Gabriel Elorde
| Flash Elorde | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Statistics | |
| Real name | Gabriel Elorde |
| Nickname(s) | Flash |
| Rated at | Junior Lightweight |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Reach | 68 in (173 cm) |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Born |
March 25, 1935 Bogo, Cebu, Philippine Islands |
| Died | January 2, 1985 (aged 49) |
| Stance | Southpaw |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 117 |
| Wins | 89 |
| Wins by KO | 33 |
| Losses | 27 |
| Draws | 2 |
Flash Elorde (born Gabriel Elorde; March 25, 1935 – January 2, 1985) was a Filipino professional boxer. He was born and raised in the town of Bogo, Cebu, Philippines (since a city) in 1935.
Elorde was a World Junior Lightweight Champion, he won the title in 1960. In 1963, he was inaugurated as WBC and WBA champion. He still holds the junior lightweight division record for longest title reign, and is considered as one of the greatest junior lightweight champion in history. It spanned for seven years, and in doing so he legitimized the division. Elorde is considered one of the best Filipino boxers of all time along with eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao and flyweight champion in the 1920s, Pancho Villa. He was much beloved in the Philippines as a sports and cultural icon, being the first Filipino international boxing champion since middleweight champion Ceferino Garcia.
A southpaw, Flash Elorde was known for his boxing skills and speed. Writer Robert Lipsyte once described his style as the "subtle little temple-dancer moves".
Gabriel Elorde was born in the town of Bogo, Cebu. The youngest of 15 children, he came from a poor family.
Elorde finished only the 3rd grade of his elementary education and was forced to drop out due to extreme poverty. He then began to work as a bearer of bowling balls and, beside this, as a carpenter.
His love for boxing came from a friend, Lucio Laborte, a former professional boxer. Laborte taught him how to box, and Elorde quickly learned the sport and pursued his dream to become a boxer. At the time he was only 16 years old.
Elorde made his professional debut at the age of 16 on June 16, 1951, against Kid Gonzaga. The bout was held in Cebu, Philippines. The boxing newcomer stopped his foe in the 4th round.
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