In this video of live lightweight boxing from 1985….we get a chance to watch four (4) young bantamweight fighters early in their careers….one of which turned out to be the world bantamweight champion for 14 years….as Orlando Canizales from Laredo, TX joined his brother Gaby Canizales as the world bantamweight champion.
Orlando Canizales is an American boxer….who won the International Boxing Federation bantamweight title and defended it for a record sixteen consecutive times….as Canizales turned professional in 1984 and was undefeated in twelve fights (one fight was a draw) before meeting the 1984 Olympic gold medalist Paul Gonzalez in 1986….who defeated him over twelve rounds by split decision. Canizales rebounded from that defeat….and on July 9, 1988, he won the IBF bantamweight title by knocking out defending titlist Kelvin Seabrooks in the fifteenth round. He defended the title a division-record of sixteen consecutive times. His victims included old foe Paul Gonzalez….former flyweight champion Rolando Bohol,….British champion Billy Hardy….and future bantamweight champion Clarence “Bones” Adams. In January 1995, Canizales attempted to win a title in the junior featherweight division against WBA champion Wilfredo Vazquez….but lost in a controversial twelve-round split decision. He continued fighting until 1999….when future champion Frank Toledo defeated him via ten-round split decision. He retired after that loss.
He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on July 14, 2009. With his parents watching, an emotional Orlando Canizales approached the podium and delivered a heartfelt speech. “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.”
Canizales was born in Laredo, the seat of Webb County in South Texas. There he began training at the age of ten at the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. He is the younger brother of fellow bantamweight world champion Gaby Canizales. Both brothers obtained the title of world boxing champion at the same age and weight.
The Orlando & Gaby Canizales Boxing Gym and Community Center on Guadalupe Street in Laredo is named in honor of the boxing brothers. The facility was expanded in 2014. As you drive into Laredo, TX….you will see a large welcoming sign that says “Welcome to the home of world boxing champions Gaby and Orlando Canizales.
