Juan Zurita (2 May 1917 – 24 March 2000) was a Mexican professional boxer in the lightweight division and a 1944 National Boxing Association Lightweight world champion.[1][2][3] Zurita was a southpaw or left handed boxer, who often fought with his right foot forward, though at times he could lead with his right as well. American newspapers distinguished him as the first native-born Mexican to win a world boxing title.[4]
Juan Zurita | |
---|---|
Born | Juan Bautista Zurita Ferrer May 12, 1917 Veracruz, Mexico |
Died | March 23, 2000 Mexico City, Mexico | (aged 82)
Nationality | Mexican |
Other names | Zurita III |
Statistics | |
Weight(s) | Lightweight |
Height | 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) |
Reach | 1.68 m (66 in) |
Stance | Southpaw |
Boxing record | |
Total fights | 155 |
Wins | 131 |
Wins by KO | 48 |
Losses | 23 |
Draws | 1 |
Early life and career
editZurita was born on May 2, 1917, near Veracruz, Mexico on the Atlantic Coast. He began fighting professionally in early 1932,at the tender age of 14 and a half, on the Western Mexican coast in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
Taking the Featherweight Championship of Mexico, February 1934
editEarly in his career, Zurita won the Featherweight Championship of Mexico, defeating Joe Conde on February 24, 1934, in a twelve round points decision for the title. He defeated Joe Conde again in a rematch for the Featherweight Championship on March 11, 1939, in a twelve round points decision at the Arena Mexico in Mexico City.
On January 4, 1935, Zurita defeated Pablo Dano in a ten round points decision at Legion Stadium in Hollywood, California. Zurita took four rounds, Dano three, and three were even. Zurita took the first four rounds according to the Los Angeles Times and finished strong in the final round. The win was significant for Zurita as Dano was the more experienced boxer and favored in the early betting.[5]
On February 15, 1936, Zurita defeated Californian boxer Georgie Hansford in a fifth round knockout in Mexico City.[6]
Bouts with former World Flyweight Champion Midget Wolgast, 1935–36
editOn March 28, 1936, he defeated American boxer Midget Wolgast at the Arena Nacional in Mexico City in a fifth round knockout. Zurita sent Wolgast to the mat for a count of nine in the fifth, before finishing him shortly after for a full count with a left to the stomach and a right to the chin.[7] On July 24, 1936, Zurita defeated Wolgast again in a ten round points decision at Legion Stadium in Hollywood, California. Zurita forced the fighting through the entire bout and had the cleaner and more effective punches. There were no knockdowns in the bout. The referee gave eight rounds to Zurita, and two to Wolgast, though Braven Dyer of the Los Angeles Times felt the fight was a bit closer. Zurita seemed strongest in the closing rounds.[8][9] He had lost to Wolgast three times previously in 1935, on February 21, May 21, and June 28 in ten round points decisions, first in Los Angeles and then twice at Legion Stadium in Hollywood. Wolgast had formerly held the World Flyweight Title in July 1931, and had contended unsuccessfully for the World Bantamweight Title.
On August 18, 1936, Zurita lost to exceptional Black boxer Henry Armstrong in a fourth round knockout at Olympic Stadium in Los Angeles. At the time, Armstrong held the California version of the World Featherweight Title. Zurita probably carried the first two round on points with a furious attack. In the bottom of the third, Armstrong had found his range and made a number of effective blows to the head of Zurita that had him groggy.[10] In his career, Armstrong would also hold the World Welterweight Championship. Zurita lost again to Armstrong on October 13, 1942, in a second round knockout at Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles. The final blow was a right to the chin 2:20 into the second. The final blow was a left hook followed by a right cross, 2:20 into the second, and was the only knockdown in the bout.[11] By their last bout in October 1942, Armstrong had taken world titles in both the Welterweight and Lightweight divisions.
