Armando Bruza / Oscar Bonavena

The character of Armando Bruza (the boxer) is based on the real boxer from Argentina, Oscar "Ringo" Bonavena. In real life, Oscar Bonavena was a pretty good boxer with a lifetime record of 58 Wins (44 by KO) 9 Losses and 1 Draw. He fought many of the top fighters of his time. He was the first fighter to knock down Joe Frazier, although he lost a split decision to Smokin' Joe. He actually DID fight Muhammad Ali. It was on December 7, 1970 at Madison Square Garden in New York, for the NABF heavyweight title. Bonavena lost in 15 round of a very close fight, when he was knocked down 3 times in the 15th round forcing an automatic stoppage of the fight. Ali was 30-0 at the time, and this was the only time in Bonavena's career that he was KO in a fight. Bonavena was 33 years old when he died. For more information go to boxrec.com