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Sergio Mora

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For other people named Sergio Mora, see Sergio Mora (disambiguation). American boxer
Sergio Mora
Born (1980-12-04) December 4, 1980 (age 44)
East Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Other namesThe Latin Snake
Statistics
Weight(s)Super middleweight
Middleweight
Light middleweight
Welterweight
Height6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Reach75 in (191 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights36
Wins29
Wins by KO9
Losses5
Draws2

Sergio Mora (born December 4, 1980) is an American former professional boxer. He is a former WBC light middleweight champion, and twice challenged for the WBA (Regular) middleweight title. He was the first winner of NBC's The Contender series.

Early life and amateur career

Mora, who is of Mexican descent, was raised without a father. Sergio lived in an East Los Angeles apartment downstairs from the apartment where his mother lived. He boxed as a way to lift him and his family to a better standard of living. Sergio is a class of 1997 alumni of Schurr High School in Montebello, California.

As an amateur, he had a record of 40 wins and 10 losses, losing on points in the quarterfinals of the 1998 national Golden Gloves, the semifinals of the 1999 U.S. national championships, and in the challengers' bracket final of the 2000 U.S. Olympic trials.

Boxing career

Early career

He is the champion of reality TV show The Contender. The show was structured as a single elimination tournament between middleweight boxers. Mora entered the show with a 12-0 record. On the first fight of the show, Mora defeated Najai Turpin, a contestant who later committed suicide. In the Quarter Finals he was put up against the favored Ishe Smith, beating him to reach the semifinals. He then fought Jesse Brinkley and defeated him after seven rounds, earning a place to box against Peter Manfredo in the final. In the final fight Mora defeated Manfredo in a seven-round unanimous decision to become the show's champion. Months later, he defeated Manfredo by split decision in an 8-round rematch.

It was rumoured that Mora was to fight WBC and WBO middleweight title holder Jermain Taylor at some point during 2007. However, on March 15, 2007, Mora turned down a seven figure fight against Taylor that would have taken place in Memphis, Tennessee, which Mora felt was too close to Taylor's home of Little Rock, Arkansas. Mora felt that if the fight were to go to the scorecards, the judges would favour Taylor. With only 18 career bouts at the time, Mora also felt he lacked experience to challenge for a world title.

He was to fight Kassim Ouma (25-3-1 15 KOs) in a middleweight bout on September 15, 2007. It was to be televised on HBO as one of the undercard bouts supporting the main event, Márquez vs. Barrios. However, the event was canceled after Marquez suffered an injury during training. Mora made his return to the ring after 14 months against Elvin Ayala on October 16, 2007, at The Home Depot Center. The 10-round fight ended in a split draw as Ayala outworked Mora in the first half of the fight, but Mora rallied the 2nd half of the fight.

On January 11, 2008, Sergio Mora stopped Rito Ruvalcaba in the sixth round of their scheduled 10-round middleweight fight at the Casino Morongo. Mora was behind on two of three judges' scorecards entering the sixth round. He hurt Ruvalcaba with a combination, drove him to the ropes and landed another left hand, at which point the referee stopped the fight. Ruvalcaba was still punching at the time of the stoppage, leading to some controversy.

WBC light middleweight championship

On June 7, 2008, Mora defeated Vernon Forrest via a 12-round majority decision to become the WBC super welterweight champion. In the build-up to the fight, Forrest threatened to send Mora "out on a stretcher" and referred to him as the "pretender" (parodying "Contender"). However, Mora succeeded in pulling off the upset victory. Forrest took an early lead in what began as a tactical bout, working behind a left jab and landing right hands. Mora started to force his way into the fight in the fourth round, throwing hard punches to Forrest's body and consistently outworking the defending champion. Mora ultimately won a majority decision, with scores of 114-114, 115-113 and 116-112. After the fight, Forrest said that he had taken Mora lightly and cited that he did not train properly for the fight, resulting in his lack of punches thrown in the match.

Forrest (41-3) reclaimed his WBC 154-pound title on September 14, 2008, defeating Mora via unanimous decision. Forrest scored a knock down in round seven, had Mora in trouble in round nine and on his back foot for a majority of the bout. Mora had problems making weight for the rematch, having to lose two pounds after failing the initial weigh-in, and after the fight said that he did not expect the quick turnaround on the rematch clause and had needed more time to make the weight properly, resulting in his poor performance.