On January 1, 1937, Zurita defeated Spanish boxer Baltasar Sangchili in a ten round points decision in Mexico City. In June 1935, Sangchili had taken the IBU World Bantamweight Title in Valencia, Spain, and had taken the World Bantamweight Championship in the same year.[2]
Zurita defeated New York based Puerto-Rican born Koli Kolo around June 1, 1938, in a fourth round knockout in Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico. The exact date of the bout remains unknown, and may have occurred the month earlier.[2]
On June 18, 1938, Zurita defeated talented Mexican boxer Rodolfo "Baby" Casanova in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico in a sixth round Technical Knockout. It was Zurita's only win against Casanova. On August 20, 1938, Zurita would lose to Casonova in a sixth round technical knockout in Mexico City. In four earlier meetings with Casanova, in a Mexican Featherweight Title match on September 15, 1934, and in matches in April 1935, April 1936, and June 1937, Zurita would lose. Though each boxer was close in height and very close in reach, Zurita did not seem to match up well with Casanova who was two years older and may have benefited from two extra years in age. By September 1934, Casanova had taken the Mexican Featherweight Championship, and had scored seven successful defenses of the title.[2]
Mid-career as a professional
editTaking the Mexican Lightweight Title, September 1938
editZurita first took the Mexican Lightweight Title on September 10, 1938, against Joe Conde in a twelve round points decision at the Arena in Mexico City, though few if any American newspapers covered the story.[2]
On May 15, 1939, Zurita first defeated Jimmy Hatcher in a ten round decision at the Walkathon Theater in San Antonio, Texas. He defeated Hatcher again on September 11, 1942, in a second round technical knockout at Legion Stadium in Hollywood. The bout was stopped by the referee thirty seconds into the second round after Hatcher received a long cut on his forehead. The loss ended Hatcher's string of nineteen straight wins.[2][12]
On July 21, 1940, Zurita defeated Speedy Dado in a fifth round technical knockout at the Arena Progreso at Jalisco, Mexico. Dado was a talented Philippines-born boxer who would take the USA California State Bantamweight Title in October 1933, and later compete unsuccessfully for the World Bantamweight Title in May 1935.[2]
On May 17, 1941, Zurita defeated Carlos Miranda in a third round knockout in Mexico City.[2]
On November 14, 1941, Zurita defeated George Latka in a ten round points decision at Legion Stadium in Hollywood, California. Twice in the second and once in the tenth Zurita scored against Latka with strong blows. Zurita started on the aggressive, and though the middle rounds were close, Zurita probably always led in points.[2][13]
On July 24, 1942, Zurita defeated Richie Lemos at Hollywood's Legion Stadium in a ten round points decision.[2] Lemos went to his corner groggy at the end of the third and fifth rounds, and may have taken eight rounds.[14] Paul Lowry of the Los Angeles Times gave Zurita every round. Zurita skillfully evaded the blows of Lemos with cunning, and landed left hooks to the body and rights and lefts to the head of Lemos throughout the bout.[15]
On August 19, 1942, Zurita defeated Black boxer Henry Woods in a ten round points decision at the Auditorium in Oakland, California. Woods was down for a nine count in the third round from a powerful left to the body by Zurita. Ringsiders gave Zurita seven of the ten rounds. Woods held his own in the fourth and fifth, but Zurita finished strong in the final rounds.[16]
Taking the NBA World Lightweight Title, March 8, 1944
editZurita won the NBA World Lightweight Title on March 8, 1944, against Sammy Angott in a fifteen round unanimous decision at Gilmore Field, the Hollywood Ball Park, in Los Angeles, California.[2] Zurita became the first Mexican to win the World Lightweight Championship in a bit of an upset victory that saw Angott as a 4 to 1 favorite. It was Angott's first loss in the lightweight class. Zurita skillfully blocked Angott's left hooks and uppercuts and scored with counter punches to the body, though Angott appeared tired and haggard from having to make the lightweight limit. Angott won only the first round when Zurita appeared puzzled by his style, but the remaining fourteen rounds went to Zurita by a comfortable and decisive margin. The crowd of 11,300 was not pleased by what they viewed as a somewhat lackluster performance, though Zurita held his edge throughout the bout. Angott, perhaps as a result of his fatigue, was off on his timing, and had trouble landing solid punches. Angott's future in the ring was questionable after the loss.[17][18]
