Mike Sedillo

Mike "Nikki" Sedillo, born Michael John Sedillo on December 22, 1959, in Los Angeles, California, emerged from Chino, California, as a tough light heavyweight boxer representing Mexico. Over a professional career spanning nearly two decades, Sedillo engaged in 62 bouts, achieving 33 wins, including 18 by knockout, alongside 26 losses and 3 draws.

Sedillo's professional journey commenced on March 21, 1983, at the Forum in Inglewood, California, where he faced Mike DeLuca. Demonstrating early promise, Sedillo secured a third-round knockout victory in the four-round contest. This debut set the stage for a career characterized by a willingness to confront formidable opponents.

Throughout his career, Sedillo shared the ring with several world-class fighters. On July 10, 1986, he battled future world champion Virgil Hill at the Forum in Inglewood, enduring a unanimous decision loss over ten rounds. Undeterred, Sedillo continued to seek challenging matchups, leading to a notable victory on January 21, 1988, against former world title challenger Jim MacDonald at the Arco Arena in Sacramento, where he earned a unanimous decision win.

Sedillo's pursuit of championship glory led him to multiple title bouts. On April 29, 1988, he contested the NABF Light Heavyweight Title against Tony Willis in Houston, Texas, but suffered a unanimous decision defeat. A significant milestone occurred on May 18, 1989, when Sedillo captured the IBF USBA Light Heavyweight Title by defeating Uriah Grant via unanimous decision in Oakland, California. This victory propelled him into a world title opportunity on December 22, 1989, challenging Michael Moorer for the WBO World Light Heavyweight Title at The Palace in Auburn Hills. Despite a valiant effort, Sedillo was stopped by a technical knockout in the sixth round.

Sedillo's relentless spirit led him to another world title challenge on February 27, 1993, against Leeonzer Barber for the WBO World Light Heavyweight Title in Beijing, China. In a historic event dubbed "The Brawl at the Wall," Barber retained his title with a unanimous decision victory.

After a series of bouts against notable opponents, including a match against Tim Witherspoon on April 29, 2000, Sedillo concluded his professional career on June 27, 2002. In his final fight at the Marriott Hotel in Irvine, California, he faced Duncan Dokiwari but was stopped in the second round. The California State Athletic Commission retired Sedillo from professional boxing after this bout.

Mike Sedillo's career reflects the journey of a tenacious fighter who consistently sought out high-level competition. He earned respect within the boxing community for his determination and willingness to face the sport's elite.