Mando Muniz Documentary - 'El Hombre' of the 1970s Welterweights

[@l.w.8470]

It's a testament to Armando Muniz's fame and greatness that he is better remembered than many of the men proclaimed champion in the era of three men being called a world champion.

[@markriley5863]

What a nice and decent man. I didn't know anything about him before this but I am now full of admiration for him. Thanks Rich, you are a true historian.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Always a pleasure, Mark.

[@karsu]

He was my late godfather and best friend’s favorite fighter. Along with Danny Little Red Lopez and Pipino Cuevas. A whiteboy who was born in the Midwest and raised in California, who loved Mexican warrior fighters. Ah! He would always remark “the good ‘ol LA/Inglewood Coliseum days!”. He had, essentially his 4th childhood in the last years of his life when we saw a Prime Pac run roughshod thru Cotto, Margacheato, and Clottey. Thanks Rich. I’m pretty well versed in boxing and know of all the fighters you showcased in your channel, having done some of my growing up in the ring. I was a regular in the Wild Card Gym for years and was trained by Ruben Solorio (who fought his fellow stablemate Lupe Pintor twice). Picked some tips and tricks from Kevin Morgan, Bird, and several other old timers. You do well with this channel man. It’s very much needed. To get the names and memories of these gladiators their proper due and carry their legacy for a new generation of young in boxing heads. Much love sir! @Rich the fight historian +Rich the fight historian. The GOAT of social media boxing history tube along with The Modern Martial Artist.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks so much, karasu. The Wildcard Gym has definitely been the hub for many years now...kudos to you for getting your ring education there.

[@karsu]

@@RichtheFightHistorian your amazing sir. The sheer volume of clips you accumulated over the decades. Also that you’ve had this account since 2006, and became a true established channel and posting content just these last few years. It’s inspirational.

[@gordonluis2039]

Of all the extraordinary documentaries done by Rich, this might be his best production. Armando Muniz was a class act who never quite reached the pinnacle of his chosen profession. In the final analysis However,Armando is a champion of champions who took a backseat to no one who laced up a pair of boxing gloves.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Gordon.

[@bennylevine387]

That's great to bring some shine to a bit of a forgotten warrior. What a hard-luck career, getting seemingly screwed against Napoles and falling apart late against Palomino when holding a lead. A decade or so later, he almost assuredly would have snagged a belt when there were more available. I always thought he was just a typical sort of fighter who came up the hard way. I didn't realize he was an Olympian and a college grad. I also didn't know he beat top-rated contenders like Gray and Lewis. Quite a resume.

[@t9190kp]

One of quite a few fighters from the pre 10 belts in 25 divisions era that had multiple title shots and couldn't secure a strap for different reasons.

[@richardweiler6931]

​@@t9190kpPalomino was just a little better. Muñiz almost caught Napoles at the end of his career, but was jobbed out of the title. In the rematch, a few months later, the aging Napoles trained his rear end off, and won a comfortable decision.

[@Sindrones]

He was my high school Spanish teacher In 2006 . He was a great teacher 👍🏾

[@therifleman6962]

He was mine in 1989!!

[@pam-gw6uk]

What a credit to the sport, this man was.

[@nyquil762]

Rich, all I can say is wow. You always make my day. Thank you sir.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Always a pleasure, nyquil.

[@MrT-ev4dq]

Really appreciate this Rich. Great to see a warrior again. We say " he's nails ". Cheers 🍻

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

An apt description, thanks Mr T

[@Gregsmith1]

Excellent! Muniz, Palomino, and Lewis exemplified class in that era. I was also a Ranzany fan, who was from NorCal, and later worked at Folsom and tried to run a boxing program there. Would love to see a documentary on George "Scrap Iron" Johnson, the first fighter I became aware of as a child.

[@christopherbellore3511]

Another great one, Rich. Thank you. Never quit. Shift, maybe, but don't quit. Today, Fighting the good fight of faith, I've switched from a carnal fighter to a spiritual fighter; that's the shift, the switch. In life, there are always challenges to combat, battles to win. But win or lose, never quit. There's always another challenge, another battle right around the corner. Muniz was, and is a perfect example of a self-sacrificing, charitable soul who lives to do his best, and to serve others. We all need this mindset in order to make this life, and the world around us, better. ✝🛐🕊⚓🔨📖🗡✝🥊🙏

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Right on, Christopher.

