The year 1971 is considered the most emblematic for Venezuelan boxing in its history for several reasons, in which both the quality and importance of what was achieved on the international stage stood out.
At that time, our country had only won two major titles in boxing, one professional and one Olympic. Although figures like Simón Chávez, Oscar Calles, and Ramoncito Arias had tried, it wasn't enough.
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Carlos “Morocho” Hernández paralyzed the country by obtaining the junior welterweight crown in 1965 and, three years later, Francisco “Morochito” Rodríguez from Cumaná brought home the first gold medal in an Olympics for our country by capturing the medal in the 48 kilograms in Mexico 68.
Rondón has indeed fought
In popular slang, the expression "Rondón hasn't fought" refers to an iconic phrase dating back to the independence era, alluding to Colonel Juan José Rondón, who, with only 14 lancers, led the patriot army to victory over the royalist forces at the Battle of Vargas Swamp. As a result, whenever a situation is tense, Venezuelans encourage themselves by saying, "Rondón hasn't fought..."
During Vicente Paúl's fights, many narrators and fans would shout the phrase to encourage him, merging the legend of the independence colonel with the grit of the light heavyweight champion.
And on February 27, 1971, the pivotal moment arrived. The chance to win the world title for the humble young man from Río Chico, a protégé of promoter Rafito Cedeño.
The Nuevo Circo de Caracas was the emblematic venue for all kinds of entertainment for Venezuelans of that era. Not only for the famous bullfights, but also for boxing.
And after what "Morocho" Hernández had done, the entire nation clamored for a new world champion. And they envisioned him—through radio and television—in the strike of Vicente Paúl from Miranda.
The fight was arranged for the vacant WBA light heavyweight title and the American Jimmy Dupree came out aggressively, trying to impose his physical strength and was able to knock down the Venezuelan in just the second round.
The voice of Delio Amado León, through the “Gigante Deportivo Rumbos”, replied: “The count, one, two, three, Rondón got up and is going to fight…”.
After the fall, Rondón adjusted his fight plan thanks to the work of the Cuban Tuto Zavala and, instead of entering into another exchange of blows, the Venezuelan boxed intelligently, punishing Dupree's face and undermining his physical condition.
He wore him down until the seventh round, when he landed a devastating combination that sent Dupree reeling to the ropes and then to the canvas. Referee Zach Clayton raised Rondón's hand, and the entire country erupted in jubilation. Venezuela had its second world champion.
He made four defenses that same year until he lost in 1972 to Bob Foster in Miami.
Four of a kind, national pride
Having four boxers from the same country become world champions in a single year is an impressive statistical and sporting feat. Before this, only the United States had managed to have four or more champions simultaneously. In 1971, Venezuela surpassed traditional boxing powers like Mexico, Japan, and Panama. Following Vicente Paúl Rondón's light heavyweight title win, the following champions joined the list: Alfredo Marcano from Cumaná vs. Hiroshi Kobayashi in the junior lightweight division (TKO, 10th round, July 29th), Antonio Gómez vs. Shozo Saijo in the featherweight division (TKO, 5th round, September 2nd), and Betulio González from Zulia vs. Erbito Salavarria in the flyweight division (disqualification for doping, December 20th). An unforgettable milestone.
