Oscar Bonavena

Biography

Oscar Natalio "Ringo" Bonavena, a name that echoes through the annals of boxing history, was a larger-than-life figure both inside and outside the ring. Born on September 25, 1942, in Buenos Aires to Italian immigrants, Bonavena embarked on a pugilistic journey that would see him rise to prominence as a heavyweight contender, revered for his rugged style and wild-swinging punches.

Bonavena's professional career kicked off on February 1, 1964, under the tutelage of World War II hero and dentist Marvin Goldberg in New York City. The young Argentine quickly made a name for himself, stringing together a series of early knockouts and showcasing his raw power. Despite a decision loss to the highly rated Zora Folley in his 15th bout, Bonavena's inexperience proved his only obstacle, as he would avenge this defeat three years later.

Returning to his homeland, Bonavena continued his winning streak, capturing the Argentine and South American championships. His rise to stardom saw him featured on popular Argentine TV programs, such as the Pepe Biondi Show, further cementing his status as a national icon.

However, his return to New York in mid-1966 truly thrust Bonavena into the global spotlight. His free-swinging style and volatile personality often landed him in trouble outside the ring. Bonavena's infamous verbal jabs at Muhammad Ali, calling him a "black kangaroo" and a "chicken" for draft dodging, as well as his heated slanging match with the legendary fighter at the George Foreman–Ken Norton bout, showcased his fiery temperament.

Bonavena's pre-fight antics were equally notorious, as demonstrated by his needling of Joe Frazier, implying that the champion had personal hygiene issues. His behaviour often led to lawsuits from reporters with broken cameras and tested the patience of his trainers.

Despite his controversial persona, Bonavena's boxing prowess was undeniable. His victory over Canadian champion George Chuvalo and his memorable first encounter with Joe Frazier, in which he knocked down the future champion twice in the second round, solidified his position as a top contender.

In 1967, following Muhammad Ali's stripped of the WBA title, Bonavena participated in the sanctioning body's tournament to crown a new heavyweight champion. His impressive performance against European champion Karl Mildenberger in Frankfurt, where he decked his opponent four times en route to a decision victory, showcased his skill and power. Although he fell short against eventual tournament winner Jimmy Ellis in the semi-finals, many considered it the best win of Ellis's career.

Bonavena's rematch with Joe Frazier for the heavyweight title in 1968 was a gruelling 15-round affair. Despite adopting a more defensive approach, The Ring magazine captured Bonavena's face bearing the marks of a hard-fought battle.

Perhaps his most iconic moment came in December 1970, when he faced Muhammad Ali at Madison Square Garden in Ali's second bout after a three-year layoff. Bonavena absorbed punishment throughout the fight but remained a constant threat, landing various head and body punches. In the final round, Ali caught Bonavena rushing in and floored him with a perfectly placed left hook. Although Bonavena beat the count, Ali's relentless pursuit and two more knockdowns sealed the victory for "The Greatest" under the three-knockdown rule.

While the ending was somewhat controversial, with Ali standing over Bonavena instead of retreating to a neutral corner, the fight remains a testament to Bonavena's resilience and Ali's enduring brilliance.

In the twilight of his career, Bonavena's gregarious nature and love for the party lifestyle began to take its toll. Losses to Floyd Patterson in 1972 and Ron Lyle in 1974 relegated him to lower contender status, though he remained a formidable opponent until the end.

Tragically, on May 22, 1976, Oscar "Ringo" Bonavena's life was cut short at the age of 33. A shooting at the Mustang Ranch brothel near Reno, Nevada, stemming from a conflict with its owner, ended the Argentine warrior's colourful journey. His body was returned to Argentina, where 150,000 people paid their respects as he lay in state at the Luna Park sports arena in Buenos Aires before his burial in La Chacarita Cemetery.