Flash Elorde

Gabriel "Flash" Elorde, born on March 25, 1935, in Bogo, Cebu, Philippines, was a world-class professional boxer who dominated the super featherweight division for an unprecedented seven-year reign, earning the title of the greatest super featherweight boxing champions of all-time. Elorde's professional boxing career spanned more than 19 years, from 1951 to 1971, which saw him participate in 118 fights, with 89 wins, 27 losses, and two draws. Elorde was a southpaw boxer known for his quick hands and relentless body attack, making him one of the best boxers of his era.

Elorde made his professional debut at the age of 16 against Kid Gonzaga on June 16, 1951, and won via a 3rd round knockout. Within a year of his debut, Elorde won the national bantamweight title and went on to win the Philippine and Asian bantamweight titles by defeating Tanny Campo and Hiroshi Horiguchi, respectively. In 1955, he outpointed Sandy Saddler in a 12-round decision before losing to Saddler in a rematch for the featherweight title in 1956.

Elorde won his first world title on March 16, 1960, when he knocked out the defending world champion Harold Gomes in the seventh round, ending the Philippines' 20-year world championship drought. He became the super-featherweight world NBA champion at the age of 25 after 77 professional fights and had his first title defense against Joey Lopes on March 19, 1961. He successfully defended the NBA super-featherweight title ten times from then until June 15, 1967, losing only to Yoshiaki Numata of Japan in a majority decision.

Elorde's dominating reign in the super featherweight division allowed him to become the first fighter to win the WBC and WBA titles simultaneously when he defeated Hiroshi Kobayashi in 1963. He challenged lightweight Carlos Ortiz for his world title twice but could not take the title. He retired from professional boxing with a record of 88 wins, 27 losses, and two draws.

Elorde's illustrious career as a professional boxer saw him fight some of the best super featherweight boxers of his era. He had victories over two Hall-of-Famers Ismael Laguna and Sandy Saddler, Sergio Caprari, Harold Gomes, Somkiat Kiatmuangyom, Isarasak Puntainorasing, Tsunetomi Miyamoto, and Teruo Kosaka.

Elorde's style of boxing was not only effective but also entertaining to watch. He was known for his quick hands, aggressiveness, and relentless body attack, which made him one of the best boxers of his era. Elorde's fighting style was a perfect blend of speed, power, and technique, which he used impeccably to defeat his opponents. His fans, especially in the Philippines, loved his performance in the ring, making him one of the most beloved sports icons in the country's history.

Elorde's accolades in the sport of boxing speak volumes about his talent and dedication. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF) in 1993, becoming the first Filipino to be inducted into the prestigious hall of fame. He was also enshrined into the World Boxing Hall of Fame, further cementing his legacy as one of the best boxers of all time. It is fair to say that Elorde's career paved the way for future generations of Filipino boxers, including the great Manny Pacquiao.

Elorde's nickname "Flash" was a true reflection of his fighting style, which was fast, aggressive, and exciting to watch. He was not only a great boxer but also a commercial endorser, especially for San Miguel Beer, one of the Philippines' leading beer brands. Elorde's San Miguel Beer TV commercial, wherein he said the words ".... isang platitong mani" (one plate of peanuts), was named as the No.1 Filipino advertisement of all time.

Elorde's legacy extends beyond the world of boxing. He was much beloved in the Philippines as a sports and cultural icon, being the first Filipino international boxing champion since middleweight champion Ceferino Garcia. His family has continued his legacy through the Elorde gyms found around the country, with branches in Las Piñas, Makati, Alabang, Quezon City, San Juan, Mandaluyong, Taguig, Pasig, Pasay, and other parts of the Philippines, offering a place for future generations of boxers to hone their craft.

Gabriel "Flash" Elorde passed away on January 2, 1985, after a battle with lung cancer, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire aspiring boxers and fans worldwide. His remarkable career as a boxer and his impact on the sport of boxing will forever be remembered as one of the greatest in history, making him a true boxing legend.

Gabriel Elorde Fight Record