stadium, Manila, Metro Manila
Win 26–0–1 (2) Philippines Terio Pandong PTS 8 1921-02-21 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila
Win 25–0–1 (2) Philippines Kid Moro KO 3 (?) 1921-02-07 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila
Win 24–0–1 (2) Philippines Sailor Johnny Candelaria KO 3 (?) 1921-01-23 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila
Draw 23–0–1 (2) United States Mike Ballerino PTS 15 1921-01-10 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila
Win 23–0 (2) Philippines Stiff Irineo PTS 6 1920-07-10 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila Precise date unknown at this time.
Win 22–0 (2) Philippines Kid Cortez PTS 6 1920-06-10 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila Precise date unknown at this time.
Win 21–0 (2) Philippines Sailor Johnny Candelaria PTS 6 1920-05-10 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila Precise date unknown at this time.
Win 20–0 (2) United States Mike Ballerino PTS 6 1920-04-10 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila Precise date unknown at this time.
NC 19–0 (2) United States Mike Ballerino ND 6 1920-03-25 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila Precise date unknown at this time.
Win 19–0 (1) United States Mike Ballerino PTS 6 1920-03-10 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila Precise date unknown at this time.
NC 18–0 (1) United States Mike Ballerino ND 6 1920-02-25 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila Precise date unknown at this time.
Win 18–0 Philippines Jose de la Cruz PTS 6 1920-02-10 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila Precise date unknown at this time.
Win 17–0 Philippines Pedro Capitan KO 4 1920-01-01 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila Precise date unknown at this time.
Win 16–0 Philippines Baguio Bearcat PTS 4 1919-11-10 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila Precise date unknown at this time.
Win 15–0 Philippines Baguio Bearcat PTS 4 1919-10-10 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila Precise date unknown at this time.
Win 14–0 Philippines Pedro Olongapo PTS 4 1919-09-10 Philippines Olympic Stadium, Manila, Metro Manila Precise date unknown at this time.
Win 13–0 Philippines Jose de la Cruz PTS 4 1919-08-10 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila Precise date unknown at this time.
Win 12–0 Philippines Kid Elino PTS 4 1919-07-10 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila Precise date unknown at this time.
Win 11–0 Philippines Young Duarte PTS 4 1919-06-10 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila Precise date unknown at this time.
Win 10–0 Philippines Young Eduards PTS 4 1919-05-10 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila Precise date unknown at this time.
Win 9–0 Philippines Jose Mendoza KO 2 (?) 1919-05-01 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila Precise date unknown at this time.
Win 8–0 Philippines Pete Alberto PTS 4 1919-04-10 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila Precise date unknown at this time.
Win 7–0 Philippines Kid Moro KO 2(?) 1919-04-01 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila Precise date unknown at this time.
Win 6–0 Philippines Kid Cortez KO 2 (?) 1919-03-10 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila Precise date unknown at this time.
Win 5–0 Philippines Jaime Desiderio KO 2 (?) 1919-03-01 Philippines Olympic Stadium, Manila, Metro Manila Precise date unknown at this time.
Win 4–0 Philippines Terio Pandong PTS 4 1919-02-10 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila Precise date unknown at this time.
Win 3–0 Philippines Ceasareo Siguion KO 2 (?) 1919-02-01 Philippines Palomar Pavilion, Manila, Metro Manila Precise date unknown at this time.
Win 2–0 Philippines Kid Castro PTS 5 Jan 10, 1919 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila Precise date unknown at this time.
Win 1–0 Philippines Alberto Castro KO 3 (?) Jan 01, 1919 Philippines Manila, Metro Manila Precise date unknown at this time.

See also[]

  • List of flyweight boxing champions
  • List of Filipino Boxing World Champions

References[]

  1. ^ IBHOF / Pancho Villa at www.ibhof.com
  2. ^ http://www.boxingscene.com/-top-25-flyweights-all-time-top-ten--21528
  3. ^ IBHOF / Pancho Villa at www.ibhof.com
  4. ^ Filipinos in History, Volume II, National Historical Institute, pp. 169
  5. ^ "Francisco Guilledo – World Flyweight Champion". The Cyber Boxing Zone Encyclopedia.
  6. ^ http://philboxing.com/news/story-120117.html
  7. ^ "ESPN.com: BOXING – AP Fighters of the Century list". Static.espn.go.com. Retrieved 2014-05-04.
  8. ^ Pancho Villa's Professional Boxing Record. BoxRec.com. Retrieved on 2014-05-18.

External links[]

Achievements
Preceded by
Jimmy Wilde
World Flyweight Champion
June 18, 1923 – July 14, 1925
Died
Vacant
Title next held by
Fidel LaBarba
Sporting positions
Preceded by
Mike Glover
Latest born world champion to die
July 14, 1925 – February 1, 1937
Succeeded by
Tony Marino
Records
Preceded by
Stanley Ketchel
24
Youngest Dying World Champion
23

July 14, 1925 – August 12, 1982
Succeeded by
Masao Ohba
23
Retrieved from ""