Loss in non-title bout with Beau Jack, March 31, 1944
editImmediately after taking the World Lightweight Title, Zurita lost to the great American Black boxer Beau Jack on March 31, 1944, at New York's Madison Square Garden in a ten round points decision. The great promoter Mike Jacobs signed Zurita to the bout, which must have been a financial success.[19] Zurita faded after the fifth round, and was given only three rounds to seven for Jack by the United Press. The Mexican champion looked strong in the tenth, and took the round. There was a capacity crowd of 17,593 fans to watch the bout who were hoping for more action in the early rounds. Jack, a popular favorite, held the NYSAC Lightweight Championship at the time of the bout, which may have accounted for the size of the crowd.[20][21]
Win over Pete Lello after seven month break from boxing, October 1944
editOn October 6, 1944, Zurita defeated Pete Lello in a second round knockout at the Arena Coliseo in Mexico City. Atypically the blow that ended the fight was a terrific uppercut to the body of Lello in the opening seconds of the second round. A crowd of 20,000 saw the bout in the bullring.[22][23] The bout was Zurita's first after a seven month layoff from boxing to recover from accidentally shooting himself in the hand around June.[24]
On October 18, 1944, Zurita knocked out Aldo Spoldi, European Lightweight Champion, in the fourth round at Municipal Auditorium in San Antonio, Texas. In the main event before a crowd of 5000, a hard right to the face put Spoldi down for a count of nine. After arising, Zurita put Spoldi down for the full count.[25]
Losing the NBA Lightweight World Championship against Ike Williams, April 1945
editZurita lost the NBA World Lightweight Championship before a crowd of 35,000 by a second round knockout from Black New Jersey boxer Ike Williams in Mexico City on April 18, 1945.[2] Their first planned meeting in Philadelphia had to be cancelled by the Pennsylvania Boxing Commission who recognized Bob Montgomery as the lightweight champion. Williams made a two fisted attack to the head of Zurita in the second which Zurita could not hold off, though he had made an effective defense in the first round. It was Zurita's first title defense. Shortly after Zurita was counted out, Williams' corner was crowded by fans, and several policeman were required to clear the ring before Williams could return to his dressing room.[26]
Zurita defeated Mike Belloise on January 31, 1945, in a third round technical decision, when Belloise failed to come out at the opening of the fourth round. Zurita had floored the former World Featherweight Champion at the end of the third round with a right to the mid-section, but the bell sounded before a count could be completed.[27]
Zurita died on Thursday, March 23, 2000, in Mexico City after being in a coma for several days. He was 82.[28]
Zurita was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1997.[29]
Professional boxing record
edit155 fights | 131 wins | 23 losses |
---|---|---|
By knockout | 48 | 9 |
By decision | 82 | 14 |
By disqualification | 1 | 0 |
Draws | 1 |
No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round | Date | Location | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
155 | Win | 131–23–1 | Canguro Varela | KO | 3 (?) | Mar 30, 1948 | Arena Sonora, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico | |
154 | Loss | 130–23–1 | Ike Williams | TKO | 2 (15) | Apr 18, 1945 | El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | Lost NBA lightweight title |
153 | Win | 130–22–1 | Mike Belloise | RTD | 3 (10) | Jan 31, 1945 | Houston, Texas, U.S. | |
152 | Win | 129–22–1 | Paul Altman | KO | 5 (10) | Jan 23, 1945 | Municipal Auditorium, San Antonio, Texas, U.S. | |
151 | Win | 128–22–1 | Jerry Moore | KO | 6 (10) | Nov 17, 1944 | Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S. | |
