Kiko Bejines - Boxing's Unpreventable Tragedy

[@slaphead8835]

This was a real sad one. Bejines was winning that fight with Davila. He was boxing beautifully. What a horrible and tragic end. This is the result we boxing fans never want to see. Merry Christmas Rich. Looking for more terrific shows in the New Year!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Merry Christmas, Slaphead. More on the way.

[@RELopez-mk4ic]

Such a tragedy for this young man. He was on the verge of becoming the World Champion. Also, I did not know women were boxing at that early time! Thanks for the short documentary and have a Merry Christmas Rich.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Merry Christmas, RE. Yeah, women's boxing was illegal in a lot of parts back in the day but not Guadalajara apparently.

[@spaceseed3463]

@@RichtheFightHistorian it seems like nothing is ever illegal there 😂! Great video by the way.👍🏾

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

@@spaceseed3463 Thanks, Space Seed.

[@marcocarrasco7840]

Im from Guadalajara and did not know that women were boxing on those days either.

[@timcobos8954]

@@marcocarrasco7840 I'm confused on this history of Boxing. I read that boxing was not introduced to Japan until 1950, but also read that women have been boxing in Japan for 150 years.

[@curtismcneil8695]

Albert Davila was a true Gentleman to go and stay in Hospital during this tragic event. I didn't see this particular fight but I do remember hearing about it.

[@christopherbellore3511]

Thank you, as usual, Rich. With sensitivity, respect and compassion, you have done a very special profile on a warrior of the ring. The details that you manage to compile are always extraordinary. This is one of the reasons why you are the champion of boxings "Rich," History. Merry Christmas To you, and everyone who reads this comment. R.I.P. Kiko ✝🥊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Merry Christmas, Christopher.

[@mrmoon1482]

So sad, the smaller fighters take so many more punches than the bigger fighters and have to work so much harder, thanks for doing this video I’d not known about this,

[@roncoleman9502]

What a travesty. I hate when a boxer dies in the ring. That was a great documentary Rich thank you my friend. I hope you have a great Christmas with your family and a wonderful new year

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Ron. Merry Christmas to you as well.

[@gordonluis2039]

Although both bantamweight title fights, this tragedy has never received the notoriety of Pinter vs. Johnny Owen. Another excellent production Rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Gordon.

[@marcocarrasco7840]

The ironic is that Bejines and Davila were fighting for the same title that Pintor had left vacant . And tragedy occurred fighting for that title at the same arena The Olympic Auditorium in LA, Tragedy struck again.

[@05gtdriver]

Yes, the sad irony is this bout was sanctioned by the WBC at 12 round, instead of 15, which the WBA still sanctioned until late 1987 and the newly formed IBF implemented until 1988. Unfortunately it takes tragedies to ensure sufficient rule changes are made to help in slowing down the fatal injuries suffered in a boxing ring. The nature of boxing will always present fatal results, just as car racing does(although not through the same fashion). R.I.P. Kiko.

[@roncoleman9502]

You know I was very aggravated that they changed from 15 rounds to 12. I thought those extra rounds was needed but after watching this it's a good thing. To bad for this fighter I wish it never happened .

[@timcobos8954]

I worked at General Dynamics with Alberto Davila's Aunt, and she said Kiko suffered a head injury in an auto accident. She is the only person who said this. The friends and family of Davila may have concocted this story to make Alberto feel less guilty.

[@nyquil762]

Sad. RIP brother.🙏🏽

[@Mat-fw1ky]

Thanks Rich for another fine upload. Best to you and all your viewers.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Mat22

[@SEAN9799]

Great, Great video. Fantastic upload, thanks for this one. I remember this fight well. I was 16 years old. And if I remember correctly, first W.B.C. title fight scheduled for 12 rounds. I was a fan fan of both fighters. Terribly tragic.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Sean.

[@brucekielty8180]

Double tragedy...for Kiko and Davila. Thanks again for your quality presentation, Rich.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Bruce.

[@joeylamuel5828]

Great piece on Bejines. Such a tragedy. A strange triangle of three fights between four men, for the same title as well, produced two fatalities.

[@reynaldoflores4522]

Who was the other fighter who died ?

[@oncall21]

One of the most tragic endings that I can think of. Just when I thought he was going to win that fight everything turned pear shaped for everyone involved. Such a loss for everyone involved. But then again that's sadly the reality of boxing. Thanks for sharing Rich.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, oncall21.

[@connoisseur9069]

another great video Rich, keep it up!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Connoisseur. Will do.

[@johnpittsii7524]

Thanks for the video Rich was not aware of this this story

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, John. Yeah, it's been mostly forgotten.

[@enzothebaker4047]

Oh what a nice early Christmas present: Another fantastic video from Rich! Merry Xmas!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Merry Christmas, Enzo.

