Ringo Bonavena

Oscar Natalio Bonavena was Argentina's most famous heavyweight boxer from 1964 until his murder in 1976. He was 6' 1" tall and weighed a muscular 217lbs. Nicknamed "Ringo" because of his "Beattle's" style haircut, he compiled a 58-9-1 record with 44 knockout victories. He became famous for knocking down future Heavyweight Champion Joe Frazier twice in their first fight (Bonavena lost two decisions), going 15 rounds with Muhammad Ali(before being knocked out for the only time in his career), and for dropping close decisions to two more former champions Floyd Patterson and Jimmy Ellis. Bonavena's lifestyle outside of the ring was just as colorful. A friendly, yet not always even tempered man, he was a noted "partier" and had "an eye" for the ladies. In 1976, he launched a comeback in the United States in Reno, Nevada and won a 10 round decision over Billy Joiner. It would turn out to be the last fight of his career. He was shot and killed at the Mustang Ranch on May 22, 1976 in the parking lot by a Ranch "security guard". He was given a hero's burial in his native Argentina.