Juan Zurita
Zurita, circa 1942
Born
Juan Bautista Zurita Ferrer

(1917-05-12)May 12, 1917
Veracruz, Mexico
DiedMarch 23, 2000(2000-03-23) (aged 82)
Mexico City, Mexico
NationalityMexico Mexican
Other namesZurita III
Statistics
Weight(s)Lightweight
Height1.68 m (5 ft 6 in)
Reach1.68 m (66 in)
StanceSouthpaw
Boxing record
Total fights155
Wins131
Wins by KO43
Losses23
Draws1

Juan Zurita (2 May 1917 – 24 March 2000) was a Mexican professional boxer in the lightweight division and a 1944 National Boxing Association Lightweight world champion.[1][2][3] Zurita was a southpaw or left handed boxer, who often fought with his right foot forward, though at times he could lead with his right as well. American newspapers distinguished him as the first native-born Mexican to win a world boxing title.[4]

Early life and career

Zurita was born on May 2, 1917, near Veracruz, Mexico on the Atlantic Coast. He began fighting professionally in early 1932,at the tender age of 14 and a half, on the Western Mexican coast in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.

Taking the Featherweight Championship of Mexico, February 1934

Early in his career, Zurita won the Featherweight Championship of Mexico, defeating Joe Conde on February 24, 1934, in a twelve round points decision for the title. He defeated Joe Conde again in a rematch for the Featherweight Championship on March 11, 1939, in a twelve round points decision at the Arena Mexico in Mexico City.

On January 4, 1935, Zurita defeated Pablo Dano in a ten round points decision at Legion Stadium in Hollywood, California. Zurita took four rounds, Dano three, and three were even. Zurita took the first four rounds according to the Los Angeles Times and finished strong in the final round. The win was significant for Zurita as Dano was the more experienced boxer and favored in the early betting.[5]

On February 15, 1936, Zurita defeated Californian boxer Georgie Hansford in a fifth round knockout in Mexico City.[6]

Bouts with former World Flyweight Champion Midget Wolgast, 1935–36

On March 28, 1936, he defeated American boxer Midget Wolgast at the Arena Nacional in Mexico City in a fifth round knockout. Zurita sent Wolgast to the mat for a count of nine in the fifth, before finishing him shortly after for a full count with a left to the stomach and a right to the chin.[7] On July 24, 1936, Zurita defeated Wolgast again in a ten round points decision at Legion Stadium in Hollywood, California. Zurita forced the fighting through the entire bout and had the cleaner and more effective punches. There were no knockdowns in the bout. The referee gave eight rounds to Zurita, and two to Wolgast, though Braven Dyer of the Los Angeles Times felt the fight was a bit closer. Zurita seemed strongest in the closing rounds.[8][9] He had lost to Wolgast three times previously in 1935, on February 21, May 21, and June 28 in ten round points decisions, first in Los Angeles and then twice at Legion Stadium in Hollywood. Wolgast had formerly held the World Flyweight Title in July 1931, and had contended unsuccessfully for the World Bantamweight Title.

On August 18, 1936, Zurita lost to exceptional Black boxer Henry Armstrong in a fourth round knockout at Olympic Stadium in Los Angeles. At the time, Armstrong held the California version of the World Featherweight Title. Zurita probably carried the first two round on points with a furious attack. In the bottom of the third, Armstrong had found his range and made a number of effective blows to the head of Zurita that had him groggy.[10] In his career, Armstrong would also hold the World Welterweight Championship. Zurita lost again to Armstrong on October 13, 1942, in a second round knockout at Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles. The final blow was a right to the chin 2:20 into the second. The final blow was a left hook followed by a right cross, 2:20 into the second, and was the only knockdown in the bout.[11] By their last bout in October 1942, Armstrong had taken world titles in both the Welterweight and Lightweight divisions.

