Speedy Dado Explained

Speedy Dado
Realname:Diosdado B. Posadas
Weight:Bantamweight
Featherweight
Birth Date:25 December 1906
Birth Place:Manila, Insular Governmentof the Philippine Islands
Death Place:Manila, Luzon, Philippines
Style:Orthodox
Total:147
Wins:90
Ko:37
Losses:43
Draws:14

Diosdado Posadas (December 25, 1906 – July 2, 1990), better known as Speedy Dado, was a Filipino boxer who contended for the world flyweight, bantamweight, and featherweight championships.[1] [2] His managers included Frank Churchill, and Jesus Cortez.

Boxing career

Dado was born Diosdado B. Posadas in Manila on December 25, 1906. In an era when Asian boxers would often be referred to only by their nationality, he took the last two syllables of his birth name to use in the ring. In his career, he would be a top-rated contender for world titles in three separate weight divisions, and fight championship matches in each weight class.

World Fly title attempt, April, 1928

He began his boxing career in 1926. Winning nearly all of his early bouts, he lost his first against Newsboy Brown on April 24, 1928, for the California version of the world flyweight title. Brown defeated him by technical knockout due to Dado's shoulder injury in the sixth round. The fighting was back and forth until the sixth, when Dado, taking a beating, suffered a dislocated shoulder.[3] He met Brown twice more, winning one fight and losing the other.[1]

On February 10, 1931, Dado defeated Newsboy Brown at the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles for the vacant USA California State bantamweight championship. Dado took six rounds with Brown only one, and the rest were even.[1]

Reigning world bantamweight champion Panama Al Brown fell to Dado in a non-title ten-round decision on January 4, 1932, at Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles. Showing great speed, Dado won convincingly, according to the Los Angeles Times, taking nine rounds to only the fourth for Brown.[4] In the seventh, Dado unleashed a fury of punches that had Brown groggy. The San Francisco Examiner gave Dado only six rounds, but agreed Dado's win was decisive. Despite a six-inch disadvantage in height, and a significantly shorter reach, Dado had the speed to get close.[5]

On November 15, 1932, Dado defeated Rodolfo Casanova in a well publicized main bout before 10,000 at the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles. Dado floored Casanova twice in the first round, once for counts of seven and five, but Casanova fought back and appeared to take the second. The Los Angeles Times gave four rounds to Dado, with the fourth, sixth and tenth to Casanova, with three even.[6] [7]

Dado fought for world titles on three other occasions, losing both of them. He lost a ten-round points decision in Los Angeles on January 25, 1933, to Baby Arizmendi for the California version of the world featherweight title. Arizmendi, in a clear victory, was credited with five rounds to only one for his Filipino challenger. Arizmendi handily took the fifth through seventh rounds. In their two previous bouts, each boxer had won once.[8]

Dado defeated Baby Palmore on March 10, 1933, in a ten-round points decision in Hollywood. In a convincing victory, the Los Angeles Times wrote that Dado won all but the fourth round. The fifth started with Palmore clipping Dado with three strong rights to the chin that left him reeling, but Dado retaliated getting Palmore against the ropes, and continued to take the lead in the sixth through tenth. Earth tremors occurred during the bout.[9] [10] In a previous meeting at Hollywood Stadium with Palmore on February 10, 1933, Dado had been embarrassed by a first-round knockout from a short overhand right to the jaw, 1:15 into the first round.[11]

Attempt at world feather title, March, 1933

He lost on March 21, 1933, to Freddie Miller for the National Boxing Association featherweight title at the Olympic Stadium in Los Angeles. Miller won seven of the ten rounds, and had Dado on the floor for a six count from a strong right to the head in the second round. Dado took only rounds three and seven.[12]

In a widely publicized bout on June 9, 1933, Dado drew with former Canadian bantamweight champion Pete Sanstol in a ten-round points decision at Dreamland in San Francisco. Both boxers boxed cautiously in the tame bout, though Sanstol appeared the aggressor. Several local papers wrote that Dado may have had a very slight edge in points.[13] [14]

