On this day in history, Panchito Villa became the first world champion from the Philippines
June 18th 1923
Panchito Villa (Francisco Villarruel Guilledo) became the first Filipino boxer to conquer a world title…the flyweight crown. He defeated the brilliant but aging Jimmy Wilde, from Wales. Jimmy only lost three fights during his entire career. Pancho and Jimmy are considered as two of the best flyweights in all boxing history. The fight took place at the Polo Grounds baseball park in New York.
Recent Comments