150 | Win | 127–22–1 | Aldo Spoldi | KO | 4 (10) | Oct 17, 1944 | Municipal Auditorium, San Antonio, Texas, U.S. | |
149 | Win | 126–22–1 | Pete Lello | KO | 2 (10) | Oct 6, 1944 | Arena Coliseo, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
148 | Loss | 125–22–1 | Beau Jack | UD | 10 | Mar 31, 1944 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
147 | Win | 125–21–1 | Sammy Angott | UD | 15 | Mar 8, 1944 | Gilmore Field, Los Angeles, California, U.S. | Won NBA lightweight title |
146 | Win | 124–21–1 | Miguel Arroya | KO | 5 (10) | Dec 30, 1943 | Coliseo Olímpico, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico | |
145 | Win | 123–21–1 | Enrique Cardoso | PTS | 10 | Dec 11, 1943 | Estadio Olimpico, Panama City, Panama | |
144 | Win | 122–21–1 | Baby Coullimber | PTS | 10 | Dec 7, 1943 | Estadio Olimpico, Panama City, Panama | |
143 | Win | 121–21–1 | Aquilino Allen | PTS | 10 | Oct 24, 1943 | Estadio Olimpico, Panama City, Panama | |
142 | Win | 120–21–1 | Rafael Hurtado | PTS | 10 | Sep 26, 1943 | Estadio Olimpico, Panama City, Panama | |
141 | Loss | 119–21–1 | Slugger White | UD | 10 | Jun 15, 1943 | Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S. | |
140 | Win | 119–20–1 | Henry Vasquez | UD | 10 | May 21, 1943 | Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S. | |
139 | Win | 118–20–1 | Joey Silva | PTS | 10 | Apr 30, 1943 | Last Frontier Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. | |
138 | Win | 117–20–1 | Joey Peralta | PTS | 10 | Mar 19, 1943 | Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S. | |
137 | Win | 116–20–1 | Jimmy Florita | PTS | 10 | Feb 22, 1943 | Civic Auditorium, Stockton, California, U.S. | |
136 | Win | 115–20–1 | Vern Bybee | PTS | 10 | Feb 8, 1943 | Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S. | |
135 | Win | 114–20–1 | Eddie Marcus | KO | 6 (10) | Jan 22, 1943 | Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S. | |
134 | Win | 113–20–1 | Chuck Railey | TKO | 3 (10) | Dec 4, 1942 | Coliseum, San Diego, California, U.S. | |
133 | Win | 112–20–1 | Chester Slider | UD | 10 | Nov 27, 1942 | Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S. | |
132 | Win | 111–20–1 | Panama Brown | KO | 4 (10) | Nov 2, 1942 | Coliseo Olímpico, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico | |
131 | Loss | 110–20–1 | Henry Armstrong | KO | 2 (10) | Oct 13, 1942 | Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S. | |
130 | Win | 110–19–1 | Jimmy Hatcher | TKO | 2 (10) | Sep 11, 1942 | Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S. | |
129 | Win | 109–19–1 | Chester Slider | PTS | 10 | Sep 2, 1942 | Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S. | |
128 | Win | 108–19–1 | Henry Woods | PTS | 10 | Aug 19, 1942 | Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S. | |
127 | Win | 107–19–1 | Richie Lemos | UD | 10 | Jul 24, 1942 | Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S. | |
126 | Win | 106–19–1 | Fillo Gonzalez | TKO | 4 (10) | May 30, 1942 | Plaza de Toros, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico | |
125 | Win | 105–19–1 | Quentin Breese | UD | 10 | May 15, 1942 | Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S. | |
124 | Win | 104–19–1 | Jimmy Florita | KO | 5 (10) | Apr 7, 1942 | Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S. | |
123 | Win | 103–19–1 | Ray Price | PTS | 10 | Mar 13, 1942 | Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S. | |
122 | Win | 102–19–1 | Billy Hale | KO | 3 (10) | Dec 12, 1941 | Coliseum, San Diego, California, U.S. | |
121 | Win | 101–19–1 | Guy Serean | KO | 1 (10) | Dec 5, 1941 | Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S. | |
120 | Win | 100–19–1 | George Latka | PTS | 10 | Nov 14, 1941 | Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S. | |
119 | Win | 99–19–1 | Fillo Gonzalez | PTS | 10 | Sep 13, 1941 | Arena Cristal, Havana, Cuba | |
118 | Win | 98–19–1 | Joe Pedroso | PTS | 10 | Aug 2, 1941 | Arena Cristal, Havana, Cuba | |
117 | Win | 97–19–1 | Mario Baeza | KO | 6 (10) | Jul 19, 1941 | Arena Cristal, Havana, Cuba | |
116 | Win | 96–19–1 | Baby Coullimber | PTS | 10 | Jun 28, 1941 | Arena Cristal, Havana, Cuba | |
115 | Win | 95–19–1 | Ventura Marquez | KO | 3 (10) | May 31, 1941 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
114 | Win | 94–19–1 | Carlos Miranda | KO | 3 (10) | May 17, 1941 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
