Oscar Bonavena
| Oscar Bonavena | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Statistics | |
| Real name | Oscar Natalio Bonavena |
| Nickname(s) | Ringo |
| Rated at | Heavyweight |
| Height | 5 ft 10 1⁄2 in (1.79 m) |
| Reach | 73 in (185 cm) |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Born |
September 25, 1942 Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | May 22, 1976 (aged 33) Sparks, Nevada at the Mustang Ranch, USA |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 68 |
| Wins | 58 |
| Wins by KO | 44 |
| Losses | 9 (1 KO) |
| Draws | 1 |
| No contests | 0 |
Oscar Natalio "Ringo" Bonavena (September 25, 1942 – May 22, 1976) was an Argentinian heavyweight professional boxer with a career record of 58 wins, 9 losses and 1 draw. A rugged, wild-swinging puncher, he was nicknamed "Ringo" because of his Beatles haircut, and enjoyed professional success in both Argentina and the United States. He is most famous for giving both Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali tough battles.
Oscar Natalio Bonavena was born in Buenos Aires to two Italian immigrants.
Bonavena began his early career in New York City under the management of World War II hero and dentist, Marvin Goldberg. He was known as "The Argentine Strong-Boy".
His pro debut was on February 1, 1964. He soon racked up a quick string of early knockouts, but was overmatched early, sometimes fighting twice a month, and lost by a decision in February 1965 to then highly rated Zora Folley. Bonavena was in only his 15th contest and was far too inexperienced to then really tackle a top veteran like Folley. It was a one sided contest with Bonavena getting up off the deck from a wicked right hand. Even courageous Oscar looked discouraged and shaken at times in the later rounds. However, three years later with far more experience and training he won their rematch by decision.
After that, he returned to Argentina, where his winning and knockout streak continued. But in mid 1966 he was enticed back to New York for a match with rugged contender George Chuvalo.
The free-swinging Bonavena soon ran into trouble outside the ring. He called Muhammad Ali a black kangaroo and even a chicken for draft dodging. Ali was furious. Oscar was one of the few people to upstage Ali in pre-fight press conferences. When, much later, he saw Ali seated ringside at the George Foreman–Ken Norton fight, he went over and started a big slanging match. In his pre-fight press conference with Frazier, Bonavena needled effectively by implying that Frazier had a personal hygiene problem. He would start sniffing and grimace. Lawsuits were brought about by reporters with broken cameras; and other such "colorful" behavior. He was always volatile, as trainers soon discovered.
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