Best fights of Oscar Bonavena
Over 12 years as a professional, Oscar Bonavena compiled a 58-9-1 (44) record, including three title fights. Here are his top 10 best fights.
1. Oscar Bonavena defeats Karl Mildenberger
On September 16, 1967 Oscar Bonavena faced Karl Mildenberger in a heavyweight bout. Bonavena was 24 years old with a record of 30-3, and Mildenberger was 29 with a record of 52-3-3. Bonavena was on a 9-fight winning streak and Mildenberger was on a 3-fight winning streak. Bonavena won via unanimous decision.
2. Oscar Bonavena loses to Muhammad Ali via KO
On December 7, 1970 Oscar Bonavena fought Muhammad Ali for the vacant WBC-NABF heavyweight title. Bonavena was 28 years old with a record of 46-6-1, and Ali was 28 with a record of 30-0. Bonavena was on a 5-fight winning streak and Ali was on an undefeated 30-fight winning streak. Ali stopped Bonavena via TKO in the 15th round. Failed to win the vacant title. Lasted into the 15th round.
3. Oscar Bonavena defeats Leotis Martin
On September 7, 1968 Oscar Bonavena faced Leotis Martin in a heavyweight bout. Bonavena was 25 years old with a record of 36-4, and Martin was 29 with a record of 26-4. Bonavena was on a 5-fight winning streak and Martin was coming off a win. Bonavena won via unanimous decision.
4. Oscar Bonavena loses to Ron Lyle via unanimous decision
On March 19, 1974 Oscar Bonavena faced Ron Lyle. Bonavena was 31 years old with a record of 51-8-1, and Lyle was 33 with a record of 26-1-1. Bonavena was on a 4-fight winning streak. Bonavena lost via unanimous decision. Went the distance with Lyle.
5. Oscar Bonavena loses to Zora Folley via unanimous decision
On February 26, 1965 Oscar Bonavena faced Zora Folley in a heavyweight bout. Bonavena was 22 years old with a record of 8-0, and Folley was 33 with a record of 68-7-4. Bonavena was on an undefeated 8-fight winning streak and Folley was coming off a win. Bonavena lost via unanimous decision. Went the distance with Folley.
6. Oscar Bonavena loses to Floyd Patterson via unanimous decision
On February 11, 1972 Oscar Bonavena faced Floyd Patterson in a heavyweight bout. Bonavena was 29 years old with a record of 47-7-1, and Patterson was 37 with a record of 53-7-1. Bonavena was coming off a win and Patterson was on a 7-fight winning streak. Bonavena lost via unanimous decision. Went the distance with Patterson.
7. Oscar Bonavena defeats George Chuvalo
On June 23, 1966 Oscar Bonavena faced George Chuvalo in a heavyweight bout. Bonavena was 23 years old with a record of 20-2, and Chuvalo was 28 with a record of 35-12-2. Both Bonavena and Chuvalo were coming off a win. Bonavena won via majority decision.
8. Oscar Bonavena KOs Manuel Ramos
On May 9, 1970 Oscar Bonavena faced Manuel Ramos. Bonavena was 27 years old with a record of 43-6-1, and Ramos was 0 with a record of 0-0. Bonavena was on a 2-fight winning streak. Bonavena stopped Manuel Ramos via KO in the 1st round.
9. Oscar Bonavena KOs Leroy Caldwell
On July 23, 1973 Oscar Bonavena faced Leroy Caldwell. Bonavena was 30 years old with a record of 47-8-1, and Caldwell was 0 with a record of 0-0. Bonavena was coming off a loss. Bonavena stopped Leroy Caldwell via TKO in the 2nd round.
10. Oscar Bonavena KOs Jose Humberto Menno
On April 24, 1970 Oscar Bonavena faced Jose Humberto Menno. Bonavena was 27 years old with a record of 42-6-1, and Menno was 0 with a record of 0-0. Bonavena was coming off a win. Bonavena stopped Jose Humberto Menno via KO in the 2nd round.