On October 24, 1933, Dado defeated Young Tommy, a fellow Filipino, in a ten-round points decision at Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles for the USA California State Bantamweight title. The crowd of 7,000 saw Dado use somewhat better defensive skills, and greater speed, though Tommy may have delivered the stronger blows at times. In a close bout, Dado took five rounds, Tommy four, and one was even.[15] On May 19, 1933, Young Tommy won the state title against Dado in a ten-round points decision at Dreamland Auditorium in San Francisco. In a previous bout on October 12, 1932, Dado decisively defeated Young Tommy for the state bantamweight title in a ten-round points decision in Oakland. Dado took seven of the ten rounds, and showed great speed in the victory before a capacity crowd. Midway in the second, Tommy was down for a no-count from a left hook to the jaw. The final round was continuous action, and fought at great speed.[16] Tommy would later defeat Dado in a ten-round non-title bout in Los Angeles on December 4, 1934.

Boxing in Australia, 1934

Dado fought three high-profile bouts through the summer of 1934 in Australia. He lost to Merv Darky Blandon, Australian bantamweight champion, in a fifteen-round points decision on April 11, 1934, at Sydney Stadium. Blandon's right hand proved too much for Dado whose careful boxing was not enough to take the decision.[17] On April 24, 1934, Dado lost again to Blandon in a close bout at Sydney Stadium before an impressive crowd of 12,000. Blandon took the offense more frequently and scored with straight lefts and right swings at many points in the match. Dado also scored with lefts to the body, with fierce attacks throughout the bout, but showed more caution when getting in close. A cut near Dato's right eye in the twelfth may have affected his boxing in the late rounds.[18] [19] On June 2, 1934, Dado could not continue boxing in the seventh round after tearing an ankle ligament after a collision with the referee, losing his bout with future Australian bantamweight champion Mickey Miller in Melbourne, Australia. Miller appeared to have a comfortable margin in points prior to the collision. Dado was rated in the top five among bantamweights in the world at the time.[20] [21] [22] Dado successfully defended his USA California State bantamweight title on September 28, 1934, in a close and furious ten round points decision against Joe Tei Ken in San Francisco. Two furious spurts in the ninth and tenth rounds finally sealed the decision in Dado's favor.[23] The Reno Gazette gave Dado six rounds in the close bout with only three to Dado. With the slightest reach advantage, Dado seemed to have the upper hand at close quarters fighting.[24] In a match one week earlier, Dado had been disqualified in the third round for dropping to the canvas, and then immediately dropping to one knee after arising. Dado had won in two previous matches between the two.

Dado defeated future bantamweight champion Lou Salica on October 19, 1934, in a ten-round points decision before a full house at Legion Stadium in Hollywood. Dado took the offense in most of the contest and fought with his characteristic speed, but seemed to coast after the first thirty seconds of several rounds, exhibiting reduced endurance from his earlier years. The San Francisco Examiner gave Dado six rounds, Salica three, and one even.[25] [26]

World bantam title attempt, May, 1935

Before a significant crowd of 10,400, Dado lost a May 21, 1935 fight against Pablo Dano for the California and New York version of the bantamweight world title. Dano was particularly effective in delivering blows to the body and stomach of his opponent, and took the offensive in the fighting from the early rounds. He scored a no-count knockdown in the second round. Dano was given recognition by the National Boxing Assocication if he would box Pablo Escobar, so the same recognition may have been given to Dado had he won, granting him his only widely recognized world title. The loss relegated Dado to secondary status as a boxer. At 28, with fifteen years of boxing behind him, Dado had taken too much pounding to stay a top rated competitor.[27] [28]

Although he never won a world title, he defeated two champions and drew with reigning world flyweight champion Midget Wolgast. Dado lost to Wolgast in two other meetings.[1]

