Miguel "Happy" Lora

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Born Miguel Lora Escudero on April 12, 1961 in Montería, Córdoba, Colombia, is better known as "Happy" Lora. Considered one of the most charismatic boxers of all times, "Happy" Lora reigned in the bantamweight division (118 pounds) -WBC- from 1985 to 1988.

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[edit] Beginnings and world title

Lora started training in his native Montería and eventually represented his home department. In 1977 he won a gold medal in a local tournament, which gave him the strength to keep practicing. From 1980 to 1983 he won several national and regional titles. On August 9, 1985 he got his first chance to fight for the championship against Mexican Daniel Zaragoza. Lora convincingly defeated Zaragoza [1] and won an easy bout to become the fifth Colombian champion.

[edit] Memorable bouts

After the world title, Lora fought Puerto Rican Wilfredo Vázquez in an extremely vicious fight. He defended his belt eight times and fought boxers such as Alberto Dávila, Antonio Avelar, Ray Minus, Lucio Omar López, until he lost it against Raúl "Jíbaro" Pérez.

During the three years that Miguel "Happy" Lora kept his title, he was well known for his defensive, methodical style that made him one of the best boxers in the category. He is considered among the best Colombian boxers ever and one of the most charismatic in the history of the sport.

[edit] Retirement

After his loss to Raúl "Jíbaro" Pérez, he fought for a world title against Gaby Cañizalez, who won by knockout and eventually dislodged Lora's fifth cervical vertebrae [2]. Miguel "Happy" Lora decided to retire form boxing in 1993 and since then he has been living in his native Montería, dedicated to personal business, TV shows and soap operas.

[edit] Notes and References

1. http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=12753&more=1. Interview With Former WBC Bantamweight Champ Miguel “Happy” Lora.


2. http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=12753&more=1. Interview With Former WBC Bantamweight Champ Miguel “Happy” Lora.

[edit] References

  1. ^ http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=12753&more=1"
  2. ^ http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=12753&more=1"

[edit] External links