On January 1, 1937, Zurita defeated Spanish boxer Baltasar Sangchili in a ten round points decision in Mexico City. In June 1935, Sangchili had taken the IBU World Bantamweight Title in Valencia, Spain, and had taken the World Bantamweight Championship in the same year.[2]

Zurita defeated New York based Puerto-Rican born Koli Kolo around June 1, 1938, in a fourth round knockout in Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico. The exact date of the bout remains unknown, and may have occurred the month earlier.[2]

On June 18, 1938, Zurita defeated talented Mexican boxer Rodolfo "Baby" Casanova in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico in a sixth round Technical Knockout. It was Zurita's only win against Casanova. On August 20, 1938, Zurita would lose to Casonova in a sixth round technical knockout in Mexico City. In four earlier meetings with Casanova, in a Mexican Featherweight Title match on September 15, 1934, and in matches in April 1935, April 1936, and June 1937, Zurita would lose. Though each boxer was close in height and very close in reach, Zurita did not seem to match up well with Casanova who was two years older and may have benefited from two extra years in age. By September 1934, Casanova had taken the Mexican Featherweight Championship, and had scored seven successful defenses of the title.[2]

Mid-career as a professional

Taking the Mexican Lightweight Title, September 1938

Zurita first took the Mexican Lightweight Title on September 10, 1938, against Joe Conde in a twelve round points decision at the Arena in Mexico City, though few if any American newspapers covered the story.[2]

On May 15, 1939, Zurita first defeated Jimmy Hatcher in a ten round decision at the Walkathon Theater in San Antonio, Texas. He defeated Hatcher again on September 11, 1942, in a second round technical knockout at Legion Stadium in Hollywood. The bout was stopped by the referee thirty seconds into the second round after Hatcher received a long cut on his forehead. The loss ended Hatcher's string of nineteen straight wins.[2][12]

On July 21, 1940, Zurita defeated Speedy Dado in a fifth round technical knockout at the Arena Progreso at Jalisco, Mexico. Dado was a talented Philippines-born boxer who would take the USA California State Bantamweight Title in October 1933, and later compete unsuccessfully for the World Bantamweight Title in May 1935.[2]

On May 17, 1941, Zurita defeated Carlos Miranda in a third round knockout in Mexico City.[2]

On November 14, 1941, Zurita defeated George Latka in a ten round points decision at Legion Stadium in Hollywood, California. Twice in the second and once in the tenth Zurita scored against Latka with strong blows. Zurita started on the aggressive, and though the middle rounds were close, Zurita probably always led in points.[2][13]

On July 24, 1942, Zurita defeated Richie Lemos at Hollywood's Legion Stadium in a ten round points decision.[2] Lemos went to his corner groggy at the end of the third and fifth rounds, and may have taken eight rounds.[14] Paul Lowry of the Los Angeles Times gave Zurita every round. Zurita skillfully evaded the blows of Lemos with cunning, and landed left hooks to the body and rights and lefts to the head of Lemos throughout the bout.[15]

On August 19, 1942, Zurita defeated Black boxer Henry Woods in a ten round points decision at the Auditorium in Oakland, California. Woods was down for a nine count in the third round from a powerful left to the body by Zurita. Ringsiders gave Zurita seven of the ten rounds. Woods held his own in the fourth and fifth, but Zurita finished strong in the final rounds.[16]

Taking the NBA World Lightweight Title, March 8, 1944

Zurita won the NBA World Lightweight Title on March 8, 1944, against Sammy Angott in a fifteen round unanimous decision at Gilmore Field, the Hollywood Ball Park, in Los Angeles, California.[2] Zurita became the first Mexican to win the World Lightweight Championship in a bit of an upset victory that saw Angott as a 4 to 1 favorite. It was Angott's first loss in the lightweight class. Zurita skillfully blocked Angott's left hooks and uppercuts and scored with counter punches to the body, though Angott appeared tired and haggard from having to make the lightweight limit. Angott won only the first round when Zurita appeared puzzled by his style, but the remaining fourteen rounds went to Zurita by a comfortable and decisive margin. The crowd of 11,300 was not pleased by what they viewed as a somewhat lackluster performance, though Zurita held his edge throughout the bout. Angott, perhaps as a result of his fatigue, was off on his timing, and had trouble landing solid punches. Angott's future in the ring was questionable after the loss.[17][18]

