156. Pancho Villa: A Champion in the Ring and a Hero in the Hearts of Filipinos

 

Old postcards of Pancho Villa

Francisco Guilledo, better known as Pancho Villa, was a Filipino professional boxer who rose to fame as the world flyweight (112 pounds) champion. Born on August 1, 1901 in Iloilo, Philippines, Villa began his boxing career in 1919 and quickly established himself as a formidable fighter, winning several titles in his home country. 

Villa's arrival in the United States marked a turning point in his career, as he quickly defeated the American flyweight champion, Johnny Buff, in a nontitle fight just months after his arrival. He went on to win the world flyweight championship by knocking out Jimmy Wilde of Wales in the seventh round on June 18, 1923. Throughout his career, Villa made several successful title defenses and maintained a record of 73 wins, with 22 by knockouts. 

Tragically, Villa's life was cut short when he died from blood poisoning caused by an infected gum just ten days after his last fight, a nontitle bout against Jimmy McLarnin. Despite his relatively short career, Villa's impact on the world of boxing was immense, and he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1994. 

Today, Pancho Villa is remembered as a true trailblazer in the world of boxing and a symbol of Philippine pride. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Filipino fighters, who look to him as a source of inspiration and a model for what can be achieved with hard work and determination.