Florentino Fernández (boxer)

Florentino "the Ox" Fernández (born March 6, 1936 in Santiago de Cuba) was a hard punching Cuban middleweight who fought from 1956-1972. He engaged in many memorable ring wars during his career. His overall record was 50 wins (43 by KO), 16 losses and two draws.

Professional career

Fernandez was a big left hook artist who racked up a series of victories which led to his title challenge against Gene Fullmer. The 25 year old Fernandez lost a split decision to Fullmer for the middleweight title in Ogden, Utah on August 5, 1961. Referee Ken Shulsen scored the fight 145-142 Fullmer, judge Del Markham favored Fernandez 145-143, and judge Norman Jorgensen scored it 148-140.

Fernandez insisted on a rematch, but Ring Magazine writer Al Buck pointed to Fernandez's two fights with Rocky Kalingo as a reason why Fullmer would be foolish to fight Fernandez in Communist Cuba; " Fighting Fernandez in Cuba hardly would be an enjoyable experience except for another Cuban, a Russian, or a Red Chinese. A Fernandez-Yankee battle in Havana would be put in a military atmosphere and amid turmoil. It was recalled that one Rocky Kalingo knocked out Fernandez in one round in Caracas and then let the Cuban have a return fight in Havana. Kalingo knocked Fernandez down in the first and appeared to be headed for another victory. The mob wouldn't have it. Kalingo was threatened to the point at which he was scared into near-paralysis. He was stopped."

Fernandez never received his rematch, but did receive 20 percent of the $100,000.00 gate and $10,000.00 from the paid-t.v. money.

When Cuba outlawed professional boxing, Fernandez lived in exile from the communist government of Cuba, in Miami Beach, Florida, where he became a fan favorite on television, and on the fight cards promoted by Chris Dundee. In most cases Fernandez either knocked out his opponents, or was in turn KO'd himself.

Loss to Carter

Fernandez might be best remembered for his one-round knockout loss to Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, being bombed out in mere seconds in 1962.

Fernandez came back the following year to knock out undefeated, future world light-heavyweight champion Jose Torres in five rounds on May 26, 1963.

First Retirement and Comeback

After a stunning knockout defeat to club-fighter Willie Tiger in 1967, Fernandez announced his retirement. He blamed his numerous knockout defeats on personal problems associated with the political situation in his native country of Cuba.

He was working as a dishwasher and busboy when he decided to launch a comeback as a light heavyweight. Fernandez shocked the boxing world by scoring upset knockouts over Florida Middleweight Champion Jimmy Williams and highly regarded Jerry Evans.

However, just when it seemed that Fernandez was on the verge of a title shot against light heavyweight king Bob Foster, Fernandez was stopped in the 10th round of a toe-to-toe slugfest with upstart Vernon McIntosh in 1972.

Retirement

Fernandez yet again retired. Reports had him working as a dishwater and bus-boy.Some four years later he was a guest on a Spanish radio talk show and announced he was in training for a comeback. Something must have changed his mind, as Florentino Fernandez never fought again.

In the early 1980s, Fernandez briefly coached amateur boxers at the Elizabeth Virrick Gym in Coconut Grove, Florida

Honors

Fernandez made the Ring Magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time.

References

*Ring Magazine, October 1961, pages 5-6-7: FULLMER ASKS FOR DOWNES-PENDER WINNER, by Al Buck.