113 | Loss | 93–19–1 | Raul de la Torre | KO | 1 (10) | Apr 26, 1941 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
112 | Win | 93–18–1 | Lloyd Pine | PTS | 10 | Apr 8, 1941 | Municipal Auditorium, San Antonio, Texas, U.S. | |
111 | Win | 92–18–1 | Enrique Cardoso | PTS | 10 | Mar 22, 1941 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
110 | Win | 91–18–1 | Lupe Gonzalez | PTS | 10 | Feb 15, 1941 | Coliseo Olímpico, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico | |
109 | Win | 90–18–1 | Nick Peters | PTS | 10 | Dec 13, 1940 | Municipal Auditorium, San Antonio, Texas, U.S. | |
108 | Loss | 89–18–1 | Memo Llanes | PTS | 10 | Nov 30, 1940 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
107 | Win | 89–17–1 | Fred Taylor | PTS | 10 | Nov 16, 1940 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
106 | Win | 88–17–1 | Lupe Gonzalez | PTS | 10 | Nov 9, 1940 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
105 | Loss | 87–17–1 | Rodolfo Ramirez | PTS | 12 | Oct 26, 1940 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | For Mexico lightweight title |
104 | Win | 87–16–1 | Carlos Manzano | KO | 1 (10) | Sep 10, 1940 | Plaza de Toros, Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico | |
103 | Win | 86–16–1 | Carlos Manzano | KO | 1 (10) | Sep 10, 1940 | Plaza de Toros, Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico | |
102 | Win | 85–16–1 | Fred Taylor | PTS | 10 | Aug 14, 1940 | Arena La Cancha, Torreon, Coahuila de Zaragoza, Mexico | |
101 | Win | 84–16–1 | Speedy Dado | TKO | 5 (10) | Jul 21, 1940 | Arena Progreso, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico | |
100 | Win | 83–16–1 | Max Tarley | KO | 4 (10) | Jun 1, 1940 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
99 | Win | 82–16–1 | Johnny Stevens | PTS | 10 | May 2, 1940 | Palacio de los Deportes, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
98 | Loss | 81–16–1 | Rodolfo Ramirez | TKO | 12 (12) | Dec 16, 1939 | Arena Mexico, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | Lost Mexico lightweight title |
97 | Win | 81–15–1 | Joe Conde | PTS | 10 | Nov 26, 1939 | Nogales, Sonora, Mexico | |
96 | Win | 80–15–1 | Tony Mar | PTS | 10 | Oct 11, 1939 | Nogales, Sonora, Mexico | |
95 | Loss | 79–15–1 | Rodolfo Ramirez | KO | 6 (10) | Sep 2, 1939 | Arena Mexico, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
94 | Win | 79–14–1 | Carlos Malacara | DQ | 4 (10) | Aug 12, 1939 | Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
93 | Win | 78–14–1 | Tony Mar | PTS | 12 | Jul 21, 1939 | Arena Mexico, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | Retained Mexico lightweight title |
92 | Win | 77–14–1 | Kallo Alphesa | TKO | 5 (10) | May 23, 1939 | Walkathon Arena, San Antonio, Texas, U.S. | |
91 | Win | 76–14–1 | Jimmy Hatcher | UD | 10 | May 15, 1939 | Walkathon Arena, San Antonio, Texas, U.S. | |
90 | Win | 75–14–1 | Tony Mar | PTS | 12 | May 1, 1939 | Arena Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico | Retained Mexico lightweight title |
89 | Win | 74–14–1 | Joe Conde | PTS | 12 | Mar 11, 1939 | Arena Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico | Retained Mexico lightweight title |
88 | Win | 73–14–1 | Tiburcio De La Rosa | KO | 7 (10) | Feb 11, 1939 | Arena Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico | |
87 | Loss | 72–14–1 | Carlos Malacara | PTS | 10 | Jan 28, 1939 | Arena Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico | |
86 | Draw | 72–13–1 | Tony Mar | PTS | 10 | Dec 3, 1938 | Arena Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico | |
85 | Win | 72–13 | Panchito Villa | PTS | 10 | Nov 5, 1938 | Arena Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico | |
84 | Win | 71–13 | Joe Conde | PTS | 12 | Sep 10, 1938 | Arena Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico | Won vacant Mexico lightweight title |
83 | Loss | 70–13 | Rodolfo Casanova | TKO | 6 (10) | Aug 20, 1938 | Arena Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico | |
82 | Win | 70–12 | Felipe Andrade | KO | 1 (10) | Jul 9, 1938 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
81 | Win | 69–12 | Rodolfo Casanova | KO | 6 (10) | Jun 18, 1938 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
80 | Win | 68–12 | Joe Conde | PTS | 10 | Jun 4, 1938 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