Professional boxing record

ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, TimeDateLocationNote
164Loss103–43–18Juan ZuritaTKO5 (10)1940-07-21
163Loss103–42–18Panchito VillaKO4 (10)1940-06-26
162Win103–41–18Monterrey Kid PanchoKO4 (10)1940-06-12
161Loss102–41–18Joey AugustKO1 (10), 1938-09-30
160Loss102–40–18Jimmy (Babe) McCuskerKO1 (6)1937-12-14
159Lose102–39–18Billy BuxtonKO2 (10), 1937-11-30
158Loss102–38–18Jackie WilsonPTS101937-07-05
157Win102–37–18Barney DuranPTS101937-06-08
156Win101–37–18Tony SouzaPTS101937-05-25
155Draw100–37–18Tony SouzaPTS101937-05-18
154Loss100–37–17Horace MannPTS101937-04-30
153Loss100–36–17Billy BuxtonUD81937-03-30
152Loss100–35–17Horace MannPTS101937-03-16
151Loss100–34–17Toby VigilPTS81937-03-09
150Loss100–33–17Bobby LeyvasTKO6 (10), 1936-04-17
149Loss100–32–18Al SpinaPTS101935-12-17
148Loss100–31–17Al SpinaPTS101935-12-10
147Loss100–30–17Tuffy PierpontPTS81935-11-12
146Draw100–29–17Tony MarinoPTS101935-10-22
145Win100–29–16Baby PalmorePTS101935-10-15
144Draw99–29–16Frankie CastilloPTS10a1935-09-27
143Loss99–29–15Frankie CastilloPTS101935-09-17
142Loss99–28–15Small MontanaPTS101935-08-31
141Loss99–27–15Bobby LeyvasPTS101935-08-02
140Loss99–26–15Rodolfo CasanovaUD101935-07-16
139Win99–25–15Bobby OlivasPTS101935-07-05
138Loss98–25–15Pablo DanoPTS101935-05-21
137Draw98–24–15Pablo DanoPTS101935-04-30
136Win98–24–14Joe Tei KenPTS101935-04-11
135Win97–24–14Mickey BealPTS101935-02-01
134Win96–24–14Joey DodgePTS101934-12-21
133Loss95–24–14Young TommyPTS101934-12-04
132Win95–23–14Augie RuggierePTS101934-11-08
131Win94–23–14Louis SalicaPTS101934-10-19
130Win93–23–14Joe Tei KenPTS101934-09-28
129Loss92–23–14Joe Tei KenDQ3 (10)1934-09-21
128Win92–22–14Bobby OlivasPTS101934-08-31
127Win91–22–14Pete SaavedraKO4 (10)1934-08-24
126Win90–22–14Bobby OlivasPTS101934-08-03
125Loss89–22–14Mickey MillerRTD7 (15x2)1934-06-02
124Loss89–21–14Merv Darky BlandonPTS15x21934-04-23
123Los89–20–14Merv Darky BlandonPTS15x21934-03-12
122Loss89–19–14Lew FarberPTS101933-12-22
121Loss89–18–14Rodolfo CasanovaPTS101933-12-05
120Win89–17–14Young Tommy10PTS1933-10-24
119Win88–17–14Billy McLeod10PTS1933-10-16
118Win87–17–14Augie CurtisPTS101933-08-18
117Win86–17–14Sailor Ray ButlerKO4 (10)1933-08-13
116Win85–17–14Johnny YasuiPTS101933-08-04
115Win84–17–14Joe Tei KenPTS101933-07-14
114Draw83–17–14Pete SanstolPTS101933-06-09
