Introduction
Ricardo Moreno Escamilla (born February 7, 1937 in Chalchihuites, Zacatecas, Mexico, deceased June 25, 2008) 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
| 60 Wins (59 knockouts), 12 Losses, 1 Draw | |||||||
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Type | Rd., Time | Date | Location | Notes |
| Win | 7-1-0 | Jorge Herrera | KO | 7 (10), (1:14) | December 26, 1954 | Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico | |
| Win | 6-1-0 | Fernando Garcia | KO | 1 (8), (0:11) | November 11, 1954 | Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico | |
| Win | 5-1-0 | Chato Monroy | KO | 1 (8), (0:18) | October 23, 1954 | Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
| Loss | 4-1-0 | Nacho Escalante | SD | 6 (6) | September 4, 2010 | Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
| Win | 4-0-0 | Antonio Coria | KO | 4 (8), (0:32) | August 11, 1954 | Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
| Win | 3-0-0 | Sergio Farias | KO | 4 (8), (0:28) | July 24, 1954 | Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
| Win | 2-0-0 | Juancito Lopez | KO | 1 (6), (0:14) | June 23, 1954 | Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
| Win | 1-0-0 | Oscar Diaz | KO | 1 (8), (0:11) | June 16, 1954 | Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | Pro debut |
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.