[@juanhomerodiaz6310]

Were the ropes not very dangerous back then?? They used to be iron chains covered by cheap leather. I think the fatal blow was when Bejines fell backwards by the knockdown and hit the back of his head on them, kinda the same way Davey Moore did when he died.

[@andrewr62]

I remember being so shocked by this tragedy. I was a big Davila fan back in the day. He was never considered a big puncher. Maybe the volume of punches? I can recall Davilia been devastated by this. He was never the same fighter.

[@brucemedley635]

Tragic RIP kiko

[@daveherbst5080]

Hey Rich What a story, I was unaware of this loss in the Ring. I was also surprised to find out that women were fighting professionally back then. Thank you for another professional documentary, I'm so proud to be a Subscriber!!! Happy Holidays Rich to you and yours!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Dave, Merry Christmas to you.

[@lymanpauli517]

Heartbreaking story that i followed as a young teenager. Thanks rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Lyman.

[@dabulltrick4913]

U are amazing brother. Thanks to u and ur work I’ve learned about so many fighters I never even knew existed and their stories. Keep up the great work

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks for the support, DaBullTrick. I appreciate it.

[@nickharmer3049]

Yes Rich. Great upload. I didn't know of Kiko, so I really appreciate the knowledge. What a tragedy. I don't know what happened, but notifications stopped, so I went direct to your channel. I've got a bit of catching up to do. Bless up bro 👊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Nick. Yes, KZbin has been a bit wonky with the notifications.

[@edwardfranklin4152]

so sad he was so young and soon to be a father have a great xmas mate

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Merry Christmas, Edward.

[@thethracian3998]

I agree with Rich, no foreshadowing. Unlike Day vs. Conwell. I disliked Wilder for the longest time He would remark that he wants a "body" on his resume. Nothing to joke about. Hopefully, as women boxers improve, none of them suffers a tragedy like this.

[@victormitchell7434]

Merry Christmas Rich the fight historian I deeply love your videos.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Victor. Merry Christmas to you.

[@bookah8787]

Merry Christmas Richie and viewers , solid content as always 👍

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Hey Merry Christmas, Bookah.

[@bookah8787]

@@RichtheFightHistorian rastaclause has been now f o out my site pickneys haha , my guy Ritchie don't even stop for Christmas.

[@barriobarrister]

Thanks Rich. I remember this fight. I didn't know the result until the following evening as the fight began after the nightly news. My Dad told me the guy isn't going to make it. Poor Albert I said. No, the other one. I remember his funeral. I saw the fight one week later on the old SIN and waited for the 12th round... young JC Chavez edged out Adrián Arreola by split decision on the undercard.

[@timcobos8954]

I was there too. I saw Manager/Trainer Tony Cerda there and he said there was a guy from Culiacan who was 39-0. That was the 1st time I'd heard of J C Chavez.

[@mackdog3270]

It's sad. It brings to mind those kung fu movies where they sign the death waiver before the match. Boxing is entertaining, it can be a thing of beauty, but in the end it's two highly conditioned men hitting each other in the head. It's dangerous.

[@brianseneca3546]

Merry Christmas Rich and another great video. While I was aware of this tragedy from reading the Ring magazines for years and years, I never saw the fight. Did they think it was the short chopping right that initially hurt him that was the death blow? Although a brutal fight it doesnt appear from the highlights like the brutality of Mancini vs Kim or the unblocked blows from Griffith on Baret. I train and spar and am well aware it only takes one punch. It just didnt look like he took a lot of punishment in the fight. Sometimes previous fights are the culprit (Baret vs Fullmer). Horrible tragedy and so young. Not a lot older than me a the time

[@roncoleman9502]

Brian you know I didn't see anything that looked like it could have done that either more than likely it was several punches that took it's tol on him. Man you just never know I hate to see or hear of this but we all know it could happen anytime you step in the ring. Say you a fighter? What weight do you fight. You pro and had any big fights yet. I hope you don't mind me asking but I have loved boxing my whole life I always wanted to but I'm really not a fighter. Man if I don't talk to you hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and New yrs. Hope one day to see you fight good luck my friend

[@brianseneca3546]

@@roncoleman9502 I started training in my late 40's and I too LOVE boxing. My Dad was a boxer and we watched the fights growing up. I never fought amateur or pro but have sparred and trained diligently. I would like to have fought at light heavy but my trainer says my height which is 5 11 is too short for 175 and wanted me to be at 165!!! I havent weighed 165 since like 1982!! Its a hard sport and I have been knocked down and hurt to the body BADLY! But I love the sport. Merry Christmas to you and your family as well!!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Merry Christmas, Brian. You're correct...Bejines-Davila wasn't as brutal as the fights you mentioned. Bejines was ahead, obviously tired but not taking a beating before being floored.