113Loss83–17–13Young TommyPTS101933-05-19
112Win83–16–13Joe Tei KenPTS101933-05-05
111Win82–16–13Joe SanchezPTS61933-04-21
110Win81–16–13Ernie GoodTKO5 (10)1933-04-05
109Loss80–16–13Freddie MillerPTS101933-03-21
108Win80–15–13Baby PalmorePTS101933-03-10
107Win79–15–13Ernie HoodTKO3 (10), 1933-02-24
106Loss78–15–13Baby PalmoreKO1 (10)1933-02-10
105Loss78–14–13Baby ArizmendiPTS101933-01-24
104Win78–13–13Eugène HuatPTS101932-12-20
103Win77–13–13Hill HernandezKO1 (10), 1932-12-06
102Win76–13–13Rodolfo CasanovaPTS101932-11-15
101Loss75–13–13Rodolfo CasanovaKO4 (10)1932-10-23
100Win75–12–13Young TommyPTS101932-10-12
99Draw74–12–13Midget WolgastPTS101932-09-31
98Win74–12–12Pedro VillanuevaPTS41932-08-30
97Loss73–12–12Peppy SanchezPTS101932-08-17
96Win73–11–12Rodolfo TegliaPTS61932-08-12
95Win72–11–12Canto RobletoPTS81932-08-03
94Draw71–11–12Canto RobletoPTS61932-07-27
93Win71–11–11Hill HernandezKO3 (10), 1932-07-12
92Win70–11–11Vernon JacksonTKO6 (10)1932-07-02
91Win69–11–11Abie IsraelUD61932-03-30
90Win68–11–11Baby ArizmendiPTS101932-03-18
89Win67–11–11Rodolfo TegliaRTD7 (10)1932-03-08
88Win66–11–11Gene JensKO1 (10)1932-02-18
87Loss65–11–11Baby ArizmendiPTS101932-02-09
86Win65–10–11Panama Al BrownUD101932-01-05
85Loss64–10–11Midget WolgastPTS101931-12-02
84Win64–9–11Benny SchwartzPTS101931-11-20
83Loss63–9–11Canto RobletoPTS101931-11-06
82Win63–8–11George BurnsKO1 (10)1931-10-16
81Loss62–8–11Midget WolgastPTS101931-10-07
80Win62–7–11Xavier NaviTKO3 (10)1931-09-18
79Win61–7–11Abie IsraelKO1 (10)1931-09-02
78Win60–7–11Salvadore LuvanoKO2 (10)1931-08-07
77Win59–7–11Delos 'Kid' WillsmsKO2 (10)1931-07-32
76Win58–7–11Leonard RahmingTKO4 (10)1931-07-03
75Win57–7–11Young SportPTS101931-06-23
74Win56–7–11Ray MontoyaKO2 (10), 1931-06-12
73Win55–7–11Judy ZunigaPTS101931-04-28
72Win54–7–11Salvadore LuvanoKO1 (4)1931-04-10
71Losa53–7–11Judy ZunigaPTS61931-04-07
70Win53–6–11Chato AlredoPTS101931-03-27
69Loss52–6–11Newsboy BrownKO3 (10)1931-03-03
68Win52–5–11Newsboy BrownPTS101931-02-10
67Win51–5–11Jackie EvansKO2 (10)1931-01-19
66Win50–5–11Kid MartinezKO2 (4)1930-12-19
65Win49–5–11Robert RodriguezKO1 (10)1930-11-28
64Win48–5–11Johnny GodinezKO3 (10)1930-11-14
63Draw47–5–11Canto RobletoPTS101930-10-31
62Loss47–5–10Midget WolgastRTD5 (10)1930-07-29
61Loss47–4–10Chato LaredoPTS101930-07-11
60Win47–3–10Chato LaredoPTS101930-06-24
59Draw46–3–10Canto RobletoPTS101930-06-12
