LAVORANTE, ALEJANDRO-JOHNNY RIGGINS ORIGINAL WIRE PHOTO (1962-6TH ROUND)

HISTORY: On September 21, 1962 at the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles heavyweights Johnny Riggins and Alejandro Lavorante met in the featured bout. Riggins knocked Lavorante out in the 6th round. Lavorante was winning the fight all the way until the end of the 5th round, when a right hand from Riggins hurt him and sent him spinning. In the 6th round, Lavorante was still dazed and was wobbling from light taps. A left hook finally sent Lavorante to the canvas, where he was counted out. After attempts to revive Lavorante were unsuccessful by commission doctor Robert Rocke, a stretcher was brought into the ring, and he was removed ten minutes after the knockout. Lavorante was taken to California Hospital, where he lapsed into a coma. On September 23rd he underwent emergency brain surgery for four hours, to relieve a blood clot on the left side of his brain. Lavorante also had three areas of bleeding on his brain. Following the operation, an emergency tracheotomy was also performed. During October of 1962, Lavorante would be in a light coma, and was able to move his body when given commands in Spanish by his mother, as well as feed himself in November, even though he was still unconscious. By January 1963, Lavorante was able to stand and speak words, and respond to stimuli through reflex reaction. However, he could still not open his eyes. His parents who came to stay at his side would have him flown to his home country of Argentina on May 4, 1963. Lavorante never regained full consciousness and died on April 1, 1964 in Mendoza, Argentina. Lavorante had been ranked as high as #3 in the Heavyweight division prior to his March 30, 1962 loss to Archie Moore. Lavorante had tired badly in the Moore bout, and was eventually rescued by the referee and carried out on a stretcher. He was then stopped in five one-sided rounds by Cassius Clay on July 20, 1962. Odds: Lavorante 2-to-1 favorite. Offered here is an original wire photo depicting 6th round action with Riggins landing a big right hand on Lavorante who is slumping into the ropes.

FULL DESCRIPTION: This is an original United Press wire photo with stamp on back and caption on front. Bold, clear image. Not creased or torn. Clean front and back. 7" x 9."