BoxeoMundial- JOS� LUIS GARC�A; HE KNOCKED OUT NORTON!

Author: JIM AMATO
Date: 2/8/2010

There may have never been a more talent rich period in the heavyweight division then from 1968 to 1978. With Muhammad Ali (a.k.a. Cassius Clay) on the sidelines due to his draft case, other big men emerged. They would compete with each other on an almost equal basis for the next decade. Joe Frazier had risen to the top of the heap but the level below him would remain as mainstays in the ratings for years to come. Jimmy Ellis, Jerry Quarry, Oscar Bonevena, Floyd Patterson, George Chuvalo and Henry Cooper would eventually give way to Ron Lyle, Joe Bugner, Ken Norton, Earnie Shavers and Jimmy Young.

All time great champions like George Foreman and Larry Holmes also made their mark and Ali re-emerged to reclaim his throne. Lost among the giants of that time period was a fine heavyweight from Venezuela named Jos� Luis Garc�a. Although Jose never challenged for the world championship he did meet three who did. He also met three world champions in a career that never seemed to reach its full potential. Jos� turned pro in his native country in 1968. He would go undefeated in his first nine bouts before losing a decision to future light-heavyweight champion Vincente Rond�n. Three fights later Jos� was halted by though Allen Thomas in his first U.S. appearance.

The lean Garc�a was beginning to grow into a full-fledged heavyweight. On July 2, 1970 Garc�a scored the biggest victory of his career. In Los Angeles as a heavy underdog, Jose met unbeaten and upcoming future champion Ken Norton. Garc�a�s superior hand speed and deceptive power sent Norton crashing in round eight. The huge upset of Norton landed Garc�a smack in the middle of the heavyweight picture. Four months later Garc�a halted used up ex-contender Thad Spencer. By now Garc�a was going substantial weight. He was, by today�s standards, a cruiserweight when he beat Norton. Now he was ballooning to over 200 plus pounds.

In 1971 he moved up in the ratings with wins over veterans Charlie Polite, James J. Woody, John Griffin and Alberto Lovell. Jos� opened 1973 with victories over Roby Harris, Florida Al Jones and Johnny Hudgins. It all came crashing down on October 23rd, 1972 when ex-W.B.A. champion Earnie Terrell came to Caracas. Earnie had been written off after late 60�s losses to Thad Spencer and Manuel Ramos. Against Garc�a though he looked the part of a rejuvenated former champ as he pounded Garcia into submission in the sixth round.

In Jos�s comeback bout seven months later Joe Alexander destroyed him in one round. Next came a crushing kayo loss to Ron Lyle. Jos� put together four wins but then lost a decision to Jimmy Young. In his next bout Joe Bugner stopped him in two. Finally on August 14, 1975, Jos� got a rematch with Ken Norton. At this time Norton was the top heavyweight contender. They met in St. Paul; MN and this time Kenny took all Garc�a could throw at him and eventually wore Jos� down in the fifth round of a tough fight. Even in defeat Garc�a proved he was still world class.