58Win46–3–9Young SportPTS101930-05-23
57Win45–3–9Young SportPTS101930-03-13
56Win44–3–9Sailor Jimmy LucasTKO5 (10)1930-01-10
55Win43–3–9Billy CainKO3 (10)1930-01-03
54Win42–3–9Bobby GarciaKO3 (10)1929-12-30
53Win41–3–9Tommy HughesPTS101929-10-18
52Win40–3–9Charley KaiserPTS101929-10-11
51Win39–3–9Ernie PetersPTS101929-09-10
50Win38–3–9Boy WalleyPTS101929-09-02
49Win37–3–9Tommy HughesPTS101929-08-16
48Win36–3–9Chato LaredoPTS101929-07-31
47Win35–3–9Harold MatthewsRTD6 (10)1929-07-19
46Win34–3–9Delos 'Kid' WilliamsPTS101929-06-18
45Win33–3–9Jimmy LucasTKO4 (10)1929-06-04
44Draw32–3–9Ernie PetersPTS101929-02-19
43Win32–3–8Ernie HoodTKO1 (10), 1929-01-25
42Draw31–3–8Clayton GouydPTS61929-01-11
41Win31–3–7Bobby GarciaKO1 (?)small1929-01-01
40Win30–3–7Louie ContrerasTKO4 (6)1928-09-18
39Win29–3–7Johnny GodinezTKO5 (10)1928-09-05
38Win28–3–7Pinkie GeorgeTKO2 (10)1928-08-29
37Loss27–3–7Newsboy BrownTKO6 (10)1928-04-24
36Win27–2–7Louie ContrerasPTS61928-03-06
35Win26–2–7Delos 'Kid' WilliamsPTS101928-02-13
34Draw25–2–7Delos 'Kid' WilliamsPTS101928-01-02
33Draw25–2–6Frankie MurrayPTS101927-12-16
32Win25–2–5Snowy JohnsonTKO3 (10)1927-11-02
31Win24–2–5Benny MarksPTS101927-10-25
30Win23–2–5Frankie MurrayPTS101927-10-05
29Win22–2–5Frankie NoveyPTS101927-09-28
28Win21–2–5Carlos NaviaKO2 (10)1927-09-15
27Win20–2–5Kid RileyTKO8 (10)1927-08-31
26Win19–2–5Gonzalo RubioKO7 (10)1927-08-10
25Draw18–2–5Frankie MurrayPTS101927-07-27
24Win18–2–4Frankie NoveyPTS101927-07-13
23Win17–2–4Paddy WheelerKO5 (6)1927-06-28
22Win16–2–4Little MoroPTS101927-04-09
21Win15–2–4George MontanezPTS121927-03-25
20Win14–2–4Boy WalleyPTS121927-01-31
19Win13–2–4Pablo DanoPTS101927-01-01
18Draw12–2–4Pablo DanoPTS121926-12-11
17Lose12–2–3George MontanezPTS81926-11-27
16Win12–1–3Kid ManipisPTS81926-10-02
15Win11–1–3Kid AvelinoPTS101926-08-20
14Win10–1–3Al TronoDQ 6 (10)1926-07-02
13Win9–1–3Y C SongDQ8 (10)1926-06-12
12Win8–1–3Frank De VeraDQ4 (8) 1926-05-01
11Win7–1–3Joe SissonPTS61926-03-20
10Win6–1–3Eusebio FloresDQ6 (?)1926-02-27
9Win5–1–3Joe SissonPTS61926-01-30
8Draw4–1–3Young DumaguilasPTS41926-01-09
7Win4–1–2Joe SissonPTS41925-12-19
6Win3–1–2Speed AndresPTS61925-11-21
5Draw2–1–2Joe MendiolaPTS41925-10-17
4Loss2–1–1Young PanchoPTS41925-02-21
3Draw2–0–1Kid ManilaPTS41924-12-13
2Win2–0Little DundeePTS41924-11-22
1Win1–0Young SacramentoKO2 (?)1924-10-25

