Kid Gavilan

Born Gerardo Gonzalez in Camaguey, Cuba, the flamboyant boxer known as “El Gavilan” (“The Hawk”) was one of the first TV stars of the sport, making 34 network appearances during a stellar career that included 108 victories and memorable battles with the best fighters of the late 1940s and ‘50s – including Robinson, Ike Williams, Billy Graham, Beau Jack and Carmen Basilio. Gavilan’s welterweight title reign lasted from 1951-’54.

Won welterweight title: On May 18, 1951, outpointing Johnny Bratton via 15-round decision (for the championship Robinson vacated when he won the middleweight championship).

Fought for middleweight title: On April 2, 1954, losing a 15-round decision to Carl “Bobo” Olson.

Hall of fame induction: 1990