Cancelled Pavlik fight

After the two fights with Forrest, Mora made a move up in weight and was to fight then middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik. Pavlik would postpone the bout due to a nagging staph infection. Mora would attempt to keep the fight alive but ultimately it never happened, keeping Mora inactive for almost 2 years. After pulling out of the fight with Mora, Kelly Pavlik went on to lose against Sergio Martínez.

On April 3, 2010, in his first fight in over eighteen months, Mora defeated Calvin Green by 7th-round TKO on the Bernard Hopkins-Roy Jones Jr. 2 undercard. Mora dominated a game Green, fighting with him primarily on the inside landing combinations against him with his quicker hands. He hurt Green several times in the fight, and the ref had finally seen enough after an unanswered salvo of punches from Sergio in the 7th round.

Mora vs. Mosley, Vera

Mora fought Shane Mosley on September 18 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The bout ended up being a controversial split draw. The judges' scores were: 115–113 Mora, 116–112 Mosley and 114–114. Boxrec scored the fight 114-112 for Shane Mosley. Punch stats showed that Mosley landed 161 of 522 punches (31%) compared to 93 of 508 thrown (18%) by Mora. The decision was booed by the crowd, who began chanting "Canelo! Canelo!" Mosley felt the decision was fair, "We both fought hard. It was good fight, a good decision."

Mora's next fight was against fellow Contender participant Brian Vera. The bout was the main-event on ESPN2's Friday Night Fights on February 4, 2011. Mora lost to Vera by split decision.

Mora then took a stay-busy fight in November 2011 against Jose Flores, whom he defeated by corner stoppage before the eighth round began. Mora would then rematch against Vera on August 11, 2012. The fight was closely contested, but Mora lost to Vera again via majority decision. Mora had trouble making Vera respect his punching power. The two judges who scored the fight for Vera came under scrutiny as their cards were widely believed to be too wide.

Later career

Mora bounced back with a unanimous decision win against former world title challenger Grzegorz Proksa, in a fight televised on ESPN's Friday Night Fights. Mora would go on a 5-win streak as he kept busy trying to secure another world title shot. Mora got wins over opponents like Dashon Johnson during this time.

On February 6, 2015, Mora was scheduled to face IBF titleholder Jermain Taylor on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights for Taylor's middleweight belt in Biloxi, Mississippi. The fight was however canceled, due to Taylor being arrested after an altercation where he threatened a family at the MLK Day parade in Little Rock. Mora fought against Abraham Han on the same scheduled date for the USBA middleweight title. Mora won the fight by split decision, with scores of 115-112, 114-113 and 112-115. Mora was knocked down in round 3 by a left hook, but the referee ruled it a slip. Mora was knocked down once again in round 9, this time receiving a count.

On August 1, 2015, Mora faced off against WBA (Regular) champion Daniel Jacobs. Jacobs started the fight tentatively, but was able to time and counter Mora with a right hook that put the latter on the canvas. Mora was able to return the favor when Jacobs tried to apply pressure to get a quick stoppage. The fight would then be stopped when Mora retired after injuring his right foot in round 2. After the fight, Jacobs once again said he was looking to fight Quillin.

Jacobs went on to defeat former middleweight titlist Peter Quillin. In September 2016, Jacobs rematched Mora. He complained that the fight was a step back for him, as he thought he'd beaten Mora convincingly the first time. On fight night, Jacobs scored two flash knockdowns in rounds 4 and 5 before getting a dominant TKO win. Mora went down three times in round 7 before the referee halted the contest.

In 2020, Mora made a quiet announcement on his decision to retire from boxing.

