Paul Gonzales

American boxer (born 1964)
Paul Gonzales
Paul Gonzales in 2016
Personal information
Full namePaul Garza Gonzales
BornApril 18, 1964 (1964-04-18) (age 60)
Pecos, Texas, U.S.
Medal record
Men's boxing
Representing the  United States
Olympic Games
Gold medal – first place 1984 Los Angeles Light flyweight
Pan American Games
Silver medal – second place 1983 Caracas Light flyweight

Paul Garza Gonzales OLY (born April 18, 1964) is an American former professional boxer, who won the light flyweight gold medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics.[1][2]

Amateur career

Gonzales was the winner of the Val Barker Trophy for Outstanding Boxer at those Games, after having won a silver medal the previous year at the 1983 Pan American Games.

Amateur highlights

  • 1983 United States Amateur Light Flyweight Champion
  • 1984 Olympic Light-Flyweight Gold Medalist at Los Angeles Games. Results were:
    • Defeated Kwang-Sun Kim (South Korea) 5-0
    • Defeated William Bagonza (Uganda) 5-0
    • Defeated John Lyon (Great Britain) 4-1
    • Defeated Marcelino Bolivar (Venezuela) 5-0
    • Defeated Salvatore Todisco (Italy) walk-over

Professional career

Gonzales began his professional career on August 11, 1985 and, in only his third fight, captured the NABF Flyweight title by defeating veteran Alonzo Strongbow Gonzalez. He defended his title once, winning a unanimous decision over legendary future Bantamweight Champion Orlando Canizales on July 20, 1986. After losing a controversial decision to Ray Medel for the USBA Flyweight title on June 17, 1988, he again challenged Canizales. This time on June 10, 1990, and for Canizales' IBF Bantamweight belt. In the rematch, Gonzales was stopped by TKO in the 2nd round due to cuts. After two more losses against lackluster competition, Gonzales retired in 1991.

Gonzales tried to run for office, but was defeated. He was a car salesman. Gonzales was the acting president of the Queensland Olympic Council.[3]

References

  1. ^ "Mexicanos: A History of Mexicans in the United States", Manuel G. Gonzales. Page 299. Indiana University Press, 2000. ISBN 0-253-21400-9, ISBN 978-0-253-21400-3
  2. ^ OLYMPICS; A Promise, a Death and a Dream – New York Times
  3. ^ "ITF Tennis - ABOUT - Articles - Tennis stars honoured with OLY in Brisbane". www.itftennis.com. Archived from the original on 2019-01-06.

External links

  • Boxing record for Paul Gonzales from BoxRec (registration required)
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Awarded to the outstanding and most stylistic boxer of each Olympic Games
MenWomen
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1968 – 2008: up to 48 kg, 2012–2016: up to 49 kg


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