Nicolino Locche
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Nicolino Locche (September 2, 1939 – September 7, 2005) was an Argentine boxer from Tunuyán, Mendoza Province in the west of Argentina.
Locche was known as "El Intocable" (“The Untouchable”), and became Jr. Welterweight World Champion in Tokyo, Japan on December 12, 1968, after defeating Paul Takeshi Fuji by technical knockout after Fuji refused to start the 10th round out of frustration because of exhaustion and his inability to connect punches on "The Untouchable," according to the Argentinean boxing commentators' recount of the bout (Dotora, 2004).
Locche became an idol in Argentina and routinely sold out the Luna Park, Buenos Aires every time he fought at the well known boxing arena. His boxing style made him a legend, with a defense that dodged the opponent’s punches, making them pass as close as possible, but without touching him.
Locche defended his title six times, against Carlos Hernandez, Joao Henrique, Adolph Pruitt, Antonio Cervantes and Domingo Barrera Corpas, to lose it in Panama to Alfonso Frazier on March 10, 1972. Locche failed to regain the World Champion belt in a rematch with Cervantes (a.k.a., Kid Pambelé) and retired in 1975.
He was champion of Mendoza, Argentina, and South American lightweight and Jr. welterweight. He debuted at the age of 9, and his amateur record was 117-5-0. Locche turned professional at the age of 19 and amassed a record of 117-2-14 (14 KOs). He was inducted to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003.
Locche died in Las Heras in 2005.
Notes:
- Las Heras is a small town in the north part of the Mendoza Province.
- Locche is the correct spelling; other spellings used are Locce, and Loche.
| Preceded by Takeshi Fuji |
WBA Light Welterweight Champion 12 Dec 1968 – 10 Mar 1972 |
Succeeded by Alfonso Frazer |
[edit] External links
In English: (records and fights)
In Spanish:
Articles from Argentina: Diario Clarin_1 and Diario Clarin_2 Article from Uruguay El Observador
Book:
Dotora, Adrián (2004) “Nicolino Locche, la Leyenda del intocable”, Zeta Editores, 1 Era dic., Mendoza.
| Awards | ||
|---|---|---|
Preceded by Roberto de Vicenzo |
Olimpia de Oro 1968 |
Succeeded by Alberto Demiddi |
| Sporting positions | ||
Preceded by Takeshi Fuji |
WBA Light Welterweight Champion 12 December 1968 – 10 March 1972 |
Succeeded by Alfonso Frazer |