Loss in non-title bout with Beau Jack, March 31, 1944

Immediately after taking the World Lightweight Title, Zurita lost to the great American Black boxer Beau Jack on March 31, 1944, at New York's Madison Square Garden in a ten round points decision. The great promoter Mike Jacobs signed Zurita to the bout, which must have been a financial success.[19] Zurita faded after the fifth round, and was given only three rounds to seven for Jack by the United Press. The Mexican champion looked strong in the tenth, and took the round. There was a capacity crowd of 17,593 fans to watch the bout who were hoping for more action in the early rounds. Jack, a popular favorite, held the NYSAC Lightweight Championship at the time of the bout, which may have accounted for the size of the crowd.[20][21]

Win over Pete Lello after seven month break from boxing, October 1944

On October 6, 1944, Zurita defeated Pete Lello in a second round knockout at the Arena Coliseo in Mexico City. Atypically the blow that ended the fight was a terrific uppercut to the body of Lello in the opening seconds of the second round. A crowd of 20,000 saw the bout in the bullring.[22][23] The bout was Zurita's first after a seven month layoff from boxing to recover from accidentally shooting himself in the hand around June.[24]

On October 18, 1944, Zurita knocked out Aldo Spoldi, European Lightweight Champion, in the fourth round at Municipal Auditorium in San Antonio, Texas. In the main event before a crowd of 5000, a hard right to the face put Spoldi down for a count of nine. After arising, Zurita put Spoldi down for the full count.[25]

Losing the NBA Lightweight World Championship against Ike Williams, April 1945

Zurita lost the NBA World Lightweight Championship before a crowd of 35,000 by a second round knockout from Black New Jersey boxer Ike Williams in Mexico City on April 18, 1945.[2] Their first planned meeting in Philadelphia had to be cancelled by the Pennsylvania Boxing Commission who recognized Bob Montgomery as the lightweight champion. Williams made a two fisted attack to the head of Zurita in the second which Zurita could not hold off, though he had made an effective defense in the first round. It was Zurita's first title defense. Shortly after Zurita was counted out, Williams' corner was crowded by fans, and several policeman were required to clear the ring before Williams could return to his dressing room.[26]

Zurita defeated Mike Belloise on January 31, 1945, in a third round technical decision, when Belloise failed to come out at the opening of the fourth round. Zurita had floored the former World Featherweight Champion at the end of the third round with a right to the mid-section, but the bell sounded before a count could be completed.[27]


Zurita died on Thursday, March 23, 2000, in Mexico City after being in a coma for several days. He was 82.[28]


Zurita was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1997.[29]


