Orville Buckner

Orville Buchner (born January 17, 1936) is an American retired professional boxer who competed in the welterweight division during the early 1960s. Originally from La Crosse, Wisconsin, Buchner was known for his technical skill and determination in the ring, balancing his athletic pursuits with a full-time job in hospitality.

Early life and amateur career

Buchner was born in La Crosse, where he began boxing in local Golden Gloves tournaments.[1] He later served in the United States Army, gaining further experience as an amateur fighter.[2] After his military service, he attended the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, majoring in economics.[3]

Professional career

Buchner moved to Miami Beach, Florida, to pursue professional boxing. He made his debut on August 7, 1961, fighting Dave Gaitor to a four-round draw at the Sir John Club in Miami.[4] A month later, he knocked out Gaitor in the second round.[5]

After a draw with Hilton Lumpkin, Buchner earned four consecutive victories. His first professional loss came by decision to Ray Lavarro on April 19, 1962, at the Little River Auditorium.[6] He later avenged his earlier draw against Lumpkin with a fifth-round TKO on August 23, 1962.[7]

One of Buchner's most notable bouts came on October 4, 1962, when he held veteran Duane Simpson to a draw, surprising many in the local boxing community.[8]

Style and personal life

Though not a heavy puncher, Buchner was respected for his footwork, endurance, and tactical skill. Throughout his boxing career, he worked as a hotel auditor in Miami Beach to support himself.[9]

His unofficial professional record stands at 11 wins, 4 losses, and 4 draws.[10]

Professional boxing record

21 fights 12 wins 4 losses
By knockout 7 1
Draws 5
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Age Location Notes
21 Loss 12–4–5 Buddy Cooper PTS 6 Sep 1963 27 Auditorium, Miami Beach, Florida, U.S.
20 Win 12–3–5 Jim Henry KO 2 Aug 1963 27 Little River Auditorium, Miami, Florida, U.S. Henry's pro debut
19 Win 11–3–5 Hilton Lumpkin KO 2 Aug 1963 27 Little River Auditorium, Miami, Florida, U.S.
18 Draw 10–3–5 Willie Thomas PTS 6 Jul 1963 27 Little River Auditorium, Miami, Florida, U.S.
17 Win 10–3–4 Willie Thomas TKO 3 May 1963 27 Little River Auditorium, Miami, Florida, U.S.
16 Loss 9–3–4 Cassius Ford PTS 6 Dec 1962 26 Auditorium, Miami Beach, Florida, U.S.
15 Draw 9–2–4 Cassius Ford PTS 6 Nov 1962 26 Little River Auditorium, Miami, Florida, U.S.
14 Win 9–2–3 Harry Bellefonte TKO 2 Nov 1962 26 Auditorium, Miami Beach, Florida, U.S.
13 Win 8–2–3 Harry Bellefonte KO 2 Oct 1962 26 Little River Auditorium, Miami, Florida, U.S.
12 Win 7–2–3 Jack Daniels KO 1 Oct 1962 26 Little River Auditorium, Miami, Florida, U.S.
11 Draw 6–2–3 Dwaine Simpson PTS 4 Oct 1962 26 Little River Auditorium, Miami, Florida, U.S.
10 Win 6–2–2 Hilton Lumpkin TKO 5 Aug 1962 26 Little River Auditorium, Miami, Florida, U.S.
9 Loss 5–2–2 Moses Shaw PTS 6 May 1962 26 Auditorium, Miami Beach, Florida, U.S.
8 Loss 5–1–2 Ray Lavarro UD 4 Apr 1962 26 Little River Auditorium, Miami, Florida, U.S.
7 Win 5–0–2 Dave Gaitor TKO 2 Oct 1961 25 Sir John Club, Miami, Florida, U.S.
6 Win 4–0–2 Ronnie Bridges KO 1 Oct 1961 25 Sir John Club, Miami, Florida, U.S. Bridges' pro debut
5 Win 3–0–2 Mario Vega KO 1 Oct 1961 25 Little River Auditorium, Miami, Florida, U.S.
4 Win 2–0–2 Jim Flynn KO 1 Sep 1961 25 Little River Auditorium, Miami, Florida, U.S. Flynn's pro debut
3 Draw 1–0–2 Hilton Lumpkin PTS 4 Sep 1961 25 Auditorium, Miami Beach, Florida, U.S.
2 Win 1–0–1 Dave Gaitor PTS 4 Sep 1961 25 Little River Auditorium, Miami, Florida, U.S.
1 Draw 0–0–1 Dave Gaitor PTS 4 Aug 1961 25 Sir John Club, Miami, Florida, U.S. Professional debut

References

  1. ^ La Crosse Tribune, "Golden Gloves Finalists Named," March 1955.
  2. ^ Army Times, "Midwest Servicemen in Army Boxing," June 1957.
  3. ^ University of Wisconsin–La Crosse Yearbook, 1959 Edition.
  4. ^ BoxRec Event ID 188076
  5. ^ BoxRec Bout ID 189252
  6. ^ The Miami News, "Lavarro Tops Buchner in Decision," April 20, 1962.
  7. ^ The Miami News, "Buchner Wins by TKO in Fifth," August 24, 1962.
  8. ^ South Florida Boxing Monthly, "Fighter of the Week: Orville Buchner," October 1962.
  9. ^ Miami Herald, "Fighters Working Second Jobs to Stay Afloat," December 1962.
  10. ^ BoxRec: Orville Buchner