[@barrybarnes96]

A class act sportsman. Compare him to the childish no class braggarts in the sport today.

[@technomickdocumentalist2495]

This is why I trawl KZbin to watch and learn about fighters from bygone years, every now and then I watch a current event fight, but it’s mainly the 70, 80 and 90’s that I enjoy 😉

[@andrewjewell3142]

Glad life worked out well for him

[@fredjonestowns4213]

The way he was robbed against Napoles was almost unreal. Armando won that fight.

[@christopherbellore3511]

And I thought Haney and Lomanchenko was bad. Loma needs to see that.

[@t9190kp]

Read about it in the mags for yrs but to actually see the outright robbery when KZbin came along was crazy!!

[@richardweiler6931]

And Napoles was a Cuban. Muñiz was born in Mexico. But in his home country, everyone was against Muñiz that night.

[@martinlopez4540]

Thats a true warrior

[@rory693]

Thank you Rich. Glad it’s turned out well for him. An intelligent guy and good fighter. A really high level of competition.

[@katherinemuniz7266]

Great Documentary....Thanks Rich... We are so proud of my Dad!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Oh wow, good to hear from you Katherine. Your father is a great man.

[@brianseneca3546]

Armando was a little before my time watching boxing. I knew him mostly as an opponent for Ray Leonard. I knew after becoming an avid boxing fan that he received title shots but I never knew how close he actually was to becoming champion. Watching the first Napolese fight and seeing how he was robbed was really sad. I mean even Billy Freakin Backus got be a champ for a few months. Another great one Rich. Thank you

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks very much, Brian.

[@GilturnerknocksoutphonyFloyd]

Terrific Rich. Really terrific story of a good fighter and good man. Your videos of fights in the Olympic Auditorium bring me back to my youth in California. By the way for younger fans. Mando lost twice to Eddie Perkins in the twilight of Eddie’s career yet Mando got 4 title shots. Eddie a former Jr WW champion got zero WW title shots because no one wanted to fight him. I saw him in Chicago beat undefeated Clyde Gray. Clyde never laid a glove on Eddie. Thankfully a few years before Eddie died the blind mice at the International Boxing Hall of Fame inducted him. It was long overdue.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, James. I wish I had more film on Perkins, his name is popping up quite a bit in my research.

[@GilturnerknocksoutphonyFloyd]

@@RichtheFightHistorian there are few films of Eddie. He fought all over the world almost always giving up the home advantage. I saw one film of him on KZbin 8 or 9 years ago from early in his career. He had not yet developed his hit and not be hit style and he lost a decision. It was from about 1960. He trained at Johnny Coulons Gym on the south side of Chicago. All the greats trained there when they were in town. I still have a pair of 16oz sparing gloves I bought from Johnny. . Eddie was a really nice guy. In Chicago parlance Eddie once said about why he was not popular in Chicago, “ the fans want an Ernie Banks and I’m a Nellie Fox. This is in reference to the home run hitter from the Cubs and Nellie Fox a single hitting second baseman from the White Sox. Most of Eddie’s losses came in the other guys back yard. His fight against undefeated Clyde Gray was a work of Art. Eddie was similar to Willie Pep. Very hard to hit even when standing in front of you Your videos are truly magnificent. It’s great for young fans to see the guys you present. I’ve been involved in and followed this sport for almost 65 years and love watching your stuff.

[@GilturnerknocksoutphonyFloyd]

@@RichtheFightHistorian holy cow I have to amend my last comment. I’ve been following this sport since the early 50’s when my second favorite fighter Kid Gavilan was on early TV. Boy it makes me feel as old as I am😉😉

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

@@GilturnerknocksoutphonyFloyd Great share, thanks James. I'll have to look more into Perkins.

[@staceyskinner666]

Great video..what an articulate decent human being .

[@juanrodriguez6707]

Love your boxing documentaries! Keep them coming.. thank you

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Hey thanks, Juan. Will do.

[@daviddavies2945]

Thanks Rich for this tremendous video. Muniz was a class act as a boxer, and is one as an eloquent gentleman. A noble exponent of the noble art.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, David.

[@alangrace8628]

A great fighter and even more importantly a class act as a human being...

