Carlos Padilla, Jr.

Carlos "Sonny" Padilla, Jr. (born 1934/35) was a boxing referee and judge from the Philippines. Padilla was a recognizable movie star but when his career began to decline, he rejoined the world of sports and became a boxing referee.[1]

The son of actor Carlos Padilla, Sr., Padilla first came to international prominence when he refereed the third fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, known as the "Thrilla in Manila". Before the fight Frazier's trainer Eddie Futch had objected to all three American referees, so the little-known local official Padilla was selected as a late replacement.

Afterwards Padilla relocated to the United States and refereed many high profile boxing matches over the next two decades, including Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Wilfredo Benitez, Mike Tyson vs. Pinklon Thomas, Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns vs. Roberto Duran, Julio Cesar Chavez vs. Ruben Castillo, Dwight Muhammad Qawi vs. Matthew Saad Muhammad and Salvador Sanchez vs. Wilfredo Gomez. He refereed his final fight in October 2000.

Personal life

Padilla is the son of actor Carlos Padilla, Sr. and the nephew of several actors involved in the movie industry.[2] Originally an actor, Padilla is the father of Philippine diva Zsa Zsa Padilla. He was given a lifetime achievement award by the Philippine Sportswriters Association in 2011.[3] His granddaughter, Karylle, has also achieved notoriety in boxing, singing the Philippine National Anthem during the Pacquiao-de la Hoya fight, The Dream Match.[4]

References

  1. ↑ Samaco, Maloney L. "CARLOS PADILLA, JR. – THE GREATEST FILIPINO INTERNATIONAL REFEREE". PhilBoxing.com. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  2. ↑ Samaco, Maloney L. "CARLOS PADILLA, JR. – THE GREATEST FILIPINO INTERNATIONAL REFEREE". PhilBoxing.com. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  3. ↑ "PSA to honor 'The Maestro,' 'Thrilla' referee". Manila Bulletin. 2011-02-04. Retrieved 2012-12-10.
  4. ↑ Samaco, Maloney L. "CARLOS PADILLA, JR. – THE GREATEST FILIPINO INTERNATIONAL REFEREE". PhilBoxing.com. Retrieved 26 April 2013.

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