Professional boxing record

155 fights 131 wins 23 losses
By knockout 48 9
By decision 82 14
By disqualification 1 0
Draws 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round Date Location Notes
155 Win 131–23–1 Canguro Varela KO 3 (?) Mar 30, 1948 Arena Sonora, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
154 Loss 130–23–1 Ike Williams TKO 2 (15) Apr 18, 1945 El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico Lost NBA lightweight title
153 Win 130–22–1 Mike Belloise RTD 3 (10) Jan 31, 1945 Houston, Texas, U.S.
152 Win 129–22–1 Paul Altman KO 5 (10) Jan 23, 1945 Municipal Auditorium, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
151 Win 128–22–1 Jerry Moore KO 6 (10) Nov 17, 1944 Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S.
150 Win 127–22–1 Aldo Spoldi KO 4 (10) Oct 17, 1944 Municipal Auditorium, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
149 Win 126–22–1 Pete Lello KO 2 (10) Oct 6, 1944 Arena Coliseo, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
148 Loss 125–22–1 Beau Jack UD 10 Mar 31, 1944 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
147 Win 125–21–1 Sammy Angott UD 15 Mar 8, 1944 Gilmore Field, Los Angeles, California, U.S. Won NBA lightweight title
146 Win 124–21–1 Miguel Arroya KO 5 (10) Dec 30, 1943 Coliseo Olímpico, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
145 Win 123–21–1 Enrique Cardoso PTS 10 Dec 11, 1943 Estadio Olimpico, Panama City, Panama
144 Win 122–21–1 Baby Coullimber PTS 10 Dec 7, 1943 Estadio Olimpico, Panama City, Panama
143 Win 121–21–1 Aquilino Allen PTS 10 Oct 24, 1943 Estadio Olimpico, Panama City, Panama
142 Win 120–21–1 Rafael Hurtado PTS 10 Sep 26, 1943 Estadio Olimpico, Panama City, Panama
141 Loss 119–21–1 Slugger White UD 10 Jun 15, 1943 Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
140 Win 119–20–1 Henry Vasquez UD 10 May 21, 1943 Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S.
139 Win 118–20–1 Joey Silva PTS 10 Apr 30, 1943 Last Frontier Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
138 Win 117–20–1 Joey Peralta PTS 10 Mar 19, 1943 Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S.
137 Win 116–20–1 Jimmy Florita PTS 10 Feb 22, 1943 Civic Auditorium, Stockton, California, U.S.
136 Win 115–20–1 Vern Bybee PTS 10 Feb 8, 1943 Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S.
135 Win 114–20–1 Eddie Marcus KO 6 (10) Jan 22, 1943 Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S.
134 Win 113–20–1 Chuck Railey TKO 3 (10) Dec 4, 1942 Coliseum, San Diego, California, U.S.
133 Win 112–20–1 Chester Slider UD 10 Nov 27, 1942 Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S.
132 Win 111–20–1 Panama Brown KO 4 (10) Nov 2, 1942 Coliseo Olímpico, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
131 Loss 110–20–1 Henry Armstrong KO 2 (10) Oct 13, 1942 Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S.
130 Win 110–19–1 Jimmy Hatcher TKO 2 (10) Sep 11, 1942 Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S.
129 Win 109–19–1 Chester Slider PTS 10 Sep 2, 1942 Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
128 Win 108–19–1 Henry Woods PTS 10 Aug 19, 1942 Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
127 Win 107–19–1 Richie Lemos UD 10 Jul 24, 1942 Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S.
126 Win 106–19–1 Fillo Gonzalez TKO 4 (10) May 30, 1942 Plaza de Toros, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
125 Win 105–19–1 Quentin Breese UD 10 May 15, 1942 Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S.
124 Win 104–19–1 Jimmy Florita KO 5 (10) Apr 7, 1942 Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
123 Win 103–19–1 Ray Price PTS 10 Mar 13, 1942 Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S.
122 Win 102–19–1 Billy Hale KO 3 (10) Dec 12, 1941 Coliseum, San Diego, California, U.S.
121 Win 101–19–1 Guy Serean KO 1 (10) Dec 5, 1941 Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S.
120 Win 100–19–1 George Latka PTS 10 Nov 14, 1941 Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S.
119 Win 99–19–1 Fillo Gonzalez PTS 10 Sep 13, 1941 Arena Cristal, Havana, Cuba
118 Win 98–19–1 Joe Pedroso PTS 10 Aug 2, 1941 Arena Cristal, Havana, Cuba
