laxpdx
07-13-2007, 03:02 AM
Cuevas vs. Torito: The ring legend of Tony Ayala Jr. was just beginning when WBA welterweight champion Pipino Cuevas came to town in the summer of 1977 to train for a title defense against Clyde Gray of Canada.
Like all champions, Cuevas knew good sparring was a prerequisite for a good performance in the fight. But there was just one welterweight at San Fernando Gym — 14-year-old Tony Ayala Jr.
"Cuevas' manager, Lupe Suarez, said they couldn't afford to bring sparring partners with them from California," Tony Ayala Sr. said. "So Tony says, 'Let me spar with him.'"
It was on a Saturday and San Fernando Gym was packed with onlookers to see Cuevas' public workout.
The sparring session turned into a fight, with Ayala taking it to the 19-year-old Cuevas.
Ayala hit Cuevas with a series of body shots that left the champion dazed and more than a little embarrassed. Sanchez told Tony Sr. that his fighter had had enough and Team Cuevas moved its training camp to Houston shortly thereafter.
- John Whisler
Like all champions, Cuevas knew good sparring was a prerequisite for a good performance in the fight. But there was just one welterweight at San Fernando Gym — 14-year-old Tony Ayala Jr.
"Cuevas' manager, Lupe Suarez, said they couldn't afford to bring sparring partners with them from California," Tony Ayala Sr. said. "So Tony says, 'Let me spar with him.'"
It was on a Saturday and San Fernando Gym was packed with onlookers to see Cuevas' public workout.
The sparring session turned into a fight, with Ayala taking it to the 19-year-old Cuevas.
Ayala hit Cuevas with a series of body shots that left the champion dazed and more than a little embarrassed. Sanchez told Tony Sr. that his fighter had had enough and Team Cuevas moved its training camp to Houston shortly thereafter.
- John Whisler