[@Rockstar-bq5fm]

This was a feel good one despite the hard luck career. Good video Rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Rockstar

[@dalebecause2467]

Wow, that Muniz-Alvarado fight was wild....

[@phillandon4127]

Gritty fighter. Great man. Poor Mando just couldn't get a break in the big fights. He made up for it though being an exemplar for his community.

[@lesteryoung5510]

Good job Rich it was nice to see a happy conclusion he was a real champion

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Lester.

[@johnjuarez8005]

Rich, this was perfect. Man, you keep elevating your game!!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

haha, hey thanks John.

[@brucemedley635]

Great documentary rich mando muniz was one tough hombre!!!!!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

He sure was, Bruce, thanks.

[@dalebecause2467]

Great video Rich... It's a pleasure to learn a bit more about Muniz. What a class act.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Dale.

[@ArturoArmenta-hq4rx]

Wow those were real fights no BS like today.

[@thewisetzar5363]

Mid 50's - 60's was a truly stacked era for the Welterweights

[@joeylamuel5828]

These get better all the time. Again, thanks.

[@jessearias2863]

Another great job Rich , it's always nice to see good bios of great fighters that don't get all the publicity.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Jesse, that's the aim in a lot of these.

[@jessearias2863]

Also were is my blade video?

[@2383Scorpio]

Great job Rich on Mando Muniz's career. Muniz fought 7 champions in his career including 4 Hall of Famers in SRL, Griffith, Napoles and Palomino. I wonder what would happen if Muniz had fought Pipino Cuevas and Wilfred Benitez? I believe that Muniz would give them the tough fight. Anyways, keep it up.

[@richardweiler6931]

Muñiz and Pipino would have been a toe to toe war. Someone would have gone down. Benitez would figure to have been too slick for Muñiz.

[@2383Scorpio]

@@richardweiler6931 I strongly agreed.

[@Temachyotl33]

thank you Rich. Great documentary on Mando Muniz. I had always admired Mando because he gave Napoles a beating in their first fight, but never knew much about his life. Enjoyed this very much.

[@danc2426]

Thank you Rich.. awesome documentary.. I will remind every Mexican heritage person l know, about this classy and humble man they should be very proud of !

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Dan.

[@MrPadz305]

Great doc rich 👍

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Mr Padz

[@richardweiler6931]

Too bad they didn't have CompuBox back when Muñiz battled Oscar Albarado back in 1971. They each must have thrown well over 1000 punches each. Unbelievable fight.

[@joeygarba4172]

Great job Rich, Thanks.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Joey.

[@simba30]

Armando is a true gentleman a class act, one of the worst decisions ever was against Napoles also one of the greatest welterweights. Mandol should have been welterweight champion. A class act

[@johnpittsii7524]

Thanks for the amazing video Rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, John.

[@paulhaig2467]

WOW , What a man and what a fighter he was .

[@billybudd8085]

I used to work at Ralphs grocery distribution center with Mando's cousin Oscar Muniz.Another talented fighter.

[@leeinoregon1326]

Thanks Rich, another great program!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Lee.

[@donnellvickers6314]

What a MAN MUNIZ WAS. GREAT VIDEO RICH 💯

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Donnell

[@robash5474]

One of my earliest boxing heroes. Muniz is another boxer who would have been capable of snagging a belt , or six, nowadays

[@robash5474]

Fans nowadays are apt to complain about every close decision that doesn't go their man's way calling them " robbery " and " fixed. The first Napoles vs Muniz fight , now THAT'S a robbery...

[@fernandoguerrero333]

Thanks Rich.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Fernando.

[@dillavedderx5959]

Mando was a great fighter and a better man!!!!! 👏 🫡👊💯🥊🖤🥊

[@michaelh.117]

He was one of my favorite fighters. It's so weird to think that he was never champ. (But his whole life has been championship level, and in the big scheme of things, boxing was only a small part.)

[@FatherofMan25]

Great man.

[@meanmeesterjoneszzz8161]

Glad to see (after his boxing career) he didn't end up with dementia, poverty, ward of the state, welfare, homeless, in prison or his family changing his diapers in his 60's. Some of these documentaries are so depressing and plain sad😢.

[@philipvjones397]

As pretty much always, an interesting story. I sincerely hope the kid who broke his kid at school experienced repeated karma over the years. Bullies really are the lowest form of pond life.

