Orlando Canizales (born November 25, 1965) is an American boxer….who won the International Boxing Federation bantamweight title……as Canizales turned professional in 1984….and was undefeated in twelve fights (one fight was a draw)….of which the one seen herewith with John Camaro was a part of….before meeting the 1984 Olympic gold medalist Paul Gonzales in 1986….to which Gonzales defeated him over twelve rounds by decision….then he rebounded from that defeat to win the IBF bantamweight title by knocking out defending titlist Kelvin Seabrooks in the 15th round in 1987….as he went on to defend his title a division-record of sixteen consecutive times. His victims included old foe Paul Gonzales….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….as he took on WBA champion Wilfredo Vazquez…..but lost in a twelve-round split decision. He continued fighting until 1999….when future champion Frank Toledo defeated him via ten-round split decision….thus retiring after that fight. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on July 14, 2009….and with his parents watching….an emotional Canizales approached the podium and delivered a heartfelt speech….saying “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.”
Orlando Canizales is just another example of a truly great fighter…..who has gotten lost in the annals of boxing memories….simply because he fought during The Golden Age of Boxing…..when there were so many legends of boxing that were fighting…..for here was a champion who held his title from 1992 thru 1996….and retired with a career record of 51 wins 5 losses and 1 draw…..as we here at ImaSportsphile are so fortunate to have his work in the ring in our boxing library.
