Miguel "Happy" Lora

Born Miguel Lora Escudero on April 12, 1961 in Montería, Córdoba, Colombia, is better known as "Happy" Lora. "Happy" Lora reigned as the WBC bantamweight champion of the world from 1985 to 1988.

Lora started training in his native Montería and eventually represented his home department. In 1977 he won a gold medal in a local tournament, which gave him the strength to keep practicing. From 1980 to 1983 he won several national and regional titles. On August 9, 1985 he got his first chance to fight for the championship against Mexican Daniel Zaragoza. Lora convincingly defeated Zaragoza and won an easy bout to become the fifth Colombian champion.

After the world title, Lora fought Puerto Rican Wilfredo Vázquez in an extremely vicious fight. He defended his belt eight times and fought boxers such as Alberto Davila, Antonio Avelar, Ray Minus, Lucio Omar López, until he lost it against Raúl "Jíbaro" Pérez.

During the three years that Miguel "Happy" Lora kept his title, he was known for his defensive, methodical style that made him one of the best boxers in the category.

After his loss to Raúl "Jíbaro" Pérez, he fought for a world title against Gaby Canizales, who won by knockout and eventually dislodged Lora's fifth cervical vertebrae. Miguel "Happy" Lora decided to retire form boxing in 1993 and since then he has been living in his native Montería, dedicated to personal business, TV shows and soap operas.

1. http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=12753&more=1. Interview With Former WBC Bantamweight Champ Miguel “Happy” Lora.

2. http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=12753&more=1. Interview With Former WBC Bantamweight Champ Miguel “Happy” Lora.

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Wikipedia