[@stevans6942]

He looked great but you never know.Something snapped after right connected. RIP

[@davidh.8798]

Thanks for posting this story, which I didn't know. Very nicely told. Fwiw, I think I can see Bejinas unsteady on his feet in the seconds before the KO combo starts. Could be wrong, but I think there's a little stagger.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, David.

[@timcobos8954]

The death was not the result of one punch. He was slowly dying the whole fight.

[@andrewwilliams8413]

Remember this well, within a couple of years of the deaths of Johnny Owen and Kim Duk koo, boxing was really under the microscope. Very touchy subject, well handled, Rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Andrew

[@60smusicrules]

Great series of videos, Rich. I’m enjoying them. Have you considered a piece on Michael Carbajal from Phoenix, who was a silver medalist in the Olympics and I believe a world champ at one time

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Yes, Carbajal is on the docket but it'll be awhile.

[@LoganCharlesII]

He bears a strong physical resemblance to Colombian boxer Edwin Valero.

[@Duel1982]

This was a different era of boxing. Dude got stopped a month before the title shot. That would never happen today

[@danielcrowell8143]

This is a fighter I remember reading about a little bit in his up coming years and then read about the fight that brought him to his death. Most people don’t remember this guy

[@KULCAT79]

Davila had retired and was driving a truck when he got called for this fight

[@jessearias2863]

Short but sweet Rich wish there was more to tell I think he could have been a Hof if he had more time. Rip

[@reycesarcarino4653]

What exactly killed him Rich. The blood pooling in his brain or the whiplash cause by falling into the ropes

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

No telling exactly if it was a punch or the fall that was the tipping point.

[@reynaldoflores4522]

​@@RichtheFightHistorian Didn't the authorities perform a post-mortem to determine the exact cause of death ?

[@spanishrock]

wow..and here i was talking on the phone with joe robledo son of canto robledo about boxing deaths and he mentioned kiko bejines' death ..i look up kiko on youtube and here was a recent video you created. MIN 8:10 snap shot, thats joe robledo wearing the robledo crown city stables tshirt ..thank you rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Trippy coincidence. Thanks for sharing.

[@maduroholdings]

Grandma said embrace the toe to toe style of Mexican fighters Doc said his head was going forward as the punch hit him. Can you see it?

[@fredjohnson4057]

Wow that was sad. RIP.

[@peterkowalski3913]

What is the music named?

[@TheBatugan77]

Correct.

[@luisjacobogomezvslaporte4669]

KIKO TODO UN GUERRERO , RIP

[@goldenagenut]

Strange, he seemed to be, by far, landing the majority of the punches, and the ko didn't seem nearly as bad as many I've seen.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Yeah, Bejines was ahead on points.

[@JMTrucking1417]

Oh mannnn, anybody have any idea what became of his son ?!?!

[@joeygarba4172]

Brutal.

[@thethracian3998]

IN 2019 Matias v Dadahev, Dadashev makes it back to his corner. McGirt stops the fight and receives praise for not letting it continue. Dadashev looked ok but dies the following day. After re-watching it, it certainly is a mystery. BTW Matias fights on the 25th. He is a complete handful at 140.

[@mataafa1]

Yeah very sad that fight because watching it you can clearly see although dadachev is landing at times and having good moments his punches are not doing any damage they are not effecting matias .. matias however his punches were clearly affecting dadachev… all the left hooks and right hooks to the head of dadachev is according to head Drs where the most damage is done the softer tissue in those areas

[@benjamingonzalez603]

Mi vecino en la colonia morelos de guadalajara

[@timcobos8954]

I was at this fight and saw the ambulance before Kiko was put in. I told my wife I had a bad feeling that he was not going to make it. Alberto Davila was not a big hitter, so Kiko's death was very unlikely. I fractured my skull and had 2 blood clots in my frontal brain lobe and lived.

[@timcobos8954]

I'm going to kick your ass, Aria. When you're sleeping.@@Findingsuitcase

[@LoganCharlesII]

"Bejines claimed that he came down with a Mexican ailment that he only described as quote: 'animals in the stomach.'

[@LECONSPIRATORIUM]

Fatal damage occurred in the round prior to last. He started taking many headshots because he was already rocked and couldn't defend anyone but as for most cases people in charge don't care. 😏😏😏

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

That narrative doesn't apply here. There wasn't any evidence of a tragedy forthcoming. It was a fight Kiko was winning.

[@GTSpeac]

Boxing is a sport with so many deaths - I believe it desperately needs reform and a scientific scoring system that does not require one to destroy an opponent or damage them beyond repair.

[@nnoo]

xenon gas nullifies brain swelling, I would say for that reason entirely avoidable tragedy, the paradigm must shift.

[@fd9431]

incredibly sad.