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The Ali vs. Bonavena fight promotional poster

Oscar Natalio "Ringo" Bonavena (September 25, 1942 in Buenos Aires, Argentina – May 22, 1976 near Reno, Nevada, United States) was a professional boxer. He earned the nickname "Ringo" for The Beatles hairdo that he sported.

Oscar Bonavena travelled back and forth between United States and his native Argentina, fighting in both countries and enjoying reasonable success.

Bonavena began his early career in New York State under the management of World War II hero and dentist, Marvin Goldberg. The "Argentine Strong-Boy" racked up a quick string of early knockouts, but was overmatched early and lost by decision to highly-rated Zora Folley. After that, it was off to Argentinia where his winning and knockout streak continued. However, the free-swinging Bonevena ran into trouble outside the ring with "off-beat" remarks, lawsuits brought about by reporters with broken cameras and other such "colorful" events.

Bonavena first got attention after winning over the Canadian champion, George Chuvalo then going the distance against hard-hitting great, Joe Frazier on two occasions. Two years later he fought Muhammad Ali, losing in the 15th and final round on a technical knockout. The referee's actions in this bout were highly questionable, including not making Ali go to a neutral corner when Bonavena was down in this round. The loss to Ali was the only time Bonavena was stopped in his entire career.

Bonavena also defeated Karl Mildenberger and Manuel Ramos in upsets during his career.

In February of 1976 Bonavena fought what would be his last fight against Billy Joiner in Reno, Nevada. In his career he had a record of 56 wins, 9 losses and 1 draw.

Liking the nightlife, he stayed in Reno where he was killed a few months later by Willard R. Brymer, a bodyguard at the famous brothel the "Mustang Ranch". Bonavena was shot once in the chest by a bullet from a high-powered hunting rifle [1]. He was believed to have died instantly. Brymer served 15 months in prison for killing Bonavena after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter.

Oscar Bonavena is buried in the La Chacarita Cemetery in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

• Professional boxing record for Oscar Bonavena from Boxrec

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