117 Win 97–19–1 Mario Baeza KO 6 (10) Jul 19, 1941 Arena Cristal, Havana, Cuba
116 Win 96–19–1 Baby Coullimber PTS 10 Jun 28, 1941 Arena Cristal, Havana, Cuba
115 Win 95–19–1 Ventura Marquez KO 3 (10) May 31, 1941 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
114 Win 94–19–1 Carlos Miranda KO 3 (10) May 17, 1941 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
113 Loss 93–19–1 Raul de la Torre KO 1 (10) Apr 26, 1941 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
112 Win 93–18–1 Lloyd Pine PTS 10 Apr 8, 1941 Municipal Auditorium, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
111 Win 92–18–1 Enrique Cardoso PTS 10 Mar 22, 1941 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
110 Win 91–18–1 Lupe Gonzalez PTS 10 Feb 15, 1941 Coliseo Olímpico, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
109 Win 90–18–1 Nick Peters PTS 10 Dec 13, 1940 Municipal Auditorium, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
108 Loss 89–18–1 Memo Llanes PTS 10 Nov 30, 1940 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
107 Win 89–17–1 Fred Taylor PTS 10 Nov 16, 1940 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
106 Win 88–17–1 Lupe Gonzalez PTS 10 Nov 9, 1940 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
105 Loss 87–17–1 Rodolfo Ramirez PTS 12 Oct 26, 1940 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico For Mexico lightweight title
104 Win 87–16–1 Carlos Manzano KO 1 (10) Sep 10, 1940 Plaza de Toros, Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico
103 Win 86–16–1 Carlos Manzano KO 1 (10) Sep 10, 1940 Plaza de Toros, Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico
102 Win 85–16–1 Fred Taylor PTS 10 Aug 14, 1940 Arena La Cancha, Torreon, Coahuila de Zaragoza, Mexico
101 Win 84–16–1 Speedy Dado TKO 5 (10) Jul 21, 1940 Arena Progreso, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
100 Win 83–16–1 Max Tarley KO 4 (10) Jun 1, 1940 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
99 Win 82–16–1 Johnny Stevens PTS 10 May 2, 1940 Palacio de los Deportes, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
98 Loss 81–16–1 Rodolfo Ramirez TKO 12 (12) Dec 16, 1939 Arena Mexico, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico Lost Mexico lightweight title
97 Win 81–15–1 Joe Conde PTS 10 Nov 26, 1939 Nogales, Sonora, Mexico
96 Win 80–15–1 Tony Mar PTS 10 Oct 11, 1939 Nogales, Sonora, Mexico
95 Loss 79–15–1 Rodolfo Ramirez KO 6 (10) Sep 2, 1939 Arena Mexico, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
94 Win 79–14–1 Carlos Malacara DQ 4 (10) Aug 12, 1939 Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
93 Win 78–14–1 Tony Mar PTS 12 Jul 21, 1939 Arena Mexico, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico Retained Mexico lightweight title
92 Win 77–14–1 Kallo Alphesa TKO 5 (10) May 23, 1939 Walkathon Arena, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
91 Win 76–14–1 Jimmy Hatcher UD 10 May 15, 1939 Walkathon Arena, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
90 Win 75–14–1 Tony Mar PTS 12 May 1, 1939 Arena Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico Retained Mexico lightweight title
89 Win 74–14–1 Joe Conde PTS 12 Mar 11, 1939 Arena Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico Retained Mexico lightweight title
88 Win 73–14–1 Tiburcio De La Rosa KO 7 (10) Feb 11, 1939 Arena Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
87 Loss 72–14–1 Carlos Malacara PTS 10 Jan 28, 1939 Arena Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
86 Draw 72–13–1 Tony Mar PTS 10 Dec 3, 1938 Arena Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
85 Win 72–13 Panchito Villa PTS 10 Nov 5, 1938 Arena Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
84 Win 71–13 Joe Conde PTS 12 Sep 10, 1938 Arena Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico Won vacant Mexico lightweight title
83 Loss 70–13 Rodolfo Casanova TKO 6 (10) Aug 20, 1938 Arena Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
82 Win 70–12 Felipe Andrade KO 1 (10) Jul 9, 1938 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
81 Win 69–12 Rodolfo Casanova KO 6 (10) Jun 18, 1938 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
