Gabriel "Flash" Elorde may well be the greatest Filipino fighter of his time. Turning pro at 16, he first fought at local venues in Cebu. Well known for a swift left hand which connects consistently.
Over a span of 15 years , Elorde was involved in 44 title fights, 15 world title bouts.
He battled Teruo Kosaka of Japan five times for the Oriental lightweight crown.
In July 20,1955 Elorde defeated World Featherweight champion Sandy Saddler in a non-title bout. During a rematch at the Cow Palace, Saddler via TKO in the 13th. The fight was stopped after Elorde sustained a deep cut above his eye. The judges scorecard showed Elorde ahead in points. This infuriated the Filipinos in attendance.
On March 16, 1960 in front of 30,000 fans in Manila Elorde scored a knockout victory over World Junior lightweight Champ Harold Gomes of the United States. Five months later Gomes' again lost via a first round Elorde knockout.
Elorde held the lightweight title for seven years, the longevity a milestone at that time.
The WBC during its 20th year celebration honored Elorde by naming him as one of the best JR lightweight in the history of the WBC.
Elorde received his greatest accolade in 1993 enshrined in the Boxing Hall of Fame with co-inductee Wilfredo Benitez. It goes to show, that with fierce determination and heart someone of slight physical stature can one day be champion of the world.
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