Orlando Canizales

Orlando Canizales
Statistics
Real name	Orlando Canizales
Rated at	Bantamweight
Nationality	American
Born	November 25, 1965 (1965-11-25) (age 45) Laredo, Texas
Stance	Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	57
Wins	50
Wins by KO	37
Losses	5
Draws	1
No contests	0

Orlando and Gaby Canizales are honored on welcome sign in their hometown of Laredo, Texas

Orlando Canizales (born November 25, 1965) is an American boxer who won the International Boxing Federation bantamweight title and defended it a record sixteen consecutive times.

Boxing career

Canizales turned professional in 1984 and was undefeated in twelve fights (one fight was a draw) before meeting the 1984 Olympic gold medalist Paul Gonzalez in 1986. Gonzalez defeated him over twelve rounds. Canizales rebounded from that defeat, however, and on July 9, 1988, he won the IBF bantamweight title by knocking out defending titlist Kelvin Seabrooks in the fifteenth round. He defended the title a division-record of sixteen consecutive times. His victims included old foe Paul Gonzalez, former flyweight champion Rolando Bohol, British champion Billy Hardy, and future champion Clarence "Bones" Adams.

In January 1995, Canizales attempted to win a title in the junior featherweight division. World Boxing Association champion Wilfredo Vazquez prevented him from doing so, winning a twelve-round split decision.

He continued fighting until 1999, when future champion Frank Toledo defeated him via ten-round split decision. He retired after that loss.

He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on July 14, 2009. With his parents watching, an emotional Orlando Canizales approached the podium and delivered a heartfelt speech. "Boxing has taught me a lot in life -- that dedication, discipline and determination will pay off in the long run and not to be easily swayed by obstacles and bumps in the road."

Personal

He was born in Laredo, the seat of Webb County in south Texas. He is the brother of fellow bantamweight world champion Gaby Canizales.

External links

• Professional boxing record for Orlando Canizales from BoxRec
• Dog House Boxing interview

Achievements
Preceded by Kelvin Seabrooks	IBF Bantamweight Champion 9 July 1988 – 15 October 1994 Vacated	Succeeded by Harold Mestre
Titles in pretence
Vacant Title last held by Johnny Vasquez	World Super Bantamweight Champion IBC Recognition July 15 1995 - March 23 1996	Succeeded by Junior Jones

Persondata
Name	Canizales, Orlando
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	November 25, 1965
Place of birth	Laredo, Texas
Date of death
Place of death