80 Win 68–12 Joe Conde PTS 10 Jun 4, 1938 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
79 Win 67–12 Salvador Cecena KO 4 (10) Jun 1, 1938 Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico Date unknown
78 Win 66–12 Lupe Gonzalez PTS 10 May 14, 1938 Arena Mexico, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
77 Win 65–12 Ricardo Manzanillo PTS 10 May 7, 1938 Arena Mexico, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
76 Win 64–12 Joe Conde PTS 10 May 2, 1938 Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico
75 Loss 63–12 Emilio Magana PTS 10 Feb 19, 1938 Arena Mexico, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
74 Win 63–11 Joe Conde PTS 10 Jan 15, 1938 El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
73 Win 62–11 Nava Esparza KO 4 (10) Dec 12, 1937 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
72 Win 61–11 Pelon Guerra KO 6 (10) Dec 4, 1937 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
71 Win 60–11 Joe Conde PTS 10 Nov 27, 1937 Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
70 Win 59–11 Sebastian Gonzalez KO 5 (10) Oct 9, 1937 Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
69 Win 58–11 Enrique Rodea PTS 10 Jul 31, 1937 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
68 Win 57–11 Joe Conde PTS 10 Jul 10, 1937 Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
67 Loss 56–11 Rodolfo Casanova TKO 10 (10) Jun 26, 1937 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
66 Win 56–10 Panchon Martinez KO 1 (10) Jun 12, 1937 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
65 Win 55–10 Manuel Villa I PTS 10 May 8, 1937 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
64 Win 54–10 Cleo McNeal PTS 10 Apr 3, 1937 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
63 Win 53–10 Panchito Villa PTS 10 Mar 21, 1937 Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
62 Win 52–10 Pedro Ortega PTS 10 Feb 6, 1937 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
61 Win 51–10 Ricardo Manzanillo PTS 10 Jan 30, 1937 Arena Jalisco, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
60 Win 50–10 Joe Conde PTS 10 Jan 16, 1937 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
59 Win 49–10 Lalo Mendoza PTS 10 Jan 10, 1937 Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico
58 Win 48–10 Baltasar Sangchili PTS 10 Jan 1, 1937 El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
57 Win 47–10 Joe Lucero TKO 4 (10) Oct 7, 1936 Labor Temple, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.
56 Win 46–10 Tommy Brown KO 2 (10) Oct 5, 1936 Ajo, Arizona, U.S.
55 Win 45–10 Ricardo Manzanillo KO 5 (10) Sep 21, 1936 Arena Jalisco, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
54 Loss 44–10 Henry Armstrong KO 4 (10) Aug 18, 1936 Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
53 Win 44–9 Juan Cervantes PTS 10 Aug 16, 1936 Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico Exact date unknown
52 Win 43–9 Midget Wolgast PTS 10 Jul 24, 1936 Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S.
51 Win 42–9 Paco Villa TKO 6 (10) Jul 17, 1936 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
50 Win 41–9 Ricardo Manzanillo PTS 10 Jun 25, 1936 Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico
49 Win 40–9 Chico Cisneros PTS 10 May 17, 1936 Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
48 Loss 39–9 Rodolfo Casanova PTS 10 Apr 25, 1936 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
47 Win 39–8 Kid Barrilito KO 4 (10) Apr 12, 1936 Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico
46 Win 38–8 Midget Wolgast KO 5 (10) Mar 28, 1936 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
45 Win 37–8 Georgie Hansford TKO 5 (10) Feb 15, 1936 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
44 Win 36–8 Joey Dodge KO 6 (10) Jan 1, 1936 El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
43 Win 35–8 Joseph Decico UD 10 Sep 18, 1935 Forum, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
42 Win 34–8 Bobby Fernandez PTS 10 Aug 7, 1935 El Paso, Texas, U.S.
41 Win 33–8 Georgie Hawks KO 2 (10) Jul 16, 1935 Laredo, Texas, U.S.
40 Loss 32–8 Midget Wolgast PTS 10 Jun 28, 1935 Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S.
