Ricardo Moreno


Ricardo Moreno Escamilla was a Mexican professional boxer in the Super Featherweight division. Moreno was ranked #76 on The Ring's list of 100 All time Greatest Punchers.

Early life

Moreno was born and raised in the mining town of Chalchihuites, Zacatecas, Mexico. He left school to work as a metal breaker at the mines. Later he went to Mexico City where he worked as a parking lot attendant before turning to boxing. He did not fight as an amateur and turned professional at age 17 on June 16, 1954.

Professional career

Known as "Pajarito", Moreno was a heavy puncher, having won 19 of his first 20 fights with all 19 of his wins by KO.

World Featherweight Title

His only shot at a World Championship was on April 1, 1958 Moreno fought the champion Hogan Bassey in Wrigley Field, Los Angeles, California. Ricardo would lose this fight and it would also be Moreno's only shot at a world title due in large part to boxing politics.
After suffering two consecutive defeats in 1967, the 30-year-old Moreno retired. His only victory that wasn't a knockout was a disqualification victory.
Due to his incredible knockout power, Moreno was named to the Ring Magazine's list of 100 Greatest Punchers.

Professional record

Life after boxing

Moreno starred in two films, he even had a relationship with Miss Universe contestant and actress Ana Bertha Lepe.
Mexico still to this day mourns the life of the great Ricardo "Pajarito" Moreno, who as young boxer was turned on to cocaine by the jet set of Mexico. He was duped by movie star weasels, his wealth was stolen, eventually he died a depressed man at the age of 71 at a Rehabilitation Center in Durango.
He is buried in his home town of Chalchihuites in El Panteón Dolores.