79 | Win | 67–12 | Salvador Cecena | KO | 4 (10) | Jun 1, 1938 | Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico | Date unknown |
78 | Win | 66–12 | Lupe Gonzalez | PTS | 10 | May 14, 1938 | Arena Mexico, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
77 | Win | 65–12 | Ricardo Manzanillo | PTS | 10 | May 7, 1938 | Arena Mexico, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
76 | Win | 64–12 | Joe Conde | PTS | 10 | May 2, 1938 | Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico | |
75 | Loss | 63–12 | Emilio Magana | PTS | 10 | Feb 19, 1938 | Arena Mexico, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
74 | Win | 63–11 | Joe Conde | PTS | 10 | Jan 15, 1938 | El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
73 | Win | 62–11 | Nava Esparza | KO | 4 (10) | Dec 12, 1937 | Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico | |
72 | Win | 61–11 | Pelon Guerra | KO | 6 (10) | Dec 4, 1937 | Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico | |
71 | Win | 60–11 | Joe Conde | PTS | 10 | Nov 27, 1937 | Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico | |
70 | Win | 59–11 | Sebastian Gonzalez | KO | 5 (10) | Oct 9, 1937 | Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico | |
69 | Win | 58–11 | Enrique Rodea | PTS | 10 | Jul 31, 1937 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
68 | Win | 57–11 | Joe Conde | PTS | 10 | Jul 10, 1937 | Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico | |
67 | Loss | 56–11 | Rodolfo Casanova | TKO | 10 (10) | Jun 26, 1937 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
66 | Win | 56–10 | Panchon Martinez | KO | 1 (10) | Jun 12, 1937 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
65 | Win | 55–10 | Manuel Villa I | PTS | 10 | May 8, 1937 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
64 | Win | 54–10 | Cleo McNeal | PTS | 10 | Apr 3, 1937 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
63 | Win | 53–10 | Panchito Villa | PTS | 10 | Mar 21, 1937 | Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico | |
62 | Win | 52–10 | Pedro Ortega | PTS | 10 | Feb 6, 1937 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
61 | Win | 51–10 | Ricardo Manzanillo | PTS | 10 | Jan 30, 1937 | Arena Jalisco, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico | |
60 | Win | 50–10 | Joe Conde | PTS | 10 | Jan 16, 1937 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
59 | Win | 49–10 | Lalo Mendoza | PTS | 10 | Jan 10, 1937 | Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico | |
58 | Win | 48–10 | Baltasar Sangchili | PTS | 10 | Jan 1, 1937 | El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
57 | Win | 47–10 | Joe Lucero | TKO | 4 (10) | Oct 7, 1936 | Labor Temple, Tucson, Arizona, U.S. | |
56 | Win | 46–10 | Tommy Brown | KO | 2 (10) | Oct 5, 1936 | Ajo, Arizona, U.S. | |
55 | Win | 45–10 | Ricardo Manzanillo | KO | 5 (10) | Sep 21, 1936 | Arena Jalisco, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico | |
54 | Loss | 44–10 | Henry Armstrong | KO | 4 (10) | Aug 18, 1936 | Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S. | |
53 | Win | 44–9 | Juan Cervantes | PTS | 10 | Aug 16, 1936 | Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico | Exact date unknown |
52 | Win | 43–9 | Midget Wolgast | PTS | 10 | Jul 24, 1936 | Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S. | |
51 | Win | 42–9 | Paco Villa | TKO | 6 (10) | Jul 17, 1936 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
50 | Win | 41–9 | Ricardo Manzanillo | PTS | 10 | Jun 25, 1936 | Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico | |
49 | Win | 40–9 | Chico Cisneros | PTS | 10 | May 17, 1936 | Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico | |
48 | Loss | 39–9 | Rodolfo Casanova | PTS | 10 | Apr 25, 1936 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
47 | Win | 39–8 | Kid Barrilito | KO | 4 (10) | Apr 12, 1936 | Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico | |
46 | Win | 38–8 | Midget Wolgast | KO | 5 (10) | Mar 28, 1936 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
45 | Win | 37–8 | Georgie Hansford | TKO | 5 (10) | Feb 15, 1936 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
44 | Win | 36–8 | Joey Dodge | KO | 6 (10) | Jan 1, 1936 | El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