39 Win 32–7 Bobby Fernandez TKO 5 (10) Jun 19, 1935 Arena Panamericana, Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico
38 Loss 31–7 Midget Wolgast PTS 10 May 31, 1935 Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S.
37 Loss 31–6 Rodolfo Casanova PTS 10 Apr 27, 1935 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
36 Win 31–5 Sixto Escobar PTS 10 Mar 31, 1935 El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
35 Loss 30–5 Midget Wolgast PTS 10 Feb 21, 1935 Wrigley Field, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
34 Win 30–4 Gene Espinosa PTS 10 Jan 18, 1935 Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S.
33 Win 29–4 Pablo Dano UD 10 Jan 4, 1935 Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S.
32 Win 28–4 Chico Cisneros PTS 10 Nov 25, 1934 Arena Jalisco, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
31 Win 27–4 Chico Cisneros PTS 10 Nov 4, 1934 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
30 Loss 26–4 Rodolfo Casanova KO 12 (12) Sep 15, 1934 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico Lost Mexico featherweight title
29 Win 26–3 Gene Espinosa PTS 10 Aug 11, 1934 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
28 Win 25–3 Joe Conde PTS 10 Jul 7, 1934 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
27 Win 24–3 Pelon Guerra TKO 6 (10) Jul 1, 1934 Arena Cine Royal, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
26 Win 23–3 Ricardo Manzanillo PTS 12 Jun 16, 1934 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico Retained Mexico featherweight title
25 Win 22–3 Cris Pineda KO 4 (10) May 19, 1934 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
24 Win 21–3 Eddie Trujillo PTS 10 Apr 7, 1934 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
23 Win 20–3 Eddie Ruiz KO 4 (10) Mar 19, 1934 Plaza de Toros Rea, Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico
22 Win 19–3 Carlos Ibarra PTS 10 Mar 10, 1934 Arena Cine Royal, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
21 Win 18–3 Joe Conde PTS 12 Feb 24, 1934 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico Won vacant Mexico featherweight title
20 Loss 17–3 Joe Conde PTS 10 Feb 3, 1934 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
19 Win 17–2 Ricardo Manzanillo PTS 10 Jan 27, 1934 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
18 Loss 16–2 Cris Pineda PTS 10 Dec 9, 1933 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
17 Win 16–1 Pelon Guerra PTS 10 Nov 25, 1933 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
16 Win 15–1 Baby Palmore PTS 10 Nov 4, 1933 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
15 Win 14–1 Baby Nationalista KO 3 (10) Oct 21, 1933 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
14 Win 13–1 Harry Fierro PTS 10 Sep 23, 1933 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
13 Win 12–1 Pancho Varela PTS 10 Sep 9, 1933 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
12 Win 11–1 Sabino Tirado PTS 10 Jul 29, 1933 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
11 Win 10–1 Juan Rivero PTS 10 Jul 1, 1933 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
10 Loss 9–1 Carlos Ibarra PTS 10 May 27, 1933 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
9 Win 9–0 Guillermo Saucedo KO 2 (6) May 20, 1933 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
8 Win 8–0 Justo Jimenez PTS 6 May 6, 1933 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
7 Win 7–0 Paco Villa PTS 6 Apr 22, 1933 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
6 Win 6–0 Felix Perez PTS 4 Apr 2, 1933 El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
5 Win 5–0 Rodolfo Camacho TKO 1 (6) Mar 18, 1933 El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
4 Win 4–0 Rafael Casanova KO 2 (10) Feb 19, 1933 Arena Progreso, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
3 Win 3–0 Juan Sandoval PTS 6 Feb 11, 1933 Arena Colon, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
2 Win 2–0 Eddie Kidd PTS 10 Dec 14, 1932 Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
1 Win 1–0 Kid Nacho PTS 6 Feb 13, 1932 Arena Progreso, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico

See also

References

  1. ^ "Juan Zurita Boxrec Bio". BoxRec. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Juan Zurita Boxrec Bio". BoxRec. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
  3. ^ "Juan Zurita, Cyber Boxing Zone". Cyber Boxing Zone. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
  4. ^ Grayson, Harry, "Juan Zurita, First Native-born Mexican to Win Boxing Title", Arizona Daily Star, Tucson, Arizona, pg. 10, 18 March 1944
  5. ^ "Juan Zurita Whips Dano", Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, pg. 8, 5 January 1935
  6. ^ "Hansford Knocked Out by Juan Zurita", The San Bernardino County Sun, San Bernardino, California, pg. 20, 16 February 1936
  7. ^ "Mexican Boxer Stops Midget Wolgast in Fifth", The Morning News, Wilmington, Delaware, pg. 14, 30 March 1936
  8. ^ Dyer, Braven, "Juan Zurita Outpunches Wolgast to Capture Nod", Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, pg. 13, 25 July 1936
  9. ^ There were no knockdowns in the bout in "Juan Zurita Wins Verdict on Coast", The Ogden Standard-Examiner, Ogden, Utah, pg. 5, 25 July 1936
  10. ^ "Armstrong Wins Over Juan Zurita", The Bakersfield Californian, Bakersfield, California, pg. 11, 19 August 1936
  11. ^ "Zurita is Kayoed By Armstrong", St. Louis Post-Dispatch, St. Louis, Missouri, pg. 16, 14 October 1942
  12. ^ "Juan Zurita Stops Hatcher in Second", The Fresno Bee", Fresno, California, pg. 8, 12 September 1942
  13. ^ "Zurita Gets Decision Over Latka", The Salt Lake Tribune, Salt Lake City, Utah, pg. 30, 16 November 1941
  14. ^ "Zurita Takes Lemos in Hollywood Bout", Reno Gazette-Journal, Reno, Nevada, pg. 10, 25 July 1942
  15. ^ Lowry, Paul, "Zurita Whips Lemos in Easy Style", Los Angeles Times, pg. 11, 25 July 1942
  16. ^ "Juan Zurita Outpoints Woods in Ten Rounds", St. Louis Post-Dispatch, St. Louis, Missouri, pg. 12, 20 August 1942
  17. ^ "Mexican Lightweight Scores Upset Victory in Dull Title Bout", The Daily Notes, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, pg. 8, 9 March 1944
  18. ^ Crowd of 11,300 in Frawley, Frank, "Zurita Takes Title Bout on the Coast", The Ogden Standard-Examiner, Ogden, Utah, pg. 15, 9 March 1944
  19. ^ Jacobs promoted the bout in "Jacobs Signs Zurita, Beau Jack", The Bakersfield Californian, Bakersfield, California, pg. 9, 11 March 1944
  20. ^ "Beau Jack Wins Over Zurita in Garden", The Ogden Standard-Examiner, Ogden, Utah, pg. 3, 1 April 1944
  21. ^ Crowd of 17,593, in "Beau Jack Decisions Juan Zurita", The Bakersfield Californian, Bakersfield, California, pg. 9, 1 April 1944
  22. ^ "Juan Zurita Wins Second Round KO", Reno Gazette-Journal, Reno, Nevada, pg. 14, 7 October 1944
  23. ^ 20,000 saw the bout in "Uppercut Wins For Juan Zurita in Second", Eugene Guard, Eugene, Oregon, pg. 6, 7 October 1944
  24. ^ Zurita had shot himself in the hand in "Zurita Returns in Bout with Lello", The Evening News, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, pg. 21, 6 October 1944
  25. ^ "Zurita Kayoes Spoldi in Four", Reno Gazette-Journal, Reno, Nevada, pg. 14, 18 October 1944
  26. ^ The fight drew 35,000 in "Bull Ring Battle Draws 35,000 in Mexico City", The Independent Record, Helena, Montana, pg. 8, 19 April 1945
  27. ^ "Juan Zurita Stops Belloise in Fourth", The Fresno Bee, Fresno California, pg. 31, 1 February 1945
  28. ^ "Miscellany", The Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, pg. 77, 26 March 2000
  29. ^ World Boxing Hall of Fame Inductees. Retrieved on 2008-07-15.

External links


Achievements Preceded bySammy Angott NBA lightweight champion March 8, 1944 – April 18, 1945 Succeeded byIke Williams
Categories