WORLD CHAMPION – BOXING

Ben Villaflor came to Hawai’i in 1970 to find fame and fortune in the boxing ring.

In April 1972, Villaflor won the WBA Junior Lightweight Championship (130 lbs.) against Alfredo Marcano by outscoring him in 15 rounds at the Honolulu International Arena. At the age of 19, he was the second youngest boxer to win a world boxing title.

Villaflor defended his title many times and retired in 1980 after surgery on his right hand. His record was 44-5 (22 knockouts).

BORN 1952