43 | Win | 35–8 | Joseph Decico | UD | 10 | Sep 18, 1935 | Forum, Montreal, Quebec, Canada | |
42 | Win | 34–8 | Bobby Fernandez | PTS | 10 | Aug 7, 1935 | El Paso, Texas, U.S. | |
41 | Win | 33–8 | Georgie Hawks | KO | 2 (10) | Jul 16, 1935 | Laredo, Texas, U.S. | |
40 | Loss | 32–8 | Midget Wolgast | PTS | 10 | Jun 28, 1935 | Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S. | |
39 | Win | 32–7 | Bobby Fernandez | TKO | 5 (10) | Jun 19, 1935 | Arena Panamericana, Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico | |
38 | Loss | 31–7 | Midget Wolgast | PTS | 10 | May 31, 1935 | Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S. | |
37 | Loss | 31–6 | Rodolfo Casanova | PTS | 10 | Apr 27, 1935 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
36 | Win | 31–5 | Sixto Escobar | PTS | 10 | Mar 31, 1935 | El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
35 | Loss | 30–5 | Midget Wolgast | PTS | 10 | Feb 21, 1935 | Wrigley Field, Los Angeles, California, U.S. | |
34 | Win | 30–4 | Gene Espinosa | PTS | 10 | Jan 18, 1935 | Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S. | |
33 | Win | 29–4 | Pablo Dano | UD | 10 | Jan 4, 1935 | Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S. | |
32 | Win | 28–4 | Chico Cisneros | PTS | 10 | Nov 25, 1934 | Arena Jalisco, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico | |
31 | Win | 27–4 | Chico Cisneros | PTS | 10 | Nov 4, 1934 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
30 | Loss | 26–4 | Rodolfo Casanova | KO | 12 (12) | Sep 15, 1934 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | Lost Mexico featherweight title |
29 | Win | 26–3 | Gene Espinosa | PTS | 10 | Aug 11, 1934 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
28 | Win | 25–3 | Joe Conde | PTS | 10 | Jul 7, 1934 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
27 | Win | 24–3 | Pelon Guerra | TKO | 6 (10) | Jul 1, 1934 | Arena Cine Royal, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico | |
26 | Win | 23–3 | Ricardo Manzanillo | PTS | 12 | Jun 16, 1934 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | Retained Mexico featherweight title |
25 | Win | 22–3 | Cris Pineda | KO | 4 (10) | May 19, 1934 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
24 | Win | 21–3 | Eddie Trujillo | PTS | 10 | Apr 7, 1934 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
23 | Win | 20–3 | Eddie Ruiz | KO | 4 (10) | Mar 19, 1934 | Plaza de Toros Rea, Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico | |
22 | Win | 19–3 | Carlos Ibarra | PTS | 10 | Mar 10, 1934 | Arena Cine Royal, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico | |
21 | Win | 18–3 | Joe Conde | PTS | 12 | Feb 24, 1934 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | Won vacant Mexico featherweight title |
20 | Loss | 17–3 | Joe Conde | PTS | 10 | Feb 3, 1934 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
19 | Win | 17–2 | Ricardo Manzanillo | PTS | 10 | Jan 27, 1934 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
18 | Loss | 16–2 | Cris Pineda | PTS | 10 | Dec 9, 1933 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
17 | Win | 16–1 | Pelon Guerra | PTS | 10 | Nov 25, 1933 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
16 | Win | 15–1 | Baby Palmore | PTS | 10 | Nov 4, 1933 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
15 | Win | 14–1 | Baby Nationalista | KO | 3 (10) | Oct 21, 1933 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
14 | Win | 13–1 | Harry Fierro | PTS | 10 | Sep 23, 1933 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
13 | Win | 12–1 | Pancho Varela | PTS | 10 | Sep 9, 1933 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
12 | Win | 11–1 | Sabino Tirado | PTS | 10 | Jul 29, 1933 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
11 | Win | 10–1 | Juan Rivero | PTS | 10 | Jul 1, 1933 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
10 | Loss | 9–1 | Carlos Ibarra | PTS | 10 | May 27, 1933 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
9 | Win | 9–0 | Guillermo Saucedo | KO | 2 (6) | May 20, 1933 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
8 | Win | 8–0 | Justo Jimenez | PTS | 6 | May 6, 1933 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
7 | Win | 7–0 | Paco Villa | PTS | 6 | Apr 22, 1933 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