Professional boxing record

36 fights 29 wins 5 losses
By knockout 9 2
By decision 20 3
Draws 2
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
36 Win 29–5–2 Alfredo Angulo SD 8 Apr 7, 2018 Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
35 Loss 28–5–2 Daniel Jacobs TKO 7 (12), 2:08 Sep 9, 2016 Santander Arena, Reading, Pennsylvania, U.S. For WBA (Regular) middleweight title
34 Loss 28–4–2 Daniel Jacobs TKO 2 (12), 2:55 Aug 1, 2015 Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York, U.S. For WBA (Regular) middleweight title
33 Win 28–3–2 Abraham Han SD 12 Feb 6, 2015 Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S. Won vacant USBA middleweight title
32 Win 27–3–2 Dashon Johnson UD 8 Dec 11, 2014 Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, California, U.S.
31 Win 26–3–2 Samuel Rogers TKO 5 (8), 2:55 May 31, 2014 Tropicana Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
30 Win 25–3–2 Milton Nunez KO 5 (8), 2:53 Nov 16, 2013 Citizens Business Bank Arena, Ontario, California, U.S.
29 Win 24–3–2 Grzegorz Proksa UD 10 Jun 28, 2013 Veterans Coliseum, Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
28 Loss 23–3–2 Brian Vera MD 12 Aug 11, 2012 Illusions Theater at the Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, U.S. For vacant WBO-NABO middleweight title
27 Win 23–2–2 Jose Alfredo Flores RTD 7 (10), 3:00 Nov 5, 2011 Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio, California, U.S.
26 Loss 22–2–2 Brian Vera SD 10 Feb 4, 2011 Fort Worth Convention Center, Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.
25 Draw 22–1–2 Shane Mosley SD 12 Sep 18, 2010 Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
24 Win 22–1–1 Calvin Green TKO 7 (10), 1:50 Apr 3, 2010 Mandalay Bay Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
23 Loss 21–1–1 Vernon Forrest UD 12 Sep 13, 2008 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. Lost WBC light middleweight title
22 Win 21–0–1 Vernon Forrest MD 12 Jun 7, 2008 Mohegan Sun Casino, Montville, Connecticut, U.S. Won WBC light middleweight title
21 Win 20–0–1 Rito Ruvalcaba TKO 6 (10), 1:22 Jan 11, 2008 Morongo Casino, Cabazon, California, U.S.
20 Draw 19–0–1 Elvin Ayala SD 10 Oct 16, 2007 Home Depot Center, Carson, California, U.S.
19 Win 19–0 Eric Regan UD 10 Aug 25, 2006 ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California, U.S.
18 Win 18–0 Archak TerMeliksetian TKO 7 (10), 2:44 May 4, 2006 The Aladdin, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
17 Win 17–0 Peter Manfredo Jr. SD 8 Oct 15, 2005 Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
16 Win 16–0 Peter Manfredo Jr. UD 7 May 24, 2005 Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. Won "The Contender" Championship
15 Win 15–0 Jesse Brinkley UD 7 Sep 24, 2004 Pasadena, California, U.S. Televised as part of NBC's "The Contender"
14 Win 14–0 Ishe Smith SD 5 Sep 12, 2004 Pasadena, California, U.S. Televised as part of NBC's "The Contender"
13 Win 13–0 Najai Turpin UD 5 Aug 27, 2004 Hollywood, California, U.S. Televised as part of NBC's "The Contender"
12 Win 12–0 Les Ralston UD 8 May 15, 2004 DePaul Athletic Center, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
11 Win 11–0 Damon Franklin UD 6 Feb 13, 2004 Quiet Cannon, Montebello, California, U.S.
10 Win 10–0 Oriol Martinez TKO 2 (6) Dec 12, 2003 Casino Del Sol, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.
9 Win 9–0 Damone Wright UD 6 Jul 26, 2003 Grand Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
8 Win 8–0 Adam Stewart UD 4 May 2, 2003 Plaza Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
7 Win 7–0 Richard Gonzalez UD 6 Nov 21, 2002 Compaq Center, San Jose, California, U.S.
6 Win 6–0 Warren Kronberger TKO 3 (6), 2:42 Jun 27, 2002 Marriott Hotel, Irvine, California, U.S.
5 Win 5–0 George Moreno TKO 4 (4), 1:49 Apr 19, 2002 Quiet Cannon, Montebello, California
4 Win 4–0 Sean Holley UD 4 Mar 29, 2001 Arrowhead Pond, Anaheim, California, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Charles Blake UD 4 Jan 18, 2001 Arrowhead Pond, Anaheim, California, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Eric Benito Tzand UD 4 Oct 19, 2000 Arrowhead Pond, Anaheim, California, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Antonio Maldonado SD 4 Aug 17, 2000 Arrowhead Pond, Anaheim, California, U.S.

