Punchers from the Past: Gregorio “Goyo” Peralta

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Gregorio “Goyo” Peralta

Born Suan Juan. Argentina 8 May 1945. Died 3 October 2001

Turned pro: April 5 1958 retired 17 November 1973

Record: 116 fights 98 wins (60), 9 losses 9 draws

Beat: Jose Giorgetti, Willie Pastrano*, Wayne Thorton, Mauro Mina, Andres Selpa, Chuck Leslie, Jose Manuel Urtain, Billy Aird,

Lost to: Mauro Mina, Willie Pastrano, Oscar Bonavena, George Foreman (twice PTS & TKO, Ron Lyle,). In 116 fights only Foreman, Pastrano (cut) and Peruvian Mauro Mina beat him inside the distance.

Drew With: Oscar Bonavena, Ron Lyle

As a strong supporter of Juan Peron, he was forced to do his fighting in Uruguay and Brazil for much of 1958 all of 1959 and much of 1960 (eventually when in exile Peron stood as godfather to one of Gregorio’s sons). After returning to fighting in Argentina he was unbeaten in 29 fights with 28 wins and one draw. He had his first fight in the USA in September 1963 when he outpointed WBA and WBC light-heavyweight champion Willie Pastrano in a non-title fight. He challenged Pastrano for the titles in October 1964 but was forced to retire after five rounds due to a bad cut over his right eye, In September 1965 he lost on points to Oscar Bonavena for the Argentinian heavyweight title in front of a record crowd of over 25,000 at the Luna Park with over 5,000 left outside trying to get in when the doors were closed. He was giving away 18lbs to Bonavena. He was then unbeaten in his next 29 fights before drawing with Bonavena in 1969. He lost on points against George Foreman in February 1970 and was stopped in the tenth round by Forman in May 1971. He lost to Ron Lyle in May 1973 and retired in November 1973 after a draw against Lyle.

Gregorio’s younger brother Avenamar was also a world class fighter at light heavyweight losing only one of his first 49 fights and that loss was a disqualification. He never fought for a world title and ended with a career of 149 fights, 103 wins, 32 losses and 14 draws with 18 of those losses coming at the end of his career.