[@derekv6106]

He was my teacher in my high school super nice and funny he had a lot of newspaper clippings of his fights in the classroom and would tell us great stories including some from his acting days. He would always say the quote "Today is the first day of the rest of your lives". I think her name was Alice his daughter was a teacher too during that time my moms was friends with both of them she worked in the school office

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Very cool, thanks for sharing.

[@reycesarcarino4653]

A Brave Contender and A Good Man

[@brucekielty8180]

None is better than Rich The Fight Historian.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Hey thanks, Bruce.

[@claystevenson1821]

Seem like a very nice guy.

[@lymanpauli517]

Great job rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Hey thanks, Lyman.

[@Kuwaitisnot_adeployment]

Tony "the tiger" Lopez just started a KZbin channel called 12 rounds of adrenaline...worth a look

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

I'll check it out, thanks.

[@tentringer4065]

Wise words at 20:45.

[@trollgoodman7808]

Hey Rich, what's the intro song? it's great 👍

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, it's "Run" by Fireworks Festival.

[@budwhite2109]

Anyone know the song that plays at the start?

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

'Run' by Fireworks Festival

[@budwhite2109]

​@@RichtheFightHistorian thanks so much and also great work

[@יותםבינג]

Just wondering, what is the song from the opening?

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

'Run' by Fireworks Festival

[@יותםבינג]

@@RichtheFightHistorian thanks

[@shawnthaicon2586]

Grt grt story

[@strangerintown3676]

I watched the Muniz -- Leonard fight on tv back in 1978, to me something didn't seem right about the fight, the stoppage was odd to say the least. Fast forward 45 years later I watched the entire fight 2 months ago, the ending still doesn't add up.

[@cj88macleod]

What's the first fight shown right after jims quote? I immediately thought of rocky an Apollo creed 😂

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

It's Hegemony Lewis.

[@brucekielty8180]

The LA Times reported in 1989 (google it) that Vic Weiss led a double life that may have led to his murder.

[@shawnthaicon2586]

R.i.p Claude Noel Trinidad's 1st champion

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Rip to the lightweight champ.

[@MichaelScott-cp1ll]

Whats the song ?

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

'Run' by Fireworks Festival

[@t9190kp]

Didnt he have a younger brother that was a contender at bantam or featherweight??

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

He had a brother named Javier that fought at 140. You might be thinking of Oscar 'The Boxer' Muniz but I don't believe they are related.

[@t9190kp]

Idk who had worse luck with title shots in the 70's, Muniz or Yaqui Lopez??!! The 1st Napoles fight was a absolute travesty!!

[@boxing888great5]

Len wickwar ❤

[@gswguy4554]

Ranzany got hosed by the ref against Muniz …. Pistol Pete was winning the fight but the ref conveniently didn’t see an obvious head butt. Fight was stopped due to cuts.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Yes, I read that Muniz wanted to give him a rematch but it never came about.

[@donnellvickers6314]

16:00 to 16:20 muniz got ROBBED

[@TrentNonpareil]

Kobozev

[@dalebecause2467]

Wow, how could he be robbed like that in the ist fight against Napoles! I have never heard of anything like that...The ref stopd the fight and just declares the winner?? WTF! Thats a wrong that should be righted to this day....

[@dalebecause2467]

I'm just starting to watch this one Rich, but, once again I want to thank you for these videos. Like I have said, EVERY TIME I see a new one its the next thing I do...is watch that! I was wondering if you ever looked into Tyrone Trice from Milwaukee and if so what did you think about him? He was a guy that I thought got burned in one of his Championship fights...I forget which one it was but he only fought a few of those I believe...

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Dale. I didn't have Trice on the to do list but I'll add him in. Hard hitting welter who went life and death with Simon Brown.

[@dalebecause2467]

I have to do some research...That Muniz vs Napoles fight was the biggest and most blatant robbery I have ever seen BY FAR in all the years I have been involved with and been a huge fan of Boxing....How does that get overturned?? WTF....I have never seen an instance of an obviously paid-off ref for a fight. Couldn't have been any more blatant. The thing is, where were the people in charge of that fight?? It certainly was not the ref!! SMH....boy does that stink. If Napoles had ANY CLASS OR CHARACTER he would have had that decision overturned himself...what a scumbag.