6 | Win | 6–0 | Felix Perez | PTS | 4 | Apr 2, 1933 | El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
5 | Win | 5–0 | Rodolfo Camacho | TKO | 1 (6) | Mar 18, 1933 | El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
4 | Win | 4–0 | Rafael Casanova | KO | 2 (10) | Feb 19, 1933 | Arena Progreso, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico | |
3 | Win | 3–0 | Juan Sandoval | PTS | 6 | Feb 11, 1933 | Arena Colon, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico | |
2 | Win | 2–0 | Eddie Kidd | PTS | 10 | Dec 14, 1932 | Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico | |
1 | Win | 1–0 | Kid Nacho | PTS | 6 | Feb 13, 1932 | Arena Progreso, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico |
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Juan Zurita Boxrec Bio". BoxRec. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Juan Zurita Boxrec Bio". BoxRec. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
- ^ "Juan Zurita, Cyber Boxing Zone". Cyber Boxing Zone. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
- ^ Grayson, Harry, "Juan Zurita, First Native-born Mexican to Win Boxing Title", Arizona Daily Star, Tucson, Arizona, pg. 10, 18 March 1944
- ^ "Juan Zurita Whips Dano", Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, pg. 8, 5 January 1935
- ^ "Hansford Knocked Out by Juan Zurita", The San Bernardino County Sun, San Bernardino, California, pg. 20, 16 February 1936
- ^ "Mexican Boxer Stops Midget Wolgast in Fifth", The Morning News, Wilmington, Delaware, pg. 14, 30 March 1936
- ^ Dyer, Braven, "Juan Zurita Outpunches Wolgast to Capture Nod", Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, pg. 13, 25 July 1936
- ^ There were no knockdowns in the bout in "Juan Zurita Wins Verdict on Coast", The Ogden Standard-Examiner, Ogden, Utah, pg. 5, 25 July 1936
- ^ "Armstrong Wins Over Juan Zurita", The Bakersfield Californian, Bakersfield, California, pg. 11, 19 August 1936
- ^ "Zurita is Kayoed By Armstrong", St. Louis Post-Dispatch, St. Louis, Missouri, pg. 16, 14 October 1942
- ^ "Juan Zurita Stops Hatcher in Second", The Fresno Bee", Fresno, California, pg. 8, 12 September 1942
- ^ "Zurita Gets Decision Over Latka", The Salt Lake Tribune, Salt Lake City, Utah, pg. 30, 16 November 1941
- ^ "Zurita Takes Lemos in Hollywood Bout", Reno Gazette-Journal, Reno, Nevada, pg. 10, 25 July 1942
- ^ Lowry, Paul, "Zurita Whips Lemos in Easy Style", Los Angeles Times, pg. 11, 25 July 1942
- ^ "Juan Zurita Outpoints Woods in Ten Rounds", St. Louis Post-Dispatch, St. Louis, Missouri, pg. 12, 20 August 1942
- ^ "Mexican Lightweight Scores Upset Victory in Dull Title Bout", The Daily Notes, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, pg. 8, 9 March 1944
- ^ Crowd of 11,300 in Frawley, Frank, "Zurita Takes Title Bout on the Coast", The Ogden Standard-Examiner, Ogden, Utah, pg. 15, 9 March 1944
- ^ Jacobs promoted the bout in "Jacobs Signs Zurita, Beau Jack", The Bakersfield Californian, Bakersfield, California, pg. 9, 11 March 1944
- ^ "Beau Jack Wins Over Zurita in Garden", The Ogden Standard-Examiner, Ogden, Utah, pg. 3, 1 April 1944
- ^ Crowd of 17,593, in "Beau Jack Decisions Juan Zurita", The Bakersfield Californian, Bakersfield, California, pg. 9, 1 April 1944
- ^ "Juan Zurita Wins Second Round KO", Reno Gazette-Journal, Reno, Nevada, pg. 14, 7 October 1944
- ^ 20,000 saw the bout in "Uppercut Wins For Juan Zurita in Second", Eugene Guard, Eugene, Oregon, pg. 6, 7 October 1944
- ^ Zurita had shot himself in the hand in "Zurita Returns in Bout with Lello", The Evening News, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, pg. 21, 6 October 1944
- ^ "Zurita Kayoes Spoldi in Four", Reno Gazette-Journal, Reno, Nevada, pg. 14, 18 October 1944
- ^ The fight drew 35,000 in "Bull Ring Battle Draws 35,000 in Mexico City", The Independent Record, Helena, Montana, pg. 8, 19 April 1945
- ^ "Juan Zurita Stops Belloise in Fourth", The Fresno Bee, Fresno California, pg. 31, 1 February 1945
- ^ "Miscellany", The Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, pg. 77, 26 March 2000
- ^ World Boxing Hall of Fame Inductees. Retrieved on 2008-07-15.
External links
edit- Boxing record for Juan Zurita from BoxRec (registration required)
- Juan Zurita Bio at Boxrec
- Beau Jack and Juan Zurita 25 March 1944 At Stillman's Gym, New York City - Photograph