Retirement

Dado retired from boxing in 1940 after a fifth-round technical knockout loss to Juan Zurita on July 21 in Guadalajara, Mexico. Zurita would meet several of America's top boxers in his later career and hold the world lightweight title in 1944, after taking it from Sammy Angott.

Life after boxing

After retiring from boxing, Dado had surgery to remove one of his eyes in 1941, likely a result of injuries sustained from his boxing career.[1]

He worked for a period as a chauffeur for actress Mae West in Los Angeles, as had several other high-profile boxers.[29]

According to a widely distributed UP press report of February 23, 1943, Dado was shot and wounded at a Los Angeles area cafe, following an altercation with 36-year old special policeman Clyde Vickers. Dado had confronted Vickers about why he was carrying a gun, and was shot while attempting to take the .45 caliber firearm from him.[2] Dado's initial condition was listed as "critical" and emergency surgery was required to remove the bullet from his abdomen.[29] [30] [31] Dado faced several arrests for drinking in his later years in Los Angeles.[32]

In 1946, he worked for a time selling boxing programs at fights and continued to sell boxing magazines for a meager salary at the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles through at least 1960.[33] [34]

He died on July 2, 1990, in Manila, Philippines at the age of 83.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Speedy Dado Boxing Record. BoxRec. 14 June 2018.
  2. Web site: Speedy Dado Boxing Biography. BoxRec. 14 June 2018.
  3. "Flyweight Title Claimant Winner", The Missoulian, Missoula, Montana, pg. 7, 25 April 1928
  4. "Speedy Dado Beats Bantam Champion", Modesto News Herald, Modesto, California, pg. 15, 5 January 1932
  5. Lowry, Paul, "Filipino Idol Piles Up Edge in Nine Rounds", Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, pg. 29, 5 January 1932
  6. "Casanova Put Away By Dado", The Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, pg. 2, 16 November 1932
  7. "Filipino Fights Way to Verdict", Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, pg. 23, 16 November 1932
  8. "Mexican Babe Gains Victory over Filipino", The Salt Lake Tribune, Salt Lake City, Utah, pg. 8, 26 January 1933
  9. "Filipino Boxer Earns Verdict", Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California, pg. 5-6, 11 March 1933
  10. "Earthquake Does Not Halt Sports", The Bakersfield Californian, Barkersfield, California, pg. 5, 11 March 1933
  11. "Baby Palmore Flattens Dado", The Fresno Bee, Fresno, California, pg. 16, 11 February 1933
  12. "Freddie Miller is Winner Over Speedy Dado", The Dayton Herald, Dayton, Ohio, pg. 18, 22 March 1933
  13. "Dado Gets Draw With Norwegian", Oakland Tribune, Oakland, California, pg. 14, 10 June 1933
  14. "Speedy Dado Draws With Pete Sanstol", Nevada State Journal, Reno, Nevada, pg. 3, 10 June 1933
  15. "Young Tommy Drops Verdict in Fast Champ", The Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, pg. 25, 25 October 1933
  16. Muller, Eddie, "Bantams Stage Worldwind Ten Round Battle", The San Francisco Examiner, San Francisco, California, pg. 17, 13 October 1932
  17. "Speedy Dado Loses in Australian Bout", The Cincinnati Enquirer, Cincinnati, Ohio, pg. 35, 12 April 1934
  18. "Blandon Outpoints Dado", The Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney, Australia, pg. 14, 24 April 1934
  19. "Blandon Outpoints Dado", The Age, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, pg. 4, 29 April 1934
  20. "Miller Beats Dado", The Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney, Australia, pg. 6, 4 July 1934
  21. Dado rated in top five bantams in the world in "Boxing", The Age, Melbourne, Australia, pg. 9, 2 June 1934
  22. Ankle injury in "Boxing", The Age, Melbourne, Australia, pg. 12, 4 June 1934
  23. "Speedy Dado Beat Tai Ken", San Francisco Examiner, San Francisco, California, p. 19, 29 September 1934
  24. "Speedy Dado Awarded Nod", The Reno Gazette, Reno, Nevada, pg. 6, 29 September 1934
  25. "Dado Whips Lou Salica", Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, pg. 7, 20 October 1934
  26. Dado took six rounds in Kelly, Mark, "Dado Triumps Over Salica in Ten Round Bout", The San Francisco Examiner, San Francisco, California, p. 20, 20 October 1934
  27. "Dano, Victor, Nearing Title", Oakland Tribune, Oakland, California, p. 22, 22 May 1935
  28. Crowd of 10,400 in "Dado Defeated By Pablo Dano", The San Francisco Examiner, San Francisco, California, p. 22, 22 May 1935
  29. "Dado Critically Shot in Brawl", St. Cloud Times, St. Cloud, Minnesota, pg. 10, 23 February 1943
  30. The Bakersfield Californian, Bakersfield, California, pg. 11, 23 February 1943
  31. Emergency surgery required and Vickers was policeman in Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, pg. 3, 23 February 1943
  32. "Speedy Dado Seized Again", The San Francisco Examiner, San Francisco, California, pg. 25, 3 August 1954
  33. Newland, Russ, "The Sports Streamliner", Oakland Tribune, Oakland, California, pg. 10, 5 May 1946
  34. Sold boxing magazines in "Grim Drama of the Fight Game", The Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, pg. 31, 24 June 1961