See also

References

  1. Crawford, Percy (July 28, 2010). "I'm going to be the first Mexican to beat Shane Mosley". Fight Hype. Retrieved September 6, 2010.
  2. "Sergio Mora Outhustles Vernon Forrest, New Champion - Boxing News". Boxingscene.com. June 7, 2008. Retrieved August 7, 2011.
  3. "Fighthype \\ Naazim Richardson: "Sergio Mora Is A Real Threat"". Fighthype.com. Retrieved August 7, 2011.
  4. "Sergio Mora - Boxrec Boxing Encyclopaedia". Boxrec.com. Retrieved August 7, 2011.
  5. "US Golden Gloves 1998". amateur-boxing.strefa.pl.
  6. "USA National Championships 1999". amateur-boxing.strefa.pl.
  7. "Olympic Trials 2000". amateur-boxing.strefa.pl.
  8. Carter, Bill (February 15, 2005). "NBC Reality Show Contestant Kills Himself". The New York Times.
  9. "Mora-Manfredo II: The Rematch - boxing - ESPN". ESPN. October 13, 2005. Retrieved August 7, 2011.
  10. "SecondsOut Boxing News - Main Lead - The Latin Snake Returns". Secondsout.com. March 31, 2010. Retrieved August 7, 2011.
  11. Morales, Robert (June 4, 2008). "Mora in search of respect against Forrest". ESPN.com. Retrieved June 7, 2008.
  12. Aranda, Ramon (June 8, 2008). "Mora Upsets Forrest - Williams Gains Revenge". 411mania.com. Archived from the original on June 9, 2008. Retrieved June 8, 2008.
  13. "Pavlik retains middleweight titles, Mora beats Forrest". Reuters. June 7, 2008. Retrieved June 8, 2008.
  14. "Vernon Forrest Beats Sergio Mora, Takes Back WBC Super Welterweight Belt". September 13, 2008. Retrieved July 5, 2010.
  15. "Kelly Pavlik's third title defense to come against Sergio Mora - ESPN". ESPN. March 12, 2009. Retrieved August 7, 2011.
  16. "Kelly Pavlik-Sergio Mora fight postponed due to staph infection - ESPN". ESPN. May 8, 2009. Retrieved August 7, 2011.
  17. "Fighthype \\ Sergio Mora: "I Plan To Do That...Fighting Martinez And Snatching Those Titles"". Fighthype.com. April 28, 2010. Retrieved August 7, 2011.
  18. Lem Satterfield %BloggerTitle% (April 3, 2010). "Hopkins vs. Jones Jr. Results: Live Updates of Undercard and Main Event". Boxing.fanhouse.com. Retrieved August 7, 2011.
  19. "Sergio Mora outslugs Calvin Green in seven rounds - ESPN". ESPN. April 4, 2010. Retrieved August 7, 2011.
  20. Satterfield, Lam (June 30, 2010). "Mosley-Mora Finalized For September 18 at Staples Center". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved July 1, 2010.
  21. "Fighthype \\ Fighthype". Fighthype.com. Retrieved August 7, 2011.
  22. "The Fabulous Forum". Los Angeles Times. September 18, 2010.
  23. "Fighters, fans unsatisfied with Mora-Mosley draw". ESPN.com. September 19, 2010. Retrieved October 8, 2017.
  24. "Shane Mosley and Sergio Mora go to a controversial draw in snoozer". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved October 8, 2017.
  25. "Sergio Mora-Bryan Vera - Who Wins "The Battle Of The Contenders?"". Eastsideboxing.com. December 27, 2010. Retrieved August 7, 2011.
  26. "BoxRec Boxing Records". Boxrec.com. February 4, 2011. Retrieved August 7, 2011.
  27. Walters, Michael. "Sergio Mora vs. Brian Vera Rematch Battle: What Have We Learned?". Bleacher Report.
  28. "Results: Mora too good for Proksa". June 28, 2013.
  29. "Sergio Mora Stays Busy While Hunting For Title Shot". November 16, 2013.
  30. "Taylor to defend middleweight belt vs. Mora". January 4, 2015.
  31. "Taylor accused of pulling gun on couple, kids". January 20, 2015.
  32. "Sergio Mora Edges Abie Han In Debatable Split Decision". February 6, 2015.
  33. "Jacobs wins in two on Mora injury". August 2015.
  34. "Jacobs: Rematch with Mora 'a step back'". September 9, 2016.
  35. "Daniel Jacobs Drops Mora Five Times For TKO, Eyes Golovkin Shot". September 9, 2016.
  36. Woods, Michael (December 16, 2020). "Sergio Mora discusses his decision to quietly retire from boxing, and the state of the game today". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved April 12, 2021.

External links

Preceded byInaugural Champion The Contender Champion
2005 		Succeeded byGrady Brewer
Preceded byVernon Forrest WBC Super Welterweight Champion
June 7, 2008–September 14, 2008 		Succeeded byVernon Forrest
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